Program Overview
Biology (B.A.) Program
The Biology (B.A.) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological principles and concepts. The program requires a total of 30 hours of biology coursework, including introductory courses, electives, and a senior comprehensive requirement.
Program Requirements
- Biology Major (B.A., 30 hours)
- BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry | 4 hours
- BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology | 4 hours
- BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution | 4 hours
- Electives | 16 hours
- Biology electives (please see the Biology Department for the approved listing of Biology electives)
- Senior Comprehensive | 2 hours
- BIO 4980 Senior Thesis or BIO 4990 Senior Research
Course Descriptions
BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry
This course introduces students to biology through active engagement in research on various biological topics. The inquiry-based and student-centered approach exposes students to the methods of scientific inquiry and associated content in an engaging and meaningful way. Specific topics may include antipredator behavior, plant viral gene expression, belly button biology, and bacteriophage genomics.
BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology
This course emphasizes molecular mechanisms associated with intracellular structures, metabolism, genetic information transfer, heredity, and evolution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The course includes three lectures per week and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites include BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I, and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution
This course introduces the interaction of life with the environment at the molecular, organismal, and ecosystem levels, highlighting the major factors influencing evolutionary change. Topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, symbiosis, and population dynamics. The course includes three lectures per week and one 3-hour lab per week, including field, laboratory, and greenhouse work. Prerequisites include BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I, and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
BIO 4980 Senior Thesis
This course involves individual library thesis projects for biology majors to meet the senior comprehensive requirement. A research report in scientific format and a formal presentation of the thesis are required. Prerequisites include approval of the department chair.
BIO 4990 Senior Research
This course involves individual laboratory or field research projects for qualified biology majors to meet the senior comprehensive requirement. A research report in scientific format and a formal presentation of the research are required. Prerequisites include approval of the department chair.
Additional Courses
- BIO 1010 Perspectives in Biological Science (4 hours): Designed for non-science majors, this course examines the principles of biology within the context of the human experience.
- BIO 1080 Microbiology (4 hours): An introductory study of the structure, physiology, and pathogenicity of microorganisms, with an emphasis on bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases in humans.
- BIO 1090 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 hours): An introductory study of cellular physiology and tissues, along with a comprehensive study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, and special senses.
- BIO 1100 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 hours): An introductory study of the blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, in addition to metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance of the body.
Supporting Area Requirement
An approved supporting area of 20 hours is also required, normally composed of courses from the Natural Sciences Division.