Department of Biological Sciences

Biology Program

General Option

The biology general option is designed for students who wish to pursue a broadly defined degree program that emphasizes the major areas of biology and provides a solid foundation for further study in any graduate or professional program associated with the life sciences.

With guidance from their academic advisor, the general biology student can create a personalized biology degree tailored for their career goals and interests. The biology general option also encourages undergraduate research and internship opportunities to foster skills needed in a biology-oriented career. Graduates of this option have entered professional programs such as medical and pharmacy school as well as diverse graduate programs.

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
2
Six hours of mathematics above MATH 1113 College Algebra. Courses in the areas of statistics, biostatistics, and/or calculus are recommended (e.g. STAT 2163 Introduction to Statistical Methods, PSY/SOC 2053 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences,FW 3173 Biostatistics, MATH 2243 Calculus for Business and Economics and/or MATH 2914 Calculus I).
3BIOL 4094 Coastal Ecology which is offered during the May mini-term can serve as an alternative to BIOL 3114 Principles of Ecology in the Biology major.
4
The physiology choices include: BIOL 3074 Human Physiology, BIOL 3124 General Physiology, BIOL 3174 Physiological Ecology, BIOL 4014 Endocrinology; whereas, choices in the area of cell or molecular biology include: BIOL 4033 Cell Biology,BIOL 4074 Molecular Genetics, BIOL 3054 Microbiology, BIOL 4023 Immunology. One in each area is required. Other alternatives must be approved by your advisor and Department Head. Each 3-hour selection in one of these areas must be balanced by 4-hours (rather than 3-hours) of biology electives.
5Sufficient courses at 3000-4000 level to constitute a total of 40 hours. At least 2 credit-hours of biology research or internship is recommended (BIOL 4112-4 Biology Internship or BIOL 4951-4 Undergraduate Research in Biology).