Curriculum

box The curriculum in biology is designed to acquaint students with living organisms as whole, functioning entities that, in their diversity, share many common features. In addition to providing the scientific background required of all educated citizens, the courses provide a foundation upon which the student may build a graduate program, undertake training in health-related professions, or prepare for secondary - level science teaching. Students  participate in independent research as well as specific courses.

In order to help achieve their career goals, the Biology Department offers two majors, Biology (with concentrations in General Biology, Zoology, and Cell Biology), and Conservation Biology.

Because contemporary biology leans heavily on mathematics and physical sciences, students majoring in biology should include mathematics and chemistry in the freshman year. In the beginning course BIO 112, students will build a foundation for study of biological processes. Students can proceed to the first two hundred level biology course during the second semester of the freshman year. In the sophmore year, students will continue the survey of the kingdoms of life by taking additional two hundred level biology courses. Students should strengthen their understanding of mathematics and obtain a background in organic chemistry during that year. Biology courses at the three hundred to four hundred level should be taken during the junior and senior years, with seminar reserved for the senior year. Students will examine in detail how organisms function and interact with their environment and each other. Biology majors are encouraged to minor in chemistry.

Upper-level students may enroll in "marine biology, ecological, and behavioral" courses by cooperative agreement with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory or the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. For information, please contact the Department Chair, Dr. Mark Bolyard (mbolyard@uu.edu) or Dr. James Huggins (jhuggins@uu.edu).

  1. Major in Biology — 39 hours (Major Core + one Concentration)
    1. Core: BIO 112, 302, 425, 426, 427, 498—8 hours
    2. General Biology Concentration
      1. BIO 211, 213, 214, 215, 315
      2. Three-300  level BIO; or BIO 221, 222, & two-300 level BIO
    3. Zoology Concentration
      1. BIO 213, 214; 200 or 211
      2. BIO 316, four-300 level BIO excluding BIO 322 and 337
    4. Cell Biology Concentration
      1. BIO 211; 214 or 215
      2. BIO 315, 317, 320, 323, 325
      3. BIO 316 or 321
      4. Must minor in Chemistry to include CHE 329
  2. Major in Conservation Biology — 49-50 hours
    1. BIO 112, 200, 213, 214, 215, 235—23 hours
    2. BIO 302, 315, 318, 335, 336, 337—19 hours
    3. BIO 425, 426, 427, 498—4 hours
    4. BIO Elective—3 or 4 hours
    5. CHE 111, 112; PHY 213, MAT 116, 211, 208
    6. No Minor Required
  3. Teacher Licensure In Biology (Grades 7-12)
    1. Major requirements as shown above with General Biology Concentration (I. A & B) to included 221, 222, and 318.
    2. Additional requirements: PHY 112; PHY 213 & 214 (or 231 & 232)
    3. Professional Education: EDU 150, 250, 326, 418, 433; PSY 213, 318; SE 225
    4. Completion of applicable portions of the Praxis II.
    5. For additional information, see the Assistant Dean for Teacher Education and Accreditation.
  4. Minor in Biology—23 hours
    1. BIO 112
    2. Two 200-level BIO courses
    3. Three 300-level BIO courses