Program Overview
Introduction to the Biological Sciences BS Program
The Biological Sciences BS program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the biological sciences, preparing them for technical careers in research or commercial laboratories, or for professional schools or graduate study.
About the Program
The biological sciences major resides in the Department of Biology, and students earn a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences. The program encompasses many areas of study, including the structure and functions of living organisms from the individual cell to the full organism, and collectively to the community level. Discoveries in the biological sciences influence many aspects of our daily lives and have become the foundation of many new developments in biotechnology and medicine.
Degree Requirements
The Biological Sciences curriculum is designed to provide students with both depth and flexibility within the field of biology. In addition to the core requirements, students select one of six concentrations in a field of interest. The program requires a minimum of 183.5 credits, including core biology courses, concentration courses, and free electives.
Concentrations
Students can choose from six concentrations:
- Cell/Molecular/Genetics/Biochemistry (CMGB)
- Organismal Biology/Physiology
- Ecology/Evolution/Genomics
- Pathobiology
- General Biology
- Cell and Gene Therapy
Each concentration has its own set of requirements, including specific courses and electives.
Cell/Molecular/Genetics/Biochemistry (CMGB) Concentration
This concentration provides exposure to several vital disciplines within biology, preparing students for careers in research, medicine, and industry. Students can follow suggested "focus areas" when selecting their CMGB concentration electives.
Organismal Biology/Physiology Concentration
This concentration combines courses in organismal biology and physiology, appealing to students interested in health and medicine. Students can focus their electives in human physiology or choose courses that study non-human organisms.
Ecology/Evolution/Genomics Concentration
This concentration focuses on ecological and evolutionary aspects of biology, allowing students to tailor their coursework to reflect their specific area of interest.
Pathobiology Concentration
The Pathobiology concentration focuses on pathogenesis, providing a unique option for students interested in pursuing careers in areas of public and allied health.
General Biology Concentration
This concentration allows maximum flexibility for students who want to develop their own unique plan of study, making it suitable for students pursuing careers in education or seeking a broad knowledge base in biology.
Cell and Gene Therapy Concentration
The Cell and Gene Therapy concentration provides a strong biological foundation for students aspiring to professions in this subdiscipline, with therapies that can transform medicine by alleviating the cause of disease.
Sample Plans of Study
The program offers three distinct plans:
- Four-year option without co-op experience: The degree can be completed in four years without co-op/internship employment.
- Four-year option with co-op experience: The degree includes one six-month period of employment.
- Five-year option with co-op experience: This option allows for the greatest amount of employment experience, with three distinct six-month periods of employment included with studies.
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Graduates typically work for pharmaceutical companies, university and medical research laboratories, biotechnology companies, or in government laboratories. Many graduates also choose to pursue advanced degrees in medical, dental, and veterinary disciplines, or Master's or PhD degrees in biology-related fields and public health.
Dual/Accelerated Degree
Qualified students can take graduate courses in their junior and senior years for graduate credit, completing a combined Biological Sciences BS/Biological Sciences MS degree in five years.
Facilities
The Department of Biology is located in the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, featuring well-equipped teaching laboratories with networked computers and advanced digital image analysis capability, as well as research laboratories with modern equipment.
Program Level Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Attain a good functional knowledge of general biology content
- Understand and perform techniques relevant to modern biology
- Critically read and analyze their own work and the biology literature
- Communicate effectively in science
- Understand how to conduct science in an ethical manner
- Be prepared for a career or future schooling in biology or related fields
Biological Sciences Faculty
The faculty includes experts in various fields, such as insect olfaction, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, and more, providing students with a comprehensive education and research opportunities.
Writing-Intensive Requirements
Students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year, with two courses in their major and the third in any discipline, to develop their writing and communication skills.