Bring life to scientific theories and discoveries

As a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor Science (BS) in Biological Sciences major, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a wide range of careers in science, research, education, health and other fields.

Inside and outside the classroom, you’ll learn to think independently and work collaboratively. Here, most faculty members direct their own research programs, giving you an opportunity to work on multiple research projects. Biological Sciences majors are encouraged to attend seminars and complete internships.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in education, the Department of Biological Sciences also partners with the College of Education to award teaching degrees.

We also offer a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program in Biological Sciences as well as a combined bachelor’s and master’s in Biological Sciences and Secondary Education Biological Sciences. Both of these combined degree programs allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in as few as five years.

The B.A. in Biological Sciences major provides you with a strong foundation of biology, without requiring you to master related math and science fields. You'll explore courses and electives in humanities and social sciences that will prepare you for a wide range of interdisciplinary careers and professional programs in health.

The B.S. in Biological Sciences major offers you a structured curriculum, with more of an emphasis on science- and math-focused courses. As you gain a strong foundation of knowledge in biological science theories and practices, you'll choose one of the following concentrations:

• cell and molecular biology
• ecology and evolution
• integrative biology
• medicine and health
• microbiology and biotechnology
• neuroscience
• physiology

Classes

Coursework

• Biostatistics
• Calculus
• Cell Biology
• Chemistry
• General Biology
• Genetics

Resources

• Major Requirements
• Schedule of Classes
• Department Website

Concentrations/Tracks

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Ecology and Evolution
• Integrative Biology
• Medicine and Health
• Microbiology and Biotechnology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

• Minor offered
• Combined bachelor's + master's degree offered

Career Options

Common Career Areas

• Biochemical engineering
• Botany
• Conservation biology
• Education
• Environmental science
• Forensics and criminal investigation
• Marine biology
• Medical school
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Pharmaceutical research
• Public health and wellness

More career info

91%

of Biological Sciences graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.

Major Requirements

Course Requirements

Biological Sciences Core

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
BIO 191	GENERAL BIOLOGY I FOR SCIENCE MAJORS	4
BIO 192	GENERAL BIOLOGY II FOR SCIENCE MAJORS	4
BIO 193	GENERAL BIOLOGY III FOR SCIENCE MAJORS	4
BIO 206	BIOSTATISTICS	4
BIO 260	GENETICS	4
BIO 395	BIOLOGY CAPSTONE SEMINAR (Liberal Studies Program Capstone)	4

Chemistry

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
Select one of the following:		4-6
CHE 120 & CHE 131	GENERAL CHEMISTRY IP and GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
CHE 130 & CHE 131	GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
The following courses are required:
CHE 132 & CHE 133	GENERAL CHEMISTRY II and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II	4
CHE 134 & CHE 135	GENERAL CHEMISTRY III and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III	4
CHE 230 & CHE 231	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I	4
CHE 232 & CHE 233	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II	4

Students are typically expected to take the first year chemistry courses simultaneously with BIO 191, BIO 192, and BIO 193.

Physics

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
PHY 150	GENERAL PHYSICS I	4
PHY 151	GENERAL PHYSICS II	4
PHY 152	GENERAL PHYSICS III	4

Students may substitute comparable sequences of Physics courses designed for science majors.

Mathematics

Choose one of the following Calculus sequences:

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
Sequence One
MAT 150	CALCULUS I	4
MAT 151	CALCULUS II	4
Sequence Two
MAT 147	CALCULUS WITH INTEGRATED PRECALCULUS I	6
MAT 148	CALCULUS WITH INTEGRATED PRECALCULUS II	6
MAT 149	CALCULUS WITH INTEGRATED PRECALCULUS III	6
Sequence Three
MAT 160	CALCULUS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE MAJORS I	5
MAT 161	CALCULUS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE MAJORS II	5
Sequence Four
MAT 170	CALCULUS FOR LIFE SCIENCES I	5
MAT 171	CALCULUS FOR LIFE SCIENCES II	5
Sequence Five
MAT 155	SUMMER CALCULUS I	6
MAT 156	SUMMER CALCULUS II	6

Students may be advised on the basis of their performance on the Mathematics Diagnostic test to take one or more course before calculus.

Concentration Requirements

Students must also complete the requirements from one of the following concentrations: Integrative Biology; Microbiology and Biotechnology; Medicine and Health; Neuroscience; Ecology and Evolution; Cell & Molecular Biology; or Physiology. Students are limited to only declaring one concentration.

Sequencing

Since programs in the Biological Sciences tend to be structured, it is useful for students to take courses in sequence. Students should begin with the General Biology and General Chemistry sequences. These are prerequisite to higher level requirements such as Ecology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Organic Chemistry, which should preferably be taken in the sophomore year. Since calculus is required for the degree, students should also begin their study of mathematics as soon as possible, preferably prior to their junior year, so that they can be adequately prepared for the General Physics sequence, best taken in the junior year. Because of this highly structured sequence, students are strongly encouraged to work with their departmental advisor in order to plan their course schedules and plan alternatives if necessary. Such planning is particularly important for transfer students, as the sequence presented above is highly recommended and most likely to be completed in a timely fashion.

The predominance of chemistry and biology course sequences required in the freshman and sophomore years generally dictates that, with the exception of the Liberal Studies Core courses, the majority of the Liberal Studies courses may be postponed until the junior and senior years. Students may therefore be taking fewer Liberal Studies courses in the first two years than many other programs, concentrating instead on major field requirements, which are prerequisites to upper division courses.??

Students are advised to talk with their advisor before double majoring, because some major combinations are prohibited.  No more than 50% of the credits that apply to one major may be drawn from another major. 

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