Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science
The biological sciences encompass many fields. Biologists study the structure and functions of living organisms, from the individual cell to the whole organism and communities. In the past three decades, advances in molecular biology and genetics have been rapid, opening many new, exciting career opportunities in the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Biology graduates can pursue a variety of options including graduate and professional school in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related areas, as well as careers in research or commercial laboratories, private and government agencies, and in teaching. In fact, over 100 different occupations have been listed for biologists.
The Department of Biology recognizes and embraces advancements in the field and has created a number of concentrations to best prepare students for careers and graduate study. Within each concentration students may also select a focus area to further refine their field of study. Upon graduation, students will receive a degree reflecting their specific concentration.
The CMGB concentration exposes students to several vital disciplines that are among the many research strengths of the biology faculty. The four required CMBG courses cover basic competencies, while the six focus areas help students tailor their studies to their specific research and career interests. The focus areas offer recommendations for courses to fulfill the two CMBG electives. Students also select two elective courses from among the other concentration areas. This concentration will prepare students for diverse careers in research, medicine and industry.
For more details, visit the CMGB page.
The EEP concentration focuses on the ecological and evolutionary aspects of biology. Students should pursue this concentration if they’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of biology at the ecosystem level and/or in learning to use a variety of tools to understand the history of life on earth. The four required EEP courses cover earth science, important principles in ecology, new approaches to understanding ecology and evolution, and the fundamentals of paleontology. The three focus areas help students tailor their studies to their specific research and career interests. This concentration will prepare students for careers in field research in ecosystems, evolutionary biology, or paleobiology, as well as for work in academic and government labs, and in consulting.
For more details, visit the EEP page.
This concentration encompasses all of biology and is intended for students interested in gaining diverse undergraduate biology training. Students can choose from a variety of electives in three of the other concentrations to fulfill the 24 required credits. There are no focus areas within this concentration; instead, students have maximum flexibility to develop their own unique path of study. This concentration encompasses all of biology and is intended for students interested in gaining diverse undergraduate training in biology.
For more details, visit the General Biology page.
The OP concentration focuses on the biology of organisms, including the diversity of life on earth and the function of organisms at the physiological level. The four required OP courses provide students with a foundation in the cellular or biochemical basis of physiologic events and the diversity of organismal forms, as well as an in-depth study of physiology. The two focus areas offer a deeper look at human biology or broader training in organismal biology. This concentration will prepare students for careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and industry, and for further research in human biology, organismal biology, or physiology.
For more details, visit the OP page.
The Pathobiology concentration focuses on the underlying mechanisms of disease and provides students with the unique option to gain in-depth training in pathogenesis. The four required courses provide students with a foundation in cell and microbiology, as well as an understanding of how microorganisms contribute to disease and how the body works to prevent disease and infection. There are no focus areas in this concentration; however, students can take electives in more advanced courses in pathobiology. This concentration will prepare students for careers in public health, medicine, and industry, and for further research into the mechanisms underlying disease.
For more details, visit the Pathobiology page.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree: 181 Credits