Nov 21, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biological Sciences, B.S.


Four-Year Plan: Click here  to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures  page.

Biological Sciences Major


Students pursuing a degree in the biological sciences may do so by choosing one of six different tracks. These tracks allow the individual student to place an emphasis on areas of biology that he or she finds of interest. However, the faculty of the department feel very strongly that each student completing a degree in biology must have a solid foundation in the discipline. Therefore, there is a core of courses required of all majors. A grade of C- or better must be earned in all biology courses that count toward completion of major requirements. The department has also identified a common core of support courses that must be completed with a C- or better by all biological science majors. Details concerning the biology core, support core, and each of the tracks follow.

♦  Indicates prerequisite.

These prerequisites are not included in the program totals in the table below, but they must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.

Students wishing to be certified to teach biology at the secondary level should complete the B.A. General Biology Track in conjunction with a B.A. Secondary Education. Students should review the section of the catalog describing the B.A. Secondary Education track within the Department of Teacher Education.

General Biology Track (27-32 credits)


Total Credits 65-78


Total Credits 72-84


Ecology/Evolution/Organismal Track (29-35 credits)


Total Credits 67-81


Forensic Science Track (44-45 credits)


This track is designed to provide students who wish to pursue a career in forensic science with a solid background in the sciences while giving them the basic knowledge that they will need in order to succeed in the criminal justice system. It is strongly recommended that majors in the track complete the minor in criminalistics offered by the Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Organizational Leadership. By doing so, they will be much better prepared to work with law enforcement professionals. This track is designed to ensure that graduates who later decide to pursue some other area of work in the biological sciences or go to graduate school can do so with little if any additional coursework.

Total Credits 82-91