Biology Major
Bachelor of Science
The biology major is designed to give students excellent preparation for graduate study
or professional careers in the life sciences. Within the major, students select one of several
emphases (e.g., pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, secondary education, animal
behavior) that best matches their particular interests and career goals. All students
have opportunities to develop excellent research skills beginning in the core courses
and culminating in the capstone research project.

Core Courses:
Biology 120, General Biology I
Biology 125, General Biology II
Biology 220, Genetics
Biology 225, Organismal Physiology
Biology 399, Capstone in Biological Science

Four Elective Courses
At least one course from each area: Ecological, Organismal, and Cellular/Molecular.
Biology 324, Bioethics, may be counted as an elective course.

Ecological
Biology 319, Field Botany
Biology 333, Experimental Methods in Field Biology
Biology 417, Behavioral Ecology
Biology 460, Restoration Ecology

Organismal
Biology 322, Comparative Vertebrate Zoology
Biology 350, Endocrinology
Biology 402, Human Anatomy
Biology 403, Human Physiology

Cellular/Molecular
Biology 312, Microbiology
Biology 332, Gene Manipulation and Genomics
Biology 452, Advanced Cell Biology

Required Support Courses (*Required for primary majors only)
Chemistry 109, 110, and 203
One of the following: Chemistry 204, Chemistry 308, or Physics 101
Mathematics 112, or Mathematics 140 or higher*
Computer Science 107 or higher*

Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, Pre-Physician Assistant,
Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Veterinary
Students preparing for pre-professional programs must complete the requirements in
the Biology major as well as the following courses:

Core courses, plus
Physics 101, 102, Introductory Physics
Chemistry 204, Organic Chemistry II (Pre-Dent, Pre-Med)
Chemistry 308, Biochemistry (Pre-PA, Pre-Vet)

Students may need additional courses as required by the specific professional school.
Pre-professional students should consult with the appropriate pre-professional adviser
regarding requirements.

Secondary Education Emphasis
To meet DPI requirements, Biology majors with a secondary education minor must
complete the following courses:

Core courses, plus
Biology 312, Microbiology
Biology 322, Comparative Vertebrate Zoology
Biology 333, Experimental Methods in Field Biology
One elective course in Biology (see Electives under Biology Major)

Students should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of biological concepts on the ETS
Praxis II exam, which is required for licensure.

Animal Behavior Emphasis
Core courses, plus
Biology 322, Comparative Vertebrate Zoology
Biology 333, Experimental Methods in Field Biology
Biology 417, Behavioral Ecology
One elective in the Cellular/Molecular area

Plus Psychology Minor (20 credits):
Psychology 101, Introductory Psychology
Psychology 205, Statistics and Experimental Design
Psychology 240, Biopsychology
Psychology 314, Learning and Animal Behavior
Psychology 401, Behavioral Neuroscience

Biology Minor
Biology 120, General Biology I
Biology 125, General Biology II
Biology 220, Genetics
Biology 225, Organismal Physiology
Two elective courses in Biology (see Electives under Biology Major)