PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Biology majors are provided the opportunity to concentrate in one of three sub-specialties: molecular and cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, or evolutionary and ecological biology. To prepare for an emphasis in one of these concentrations, all students are required to complete a core of basic biology courses. These two core courses are General Biology (101 and 102, two semesters) and Genetics (200). General Biology (101 and 102) is a prerequisite for Genetics. After completing the core courses, students are also required to take two core elective courses (one from any two of the concentration areas: molecular and cellular, anatomical and physiological, or evolutionary and ecological biology) and a minimum of 14 credit hours of advanced elective courses. Senior Seminar (493 or 494) is required of all majors, and is taken in the senior year. A student must earn a minimum of thirty-five (35) credit hours in Biology to fulfill the requirements for the major.

Courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics must also be taken as supporting courses for the departmental major. The supporting courses include: mathematics through precalculus, one year of physics, one year of general chemistry including the laboratory component, organic chemistry I, organic chemistry II, and organic chemistry laboratory.

Upon completion of the curriculum requirements, the biology major will be equipped with the necessary tools to gain access to the wide range of available career training opportunities in graduate and professional schools. Students who go on to graduate school may elect careers in academe, research institutions, industries, and government sectors, while those who go on to professional schools may choose careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, public health and environmental science.