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Biology

University of Florida
Gainesville , United States
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Bachelors
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English
About Program

Program Overview

University of Florida Biology Program

The University of Florida offers a comprehensive and flexible Biology major that prepares undergraduates for careers in the biological sciences, advanced study in graduate schools, productive citizenship, and leadership and lifelong learning. The program emphasizes the diverse forms, processes, and systems of life, promoting critical thinking through the investigation and understanding of principles and unifying themes that govern living systems.


About the Program

  • College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Credits for Degree: 120
  • The program is administered jointly by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Department Information

The Department of Biology studies life at all levels from molecules to the biosphere to understand the evolution, structure, maintenance, and dynamics of biological systems. The department's teaching and research provide the integrative and conceptual foundations of the life sciences.


Curriculum

The biology major develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants, and microorganisms. The Bachelor of Arts in biology is a flexible degree that is best suited for students interested in a career in education, the allied health professions, and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism, and bioscience management. This degree is not recommended for students seeking admission into professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.


Requirements for the Major

  • The major requires 29-24 credits of foundational coursework and a minimum of 30 credits of Biology BA major coursework.
  • All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.
  • At least 18 credits of major coursework must be taken at UF.
  • At least two Biology Distribution Courses and at least 9 credits of Biology BA electives must be taken at UF.

Course List

  • Required Foundation Coursework:
    • General Biology: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L, BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L
    • Chemistry: CHM 1030, CHM 1031, or CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L, CHM 2046 and CHM 2046L
    • Mathematics: MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher math course
    • Physics: PHY 2004 and 2004L, PHY 2005 and 2005L, or PHY 2048 and 2048L, PHY 2049 and 2049L
    • Statistics: STA 2023
  • Biology BA Major Coursework:
    • Group 1: Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Genetics
    • Group 2: Organismal Biology
    • Group 3: Ecology
    • Group 4: Evolution and Diversity
    • Group 5: Biology and Society
  • Approved Biology BA Major Electives

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.


  • Semester 1: Complete 1 of the following: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L; or CHM 1025 or CHM 1030 or CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L; or MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher math course
  • Semester 2: Complete CHM 1030 or CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L and one of the following: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L or MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher MAC course
  • Semester 3: Complete BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L and MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher MAC course
  • Semester 4: Complete CHM 1031 or CHM 2046 and CHM 2046L; BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L; and MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher MAC course with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
  • Semester 5: Complete at least 1 biology distribution course
  • Semester 6: Complete a minimum of 2 of the remaining Biology major 3000/4000 level required core courses
  • Semester 7: Complete a minimum of 2 of the remaining Biology major 3000/4000 level required core courses
  • Semester 8: Complete BSC 4936 (Capstone) and complete all remaining Biology major 3000/4000 level required core courses

Plan of Study

The full list of major-specific requirements for this major can be found on the Overview tab. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree requirements can be found on the College’s degree requirements page.


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify, describe, and explain the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used within the biological sciences.
  • Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
  • Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.
  • Communicate knowledge, ideas, and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.

Assessment Types

  • Major field test for biology
  • Bioethics module
  • Scientific literacy paper

Before Graduating

Students must achieve a passing score for all content subsections of the Major Field Test for Biology, achieve a passing score on the analytical skills assessment indicator of the Major Field Test for Biology, achieve a passing score on the bioethics module quiz in BSC 4936, and achieve a passing score on the scientific literacy paper assignment given in BSC 4936. Students must also complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.


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