Department News | Faculty | Requirements
Major in Biology (B.S.)
The biology discipline prides itself on its ability to place students into bioscience careers. Our graduates are highly successful in being admitted and completing medical, dental, and veterinary schools nationwide. The discipline attributes this success to intensive biology laboratory experiences with cutting edge technology, and, instructors committed to individual student progress. Facilities include physiology, microbiology, biomolecular, greenhouse and plant biology laboratories. A computer laboratory is available for classes and student use. Students majoring in biology are taught the practical use of common scientific instrumentation they will encounter in their careers. All biology students are required to complete an undergraduate research project that provides students with a realistic perspective of biology and the conduct of investigations. Many of the faculty have active research programs that hire undergraduate students and provide further training.
Students with a composite ACT score below 20 are recommended to take Biology 110, Chemistry 105 or 100, Physics 105, English 100, and Math 120 before beginning the biology core requirements.
No minor is required but is encouraged. The minimum requirement for a B.S. in biology satisfies 46 upper division credit hours and the university requires at least 51 credit hours in upper division (300- to 400- level) courses. Minors in geology, combined science or chemistry can be earned by thoughtful choices of electives and satisfy the additional five (5) upper level credit hours necessary for an undergraduate degree. Consult your adviser in the biology discipline early in your academic career for help on your degree plan.
Biology majors must complete a total of 78-81 hours in the following areas: core requirements (31hrs), additional requirements (31-34 hrs), and electives (16 hrs).
The Department of Biology is housed in the Ivan Hilton Science Center. New laboratory spaces, with state-of-the-art safety and teaching features provide students with hands-on, student-centered learning environments.
Undergraduate student research
Department of Biology and Chemistry
This major is under the College of Arts and Sciences