The mission of the Biology Department is to provide students with a relevant education
for biomedical and biotechnological careers, to lead in molecular biological research,
and to serve the university and the scientific community. The Biology program prepares
undergraduate students for graduate education in the medically allied professions
and in the specialized fields of the biological sciences.
A wide variety of career opportunities is currently available for those individuals
possessing advanced knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of biochemistry,
molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, endocrinology, and immunology.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students in Biology will be able to:
Read, understand, and interpret biological research papers
Design and conduct scientific research projects.
Analyze quantitative research data
Communicate scientific information
BS in Biology
Program Description
The mission of the Biology Department is to provide students with a relevant education
for biomedical and biotechnological careers, to lead in molecular biological research,
and to serve the university and the scientific community. The Biology program prepares
undergraduate students for graduate education in the medically allied professions
and in the specialized fields of the biological sciences.
A wide variety of career opportunities is currently available for those individuals
possessing advanced knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of biochemistry,
molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, endocrinology, and immunology.
Program Requirements
In addition to the General Education Core Curriculum Requirements, the following courses
are required:
The mission of the Biology Department is to provide students with a relevant education
for biomedical and biotechnological careers, to lead in molecular biological research,
and to serve the university and the scientific community. The Biology program prepares
undergraduate students for graduate education in the medically allied professions
and in the specialized fields of the biological sciences.
A wide variety of career opportunities is currently available for those individuals
possessing advanced knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of biochemistry,
molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, endocrinology, and immunology.
Program Requirements
In addition to the General Degree Requirements, the following courses are required:
CHEM 422 (3), 422L (1), ERTH 340 (3), 390 (3), 422 (3), 440 (3) Additional Biology (12) (CHEM 441 and 442 (Biochemistry I and II) may be applied to biology electives.)
CHEM 333 (3); plus 6 additional hours of the following: CHEM 311 (3–4), 331 (3–4),
333L (1), 334 (3), 334L (1), 422 (3–4), 441 (3–4)
Computer Science or Mathematics: CSE 113 (4) or MATH 283 (3)
Electives to complete 130 hours
Accelerated M.S. Program: 5 Year B.S./M.S.
Program Description
Exceptionally qualified and motivated students may earn both BS and MS degrees in
Biology in five years. The student fulfills the requirements for a BS degree in four
years and for an MS degree the following year. A minimum of 160 credit hours are required
to complete both degrees. The MS degree requires the completion of a thesis based
on the student’s own research.
Program Requirements
Students may apply for the BS/MS program as early as the end of their 4th semester
and no later than the end of the 6th semester. Admission is contingent on their having
a GPA of at least 3.0, on the acceptability of their proposed course of study, and
on the willingness of a Biology faculty member to be their graduate advisor. Students
in the five‐year program must apply for graduate standing, normally in their 6th semester.
Once admitted to the graduate program, the student spends his or her 8th semester
as a dually registered student.
During their senior year, the student must select a graduate advisory committee and
formalize his or her graduate research topic. Once admitted to the graduate program,
a student may apply for financial support via research assistant or teaching assistant
positions. Students are expected to make substantial progress on their graduate research
project during their 4th year. Student progress will be evaluated by the Biology Department
at the end of the 4th year; students making significant progress may continue in the
program; others may be considered for the more standard Biology M.S. program (see
above) or they may be dropped from the Biology M.S. program.
Biology Minors
Minor in Biology
Minimum credit hours required—18
The following courses are required:
BIOL 111 & 111L (4)
BIOL 112 & 112L (4)
BIOL 331 (3)
BIOL 344 & 344L (4)
Additional biology course numbered 300 or above (3)
Biology classes required for a minor in biology may not be taken on an S/U basis.
