Biology Major
Major Requirements:
- BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-141 General Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr) or MAT-212 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- BIO-220 Organismal Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-221 Population and Ecosystems Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- PHY-231 General Physics & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics & Laboratory (4 cr) - BIO-330 Cell Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-260 Diversity of Life & Laboratory (2 cr)
- A laboratory course emphasizing molecular/cellular biology chosen from:
- BIO-356 Molecular Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-360 Microbiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-365 Immunology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-372 Developmental Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
A non-lab course emphasizing molecular cellular biology (e.g. BIO-316 Genetics) and BIO-395/BIO-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:
- Three or more elective upper-division (300- and 400-level) credits to total at least 35 credits of biology.*
- Senior Capstone
*Credits taken as independent work (eg. internships, research, and independent studies) do not count toward the 35 credits for the major.
In addition to the above required courses, we recommend the following electives:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- MAT-212 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- GOL-101 Physical Geology (3cr)
For a career in biology, or for graduate study, students should include:
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- PHY-232 General Physics & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-272 Analytical Physics & Laboratory (4 cr) - MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
- MAT-152 Calculus II (3 cr)
- Independent research in biology.
Students desiring teacher certification must consult with a member of the Education department.
Student Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
- Demonstrate a broad-based understanding of biological principles grounded in theoretical structure, mathematics, and the physical sciences
Skills and Applications:
- Complete a research project to learn the nature and methodologies of biology that includes the following components:
- Hypotheses formulation and logical reasoning
- Engage in experimental design
- Locate and critically review biological literature
- Analyze and interpret biological data
- Draw logical conclusions
- Present results of a research project both in oral and written form
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge and use of quantitative skills, analytic methods and techniques used in the field and laboratory applicable to biological sciences
- Apply biological knowledge and skills outside of the classroom by participating in independent research, off-campus study in biology, an internship, or teaching.
Integration:
- Demonstrate ability to integrate scientific knowledge among the biological sub disciplines
- Demonstrate ability to integrate biological knowledge with other disciplines
- Contribute meaningfully to seminar-type critical discussions of scientific literature