A major in the biological sciences prepares students for teaching, research and advanced study in the life sciences. Topics are studies in learning communities as students examine theories and ideas with an experimental inquiry.
Objectives for the Biology Major
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
1. Describe the fundamental concepts of the biological sciences at an in-depth level.
2. Appreciate scientific literature.
3. Demonstrate a broad knowledge related to laboratory and field techniques.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with sophisticated, state-of-the-art instrumentation.
5. Perform scientific investigations and interpret scientific data.
6. Demonstrate scientific writing skills.
7. Relate problem-solving to scientific learning.
8. Apply critical thinking skills to biological questions.
9. Demonstration preparation for entry and success in science related postgraduate training programs, graduate and professional schools, industry or teaching.
Requirements of the Biology Major and Biology Teaching Major
Common shared learning courses:
Bio 201 General Botany.......................4 hrs.BIO 211 General Zoology......................4 hrs.
Bio 302 Plant Morphology.....................4 hrs.
Bio 312 Animal Development and Diversity.....4 hrs.
Bio 355 Genetics.............................4 hrs.
BIO 499 A Biology Seminar I...................1 hr.
BIO 499 B Biology Seminar II..................1 hr.
Required electives: choose one course from each learning emphasis
Emphasis 1:
Bio 260 Ecology and Conservation OR..........4 hrs.
Bio 300 Ecosystems or........................1-2 hrs.
EVHL 330 Environmental Health.................4 hrs.
Emphasis 2:
Bio 324 Taxonomy of Flora and Fauna OR.......4 hrs.
Bio 350 Microbiology.........................4 hrs.
Emphasis 3:
Bio 241 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Or....4 hrs.
Bio 242 Human Anatomy and Physiology II......4 hrs.
Emphasis 4:
Bio 498 Biology Internship...................4-6 hrs.
Bio 440, 441, 442, or Bio 398 (at most 2 sem. hours in Bio 398) 2 hrs.
Required Support Courses:
Chem 175 General Chemistry I..................4 hrs.
Chem 176 General Chemistry II.................4 hrs.
Math 171 Elementary Statistics................4 hrs.
Recommended Support Courses for All Pre-Professionals
4-8 semester hours of chemistry to include organic chemistry and biochemistry.
4-8 semester hours of physics and the physical sciences. Additionally, students are encouraged to consider to double major with chemistry and/or life science.
Biology Minor
A concentration of a minimum of 16 semester hours in biology including general botany and general zoology.
Biology Secondary Teaching Minor
Complete either of the following:
a) BIO 201, 211, 302, 312 with a major of 30 hours within a broad area of science (biology, chemistry, physics).
b) BIO 201, 211, 302, 312 plus eight additional hours of biology.
Other Opportunities in Science with a Biology Major
Completion of 16 hours of chemistry including completion of organic chemistry and with the biology major would qualify the student a chemistry minor and chemistry minor teaching endorsement.
Additionally with completion of the biology major, the student can earn a 7-12 physical science teaching endorsement with the completion of the following courses: CHEM 175, 176; GS 342; Phys 210, 220 and completion of 1-4 semester hours in a physical science elective course.
