Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Biology, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program at the University of Central Florida allows students to choose coursework in general biology or select a track in one of five areas. Through electives selected with the help of a faculty advisor, students have the opportunity to work in subspecialties, including molecular biology, conservation biology, and marine biology.

Program at a Glance

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Biology, BS
• College: College of Sciences
• Department: Biology
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $212.28 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $802.54 per credit hour

Explore Novel Biological Research and Thrive Beyond the Classroom

Majoring in biology provides a background in chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences, as well as broad preparation in the biological sciences. This program can prepare students for a future in human or veterinary medicine and other professional degrees. Program coursework helps students develop critical thinking skills and exposes them to a wide variety of scientific knowledge from various biology subdisciplines.

Related Programs

• Biology (BS) – Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation
• Biology (BS) – Marine and Aquatic
• Biology (BS) – Plant Sciences
• Biology (BS) – Pre-Health Professional
• Biology (BS) – Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science

Highlights

• The Biology Department's Marine Turtle Research Group monitors one of the world's most important nesting beaches for threatened loggerhead and green sea turtles.
• The UCF Biology department is home to numerous research labs and facilities, including the Arboretum, Bug Closet, Greenhouse, Herbarium, among others.
• Biology occupations are projected to grow 10% through 2029.
• The median earnings for biology graduates is $96,000.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

• Freshmen:
  • Fall: May 1
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: March 1
• Transfers:
  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: March 1
• International:
  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: September 1
  • Summer: January 1

Course Overview

General Biology 1

Gain insight into the cellular and chemical basis of life, genetics, and the theory of evolution. Emphasis on problem-solving, analysis, synthesis of information, and applying data effectively.

General Biology 2

Expand on what you learned in General Biology 1. Explore organismal anatomy and physiology as it relates to biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. Emphasis on problem-solving, analysis, synthesis of information, and applying data effectively.

Principles of Ecology

Learn the elements of ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling, environmental factor interactions, population dynamics, and community development.

Biology Skills You'll Learn

• Explore many of the broad concepts that underpin our understanding of the natural world.
• Gain experience implementing the scientific method, including hypothesis testing, experimental design, accessing and understanding the scientific literature, and analyzing data.
• Acquire the knowledge and practical skills needed to be highly competitive for exceptional career opportunities following graduation or continue on to a graduate degree.

Career Opportunities

• Medical Scientist
• Natural Sciences Manager
• Biological Scientist
• Life Scientist
• Data Science Manager
• Research Scientist
• Laboratory Manager
• Clinical Research Coordinator

Degree Requirements

Core Requirements: Basic Level

8 Total Credits

• Complete all of the following:
  • Basic core is met by courses specifically identified in the GEP and CPP.

Core Requirements: Advanced Level

13 Total Credits

• Complete all of the following:
  • Biology Advanced Core
  • Biology Laboratories

Biology Tracks - Notes

0 Total Credits

• Complete all of the following:
  • Students must complete at least one course dealing exclusively with Animals and one course dealing exclusively with Plants.

Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science Track

22 Total Credits

• Earn at least 22 credits from the following types of courses:
  • Required Electives
  • Restricted Electives

Electives

• To fulfill the 120 hours required in this degree, select primarily from upper-level courses after consulting with your departmental advisor. May be outside of the department.

Foreign Language Requirements

• None

Departmental Exit Requirements

• A "C" (2.0) or better is required in all Core Courses with a BSC or PCB prefix.
• Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all UCF courses taken in the Common Program Prerequisites, the Biology Core, and the Upper Division Restricted Electives.

University Minimum Exit Requirements

• A 2.0 UCF GPA
• 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
• 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded
• 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
• A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
• Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.

Honors In Major

• Application and admissions through The Burnett Honors College and department.

Related Programs

• Environmental Engineering (B.S.Env.E)
• Biomedical Sciences (B.S.)
• Secondary Education, Science Education Biology Track (B.S.)
• Environmental Studies (B.S.)
• Biology Minor
• Environmental Studies Minor
• Biomedical Sciences Minor

Advising Notes

• Students are urged to contact their departmental advisor before registering for courses.
• It is the student's responsibility to ensure they have satisfied course prerequisites before registering for a class.

Transfer Notes

• Lower division courses do not substitute for upper division courses.
• Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit by the undergraduate program coordinator.

Program Academic Learning Compacts

• Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at the university's website.

Equipment Fees

• Part-Time Student: $24.85 per term
• Full-Time Student: $49.70 per term