Biology majors desiring either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science must take the introductory and core courses in biology, which provide a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of biology. They stress the central ideas in the biological sciences, such as evolution, biodiversity, systems, structure-function relationships, and flow and storage of energy and information with an emphasis on the process of scientific discovery and investigation.
To ensure students are exposed to advanced study in the major areas of biology, at least one course with a lab component in each of the following areas must be taken: Organismal/Physiology, Cellular/Molecular, and Ecology/Evolution. In addition, one course from the Professional Development area must be completed.
All students seeking the Biology BA and BS degrees will take the Major Field Test in Biology prior to graduation.
The Bachelor of Science biology major consists of 36 credits in biology courses. Only 4 credits of internship and 4 credits of research may apply toward the major. At least 60 credits in Natural and Applied Sciences must be completed to earn a BS degree.