ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Beginning freshmen who have completed an advanced biology course in high school may apply to the chair of the Department of Biology during the semester preceding enrollment for advanced placement.

Freshmen scoring 3 on the Advanced Placement Test will receive credit hours for BIOL 1010/1011, BIOL 1020/1021. Those scoring 4 or higher will receive credit hours for BIOL 1110/1111, BIOL 1120/1121.

Biology Major (B.S.)

Students who earn a B.S. in Biology should attain the following objectives: (a) possession of a fundamental understanding of biology spanning from the subcellular to the ecosystem level; (b) the ability to compete successfully for admission to graduate and professional programs and for entry level employment that utilizes the knowledge and training acquired during their academic program; (c) development of skills in analysis, synthesis, and quantitative reasoning that are essential in hypothesis testing, critical thinking, interpretation of scientific data, and written and oral communication.

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements. Note that MATH 1830 or MATH 1910 is required for the B.S. degree.

B. College and Degree (B.S.) Requirements (15-16 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Science requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements.

C. The Major (48 hours in addition to University General Education Program and B.S. degree requirements)

Students must earn a grade of at least “C” in all biology courses applied toward the major, the minor, and in all required chemistry, physics, and mathematical courses. Students must earn a grade of at least "C" in BIOL 1110/1111 and BIOL 1120/1121, before enrolling in any upper division course.

Any required or elective course applied toward the major or minor may be repeated once to earn a minimum grade of "C." To repeat a course a second time, a student may apply for and receive special permission from the department Undergraduate Studies Committee. Application information is available in the Biology Department office. A student may not repeat a course three times in order to receive a minimum grade of "C."

Completion of 36 hours in biology courses, 16 hours in chemistry courses, and 8 hours in physics courses as outlined: BIOL 1110/1111, BIOL 1120/1121, CHEM 1110/1111 (these courses are included in the University General Education Program and B.S. degree requirements), and BIOL 3072, 3073, 3130, 4100;18 additional upper division hours in biology courses approved by the department; CHEM 1120/1121, 3301/3310, 3501/3511; and PHYS 2010/2011, 2020/2021 or 2110/2111, 2120/2121. MATH 4611 or PSYC 3001 or SOCI 3311 may be substituted for an upper-division biology course.

D. Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

Biology Minor

Completion of 18 semester hours in biology courses including BIOL 1110/1111, BIOL 1120/1121 and 10 upper division hours.

Typical 4-Year Biology Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours: 120-121

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

**Choose: PHYS 2010/2011 and 2020/2021 or 2110/2111 and 2120/2121

Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged as part of the elective hours.