Majors, Minors, and Concentrations
Biology Major
A major in biology consists of a minimum of 35 credits distributed as follows:
- The Lower Division Core (18 credits)
- The Upper Division Core Areas
One course from each of the following three groups:- A laboratory course emphasizing molecular/cellular biology chosen from:
- BIO-356 Molecular Biology
- BIO-360 Microbiology
- BIO-365.1 Immunology
- BIO-372 Developmental Biology or
- A non-lab course emphasizing molecular cellular biology (e.g. BIO- 316, Genetics) and BIO-395/495, Research Techniques in a molecular or cellular area.
- A laboratory course emphasizing organismal biology/physiology chosen from:
- A laboratory/field course emphasizing ecological concepts chosen from:
- Elective upper-division courses
- Three or more course credits to total at least 35 credits of biology.
NOTE: Credits taken as independent work (eg. internships, research, and independent studies) do not count toward the 35 credits for the major.
- Three or more course credits to total at least 35 credits of biology.
- Senior Capstone
- Additional Sciences
(needed as prerequisites for courses in the major) - Recommended:
For a career in biology, or for graduate study, students should include:
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I
- CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II
- PHY-232/232L General Physics and Lab
or
PHY-272/272L Analytical Physics and Lab - MAT-151-152 Calculus I & II
- Independent research in biology.
Students desiring teacher certification must consult with a member of the Education department.
Biology Minor
The minor consists of 20 credits including BIO-120, at least two courses chosen from:
plus BIO-260 and at least one other upper-division biology course. This minor is not open to students electing the biology major or human biology minor.
Human Biology Minor
A minor that emphasizes the biology of the human body. This minor is not open to students electing the biology major or the biology minor. However, it is recommended for students interested in health professions, psychology, or exercise science.
The minor consists of 20 credits including:
- BIO-102 Biology of Human Disease
or
BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology - BIO-220 Organismal Biology
- BIO-330 Cell Biology
- Three or more courses chosen from two or more of the following groups:
- Cellular & Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry/Neurochemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
Other programs of study that may be of interest to biology majors include: