Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Biology

The Bachelor's degree in Biology is designed to provide students with a solid background in natural science, the option to specialize in specific areas of biology, and the opportunity to participate in research with world-renowned faculty.

Program at a Glance

• The program is 120 credits and is designed to be completed in four years.
• The program provides students with a solid background in natural science and the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of biology.
• Students will gain understanding of biological systems at levels of organization spanning from molecules to ecosystems.

What Will I Learn in a Biology Degree Program?

The Biology degree program prepares students for a successful career in the Biological or Health Sciences by gaining the knowledge and opportunities to thrive during their time at the university and beyond. A Biology degree offers optimal flexibility, allowing students to pursue an emphasis in cellular/molecular biology, physiology, or ecology/evolution/conservation biologyor explore courses that consider all these topics.

Learning Outcomes

The Biology B.S. provides students with a solid background in natural science, the option to specialize in specific areas of biology, and the opportunity to participate in research with world-renowned faculty. Students will gain:

• Understanding of biological systems at levels of organization spanning from molecules to ecosystems.
• A core understanding of inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, and statistics.
• Skills in critical thinking, including the ability to understand and explain the principles of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• The ability to communicate with both the scientific and broader community.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The opportunity to work with faculty on research projects is a fundamental part of the biology degree program. Students can work in labs and potentially earn course credit studying various topics, including water conservation, fruit fly genetics, or chickadee cognition.

Options in the Biology Degree Program

• Minor: A biology minor offers students the opportunity to add a well-rounded understanding of Biology to their major.
• Cellular and Molecular Biology Emphasis: Students fascinated by the building blocks of life can choose from a variety of courses, including Genetics, Human Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Epigenetics, Cell Biology of Disease, Regenerative Medicine/Stem Cells, Genomics/Bioinformatics, Genes/Brains/Behavior, and Neuroscience.
• Physiology Emphasis: Knowledge of the physiological systems that allow us to acquire and distribute nutrients, maintain energy balance, defend against pathogens, and reproduce is fundamental to human health and key to appreciating how animals across the tree of life have arrived at amazing solutions to survive in challenging environments.
• Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Emphasis: Students who are fascinated by the deep history of life on our planet, or the intricate relationships between plants and pollinators, microbes and humans, predators and prey, viruses and their hosts, will appreciate the exceptionally wide array of Biology courses to choose from.
• Secondary Education and Biology: The NevadaTeach program allows students to earn both a B.S. degree in Biology and a B.S. degree in Education/Secondary Education, preparing them for a career in biology as well as a career teaching biology at the high-school level.
• Certificate in Forensic Studies: Biology majors can obtain a certificate in Forensic Studies by choosing from an array of courses offered by the department and others.

Careers with a Degree in Biology

Biology is at the heart of many of the biggest challenges facing humanity and our planet. With growing interest in interdisciplinary fields such as synthetic biology and advanced biomanufacturing, AI and machine learning, computational biology, personalized medicine, and genomics, environmental biotech, and the bioeconomy, a Biology B.S. degree is a great starting point for many careers, including:

• Healthcare Professions:
  • MD
  • Dentist
  • PA
  • Pharmacist
  • Veterinarian
  • Allied health
  • Genetic counseling
• Research and Laboratory Science:
  • Academic researcher
  • Biotech industry
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Microbiologist
  • Research scientist at federal, state, or non-profit agencies
• Environmental and Conservation Sciences:
  • Ecologist
  • Conservation biologist (federal or state agency, non-profits, private corporations)
  • Zoologist
• Education and Communication:
  • Biology teacher
  • Science writer
  • Museum educator
• Forensic Science
• Entrepreneur
• Environmental Policy and Law