Biology students may choose from one of four different concentration areas: Traditional, Biotechnology, Ecology & Conservation Biology and Neuroscience. The foundation of each of these concentrations is a common set of core biology courses, including genetics, evolutionary analysis, cell biochemistry or animal physiology, and ecology. A brief summary of the four programs follows:
- The Traditional program emphasizes a broad training in biology by requiring one upper division elective in each of three modules corresponding to different levels of biological organization: environmental, organismal and molecular. This program offers the broadest education of the four concentrations and prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the life sciences as well as meeting the requirements for admission at most graduate and pre-professional schools.
- The Biotechnology concentration emphasizes coursework in biotechnology, microbiology and cell/molecular biology, and is ideal for students preparing for graduate or professional training in the biomedical sciences or employment in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
- The Ecology & Conservation Biology concentration is designed to prepare students for graduate training and/or careers in environmental protection and restoration, and emphasizes field work in ecology and conservation.
- The Neuroscience Concentration enables students to integrate coursework in neurobiology with coursework in psychology. This concentration is excellent preparation for graduate and professional training in the biomedical sciences and careers in the health professions.
The Biotechnology, Ecology & Conservation Biology and Neuroscience concentrations also require hands-on learning in the form of supervised research and/or internship, and these experiences are also strongly encouraged for students pursuing the Traditional program. Admission to the Biotechnology, Ecology & Conservation Biology, and Neuroscience concentrations is by application only.
Required Coursework for Bachelor of Science in Biology
Required Biology Core Courses for All Concentrations
BI 111, 112 Concepts in Biology I and II
BI 113, 114 Concepts in Biology I and II Laboratory
BI 220 Genetics
BI 225 Evolutionary Analysis
BI 311 Cell Biology OR BI 312 Systems Physiology
BI 350 Ecology
BI 399 Senior Seminar
Required Supporting Courses for All Concentrations
CH 151, 152, 153, 154 General Chemistry I & II w/Lab
CH 221, 223 Organic Chemistry I w/ Lab
MA 131 Statistics for Decision Making
At least 4 credits in physics at the 100 level or above
One other mathematics course: MA 140 or above; MA 151 is recommended.
One course in bioethics or medical ethics.