Biology

The biology major gives you knowledge and research skills for future studies and careers in science.

Preparing You for Success

You learn how to ask — and answer — thoughtful questions about cells, organisms and ecological systems. Classes introduce you to research methods your first year, then you can build on those through labs and faculty-mentored research opportunities.

The biology major offers five flexible routes to a degree. You can earn a general degree, or you can add a concentration in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, education or medical technology. Additionally, you can earn a graduate biology degree through the combined 4+1 program or the traditional two-year program.

By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:

  • One-on-one mentorship from faculty
  • Opportunities to publish your research and share it at professional conferences
  • A senior capstone project
  • Opportunities for networking and professional development through Tri-Beta national honor society and the Biology Undergraduate Society

Making Your Mark

Biology majors make valuable contributions as scientists, doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, dentists and veterinarians. Many students pursue graduate degrees or medical school. Recent graduates have continued their education at institutions such as Purdue University, University of Iowa and University of Miami (Fla.). Other graduates are working for DuPont Pioneer, Eli Lilly and Co., and Endotronix.

Major Requirements

Required Courses - 48-52 hrs.

  • BIO 150: Introduction to Biology - 2 hrs.
  • BIO 151: Molecules to Cells - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 152: Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • BIO 250: Organismal Biology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 251: Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 252: Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Lab - 1 hr.
  • BIO 260: Biological Statistics I - 1 hr.
  • BIO 261: Biological Statistics II - 2 hrs.
  • BIO 310: Genetics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 311: Genetics Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • BIO 490: Biology Capstone - 1 hr.
  • CHM 110: General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111: General Chemistry I Lab - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116: General Chemistry II - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 117: General Chemistry II Lab - 1 hr.
  • CHM 252: Organic Chemistry I - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 253: Organic Chemistry I Lab - 1 hr.
  • *CHM 256: Organic Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
  • *CHM 257: Organic Chemistry II Lab - 1 hr.
  • MTH 115: Brief Calculus With Applications I - 4 hrs.
  • PHY 107: General Physics I - 4 hrs.
  • PHY 108: General Physics II - 4 hrs.

* Required for students in the cell and molecular biology concentration and recommended for others

Sub-Organismal Courses (choose one + lab) - 4 hrs.

  • BIO 312: Developmental Biology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 314: Plant Development - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 381: Comparative Animal Physiology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 464: Cell Biology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 468: Immunology of Host Defense - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 484: Neurophysiology - 4 hrs.

Organismal Courses (choose one + lab) - 4 hrs.

  • BIO 323: Comparative Anatomy - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 324: Plant Diversity - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 334: Reproduction and Identification of Flowering Plants - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 361: Microanatomy - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 371: Invertebrate Zoology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 406: General Microbiology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 408: Bacterial Pathogenesis - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 417: Environmental Physiology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 419: Ethology - 4 hrs.

Supra-Organismal Courses (choose one + lab) - 3-4 hrs.

  • BIO 420: Ecosystem Ecology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 450: Conservation Biology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 460: Ecology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 463: Plant Ecology - 4 hrs.

Elective Courses (choose two; lab is optional) - 3-4 hrs.

  • BIO 312: Developmental Biology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 314: Plant Development - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 323: Comparative Anatomy - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 324: Plant Diversity - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 334: Reproduction and Identification of Flowering Plants - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 361: Microanatomy - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 371: Invertebrate Zoology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 381: Comparative Animal Physiology - 3-4 hrs.
  • BIO 406: General Microbiology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 408: Bacterial Pathogenesis - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 417: Environmental Physiology - 3-4 hrs.
  • BIO 419: Ethology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 420: Ecosystem Ecology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 440: Evolution - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 450: Conservation Biology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 460: Ecology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 463: Plant Ecology - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 464: Cell Biology - 3-4 hrs.
  • BIO 468: Immunology of Host Defense - 3-4 hrs.
  • BIO 475: Special Topics Biology - 2-4 hrs.
  • BIO 482: Endocrinology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 484: Neurophysiology - 3-4 hrs.
  • BIO 502: Biometry - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 503: Molecular Genetics - 3-4 hrs.
  • BIO 505: Topics in Bioethics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 506: Advanced Microbiology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 508: Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 509: Human Genetics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 517: Environmental Physiology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 519: Comparative Animal Behavior - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 520: Advanced Ecosystems Ecology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 525: Advanced Physiology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 526: Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 527: Physiology of Anesthesia - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 530: Plant Systematics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 540: Evolution - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 550: Conservation Biology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 563: Advanced Plant Ecology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 564: Advanced Cell Biology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 568: Cellular and Molecular Immunology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 575: Special Graduate Topics in Biology - 2-3 hrs.

Note: Students may take 3 hours of BIO 485: Research in lieu of one of these elective courses.