Biology majors select a sequence of courses that will acquaint them with the structure, function, development, genetics, and molecular biology of a variety of organisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Students interested in a major in biology are strongly encouraged to begin their major with Biology 171/251 and Chemistry 101/102. Biology 171 serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of biology as well as the prerequisite for the more specialized courses.

The biology curriculum prepares students for graduate study and entry into medical, veterinary, dental, physical therapy, and other professional schools. In addition, graduates may pursue careers in secondary education, academic and industrial research, quality assurance, forensic science, and a variety of not-for-profit and governmental environmental and conservation areas.

Students seeking teaching licensure in biology are advised to meet with the department chair of biology, a representative of the education department, and their advisor to ensure that all requirements for the appropriate state licensure are met.

The department also offers several courses designed to serve students with a general interest in biology but who do not plan to major in biology. Plants and People (BIOL 200) provides the non-science major with a broad background in plant biology with emphasis on how humans use plants. Conservation (BIOL 220) focuses on issues important to humans and their environment. Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 260) provides a strong background in the basic structure and function of humans.

In addition to standard courses, a student may elect to pursue an Independent Study (BIOL 450) or Research in Biology (BIOL 490) on a selected topic. The study may develop into a Senior Thesis and/or honors in the major.

Biology Major
A major in Biology consists of the following courses:

1. Core Courses:
   

   BIOL 171	Biodiversity and Evolution	(4 cr.)
   BIOL 222	Intro to Ecology	(4 cr.)
   BIOL 251	Cell and Molecular Biology	(4 cr.)
   BIOL 303	Genetics	(4 cr.)
   BIOL 466	Experimental Design	(2 cr.)
   BIOL 467	Senior Seminar	(4 cr.)

2. Four laboratory-based Biology elective courses numbered 300 or above, or three courses in Biology numbered 300 or above, and Chemistry 311.
3. CHEM 101, 102, 207, and 208.
4. The following courses will not count for credit toward a biology major: BIOL 101, BIOL 200, BIOL 220, BIOL 260, and BIOL 271.

Biology Minor
A minor in Biology consists of the following:
Six courses in biology, or five courses in biology plus Chemistry 311.

Senior Thesis in Biology
The Senior Thesis is developed in consultation with the department faculty. Theses may include a scholarly manuscript of research performed or a detailed proposal for future research. Alternative projects may be approved by the faculty. In addition, students may be required to present their Senior Thesis in an oral presentation at a Division Colloquium, as a poster presented at a Division Poster Session, or to teach a class using the developed materials.

Honors in Major 
Honors in Biology requires a 3.5 GPA in Biology, honors contracts in two advanced courses in Biology, presentation of an outstanding Senior Thesis project to the public, satisfactory performance on an exam before the Biology faculty, and a formal recommendation from the Biology Department.