Biology Major & Minor
The biology major assists students to achieve a broad-based education in the life sciences, which emphasize the various biological principles related to structural, functional, taxonomical and ecological phenomena. It provides a rich understanding of the natural world—knowledge worth having for its own sake and for the perspective it brings to one’s life.
Learning Objectives
The biology faculty expects biology major students to:
- Learn molecular/cellular, genetic, organismal, and ecological principles of biology including historical perspectives and current trends. (Biological Principles)
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in the areas of evaluation of experimental design and in the interpretation of experimental results. (Experimentation)
- Demonstrate laboratory skills in the areas of experimental procedure and use of equipment. (Laboratory Skills)
- Apply effective oral and written communication skills. (Communication)
Program Coordinator: Jared Lee, Ph.D.
Major Requirements (42 credit hours)
Major Core (34 credit hours):
- BIO 201 General Biology I (GE) (4)
- BIO 202 General Biology II (4)
- BIO 212 General Zoology (GE) (4)
- BIO 340 Genetics and Molecular Biology (4)
- BIO 345 Cell Biology (3)
- BIO 360 General Ecology (3)
- BIO 440 Evolution (3)
- BIO 498 Senior Capstone (1)
- CHE 201 General Chemistry I (GE) (4)
- CHE 202 General Chemistry II (4)
Major Electives: at least 8 credit hours from among the following:
- BIO 211 Botany (GE) (4)
- BIO 228 Human Anatomy (GE) (4)
- BIO 310 Parasitology (4)
- BIO 312 Microbiology (3)
- BIO 315 Medical Entomology (3)
- BIO 328 Human Physiology (4)
- BIO 331 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
- BIO 332 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
- BIO 338 Endocrinology (3)
- BIO 350 Developmental Biology (3)
- BIO 356 Marine Biology (3)
- BIO 375R Topics in Biology (Var.)
- BIO 385R Directed Study (Var.)
- BIO 399 Internship/Practicum (1-3)
- CHE 383 Biochemistry (3)
Although not required, MAT 221, PHY 201, and PHY 202 are strongly recommended for the biology major.
Download the Biology Major Checklist
Minor Requirements (21 credit hours)
Minor Core (15 credit hours):
- BIO 201 General Biology I (GE) (4)
- BIO 202 General Biology II (4)
- BIO 340 Genetics and Molecular Biology (4)
- BIO 440 Evolution (3)
Minor Electives: an additional 6 credit hours of biology courses (BIO) from among the biology major core or electives.