Program Overview

Biology, B.S. - COLSA, UNH

The Biology major at the University of New Hampshire prepares students to study living systems and their interactions with the environment. Students build research skills through hands-on laboratory work and field studies, exploring disciplines ranging from molecular biology to ecosystem science.

Program Description

The Biology major combines a challenging laboratory curriculum and engaging fieldwork with courses that capture the diversity of nature's biological systems. UNH's state-of-the-art facilities and location close to the New Hampshire Seacoast, Lakes Region, and White Mountain National Forest provide a wide range of dynamic, hands-on research opportunities.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
• Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
• Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral
• Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
• Foreign Language Requirement: No

Major Requirements

The biology courses in the core curriculum constitute an integrated sequence that trains students in the basic skills and concepts of knowledge inherent to the biological sciences. The biology core allows a student to obtain a broad background in biology and in the related physical sciences and math that provide a foundation for success in understanding biological principles.

Curriculum

The curriculum emphasizes both theory and practice, preparing students for careers in health care, environmental science, research, and educationor for advanced study in medicine, veterinary science, or graduate research.

Courses

• Core Curriculum Courses:
  • BIOL 400: Professional Perspectives on Biology
  • BIOL 412: Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology
  • BIOL 411: Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular
  • BIOL 541W: Ecology
  • GEN 604: Principles of Genetics
  • ZOOL 690: Evolution
  • CHEM 403 & CHEM 404: General Chemistry I and II
  • CHEM 545 & CHEM 546: Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
  • MATH 424B: Calculus for Life Sciences
  • BIOL 528: Applied Biostatistics I
  • PHYS 401 & PHYS 402: Introduction to Physics I and II
  • BMCB 658A: General Biochemistry
  • BIOL 780: Capstone Companion Course
• Biology Electives:
  • Category 1: Form and Function (Morphology, Anatomy, and Physiology)
  • Category 2: Genetics/Development (including molecular biology and bioinformatics)
  • Category 3: Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity (including population biology)

Capstone Experience

As part of the University of New Hampshire's Discovery Program requirements, all students must complete a capstone experience during their senior year (after earning at least 90 credits). The capstone experience for students majoring in Biology consists of both an approved individual experience and the successful completion of the BIOL 780 Capstone Companion Course.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students demonstrate that they understand basic principles of biology.
• Students demonstrate that they can undertake scientifically valid methods of inquiry.
• Students demonstrate that they can think critically and analytically.
• Students demonstrate that they can communicate effectively.
• Students practice science responsibly and ethically, and acknowledge the influence of cultural and historical biases in the sciences.

Potential Career Areas

• Administration/management in biology fields
• Biotechnology companies
• Educational institutions
• Environmental conservation organizations
• Environmental consulting
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Research hospitals and medical centers
• Science writing
• State and federal agencies

Pre-Professional Health Advising

Advising is available for UNH students, alumni, and post-baccalaureates pursuing health professional careers. The Pre-Health Advising Office provides support throughout the process of preparing for health professions school, from advising on courses to take to helping navigate the complex steps of the application process.