The Biological Sciences Major:

NOTE: The curriculum in Biological Sciences changes as faculty review and improve the program. The curriculum descriptions provided here are the latest versions. Your curriculum may look slightly different depending on when you declared the Biological Sciences major. Your academic advisor can provide you with the most accurate information on what curriculum you are following. You should make all decisions about what courses to take and when to take them based on information provided by your academic advisor. Any questions can be referred to the Undergraduate Academic Programs Office for the College of Chemical and Life Sciences, 301-405-6892.

C or better in all courses
*students who matriculated Spring 2005 or earlier have other options for this requirement & should see their advisor

2. ADVANCED PROGRAM SPECIALIALIZATION AREAS

• Cell Biology and Genetics (pdf) 0404A
  CEBG allows students to focus their studies on the molecular and cellular processes that support all life. This specialization will specifically prepare students for graduate study in a wide variety of modern fields, as well as for further study and careers in medicine, dentistry, forensic science, genetic counseling, or work in the biotechnology industry. Sample 4-year plan (pdf)


• Ecology and Evolution (pdf) 0404B
  ECEV brings students to the study of organisms interacting with their environment in more complex biological systems. This specialization will specifically prepare students for graduate study, basic and applied research, and as basic preparation for careers in areas such as conservation, environmental biology, veterinary medicine, employment in zoos, or work in science policy. Sample 4-year plan (pdf).


• General Biology (pdf) 0404C
  GENB provides a strong but flexible curriculum for students with either broader or more specific interests than any of the areas above. The structure of GENB will require that students take courses across the biological levels of organization, but within those constraints they may choose to study one taxon or area in more depth. This specialization will specifically prepare students for graduate study in a broad range of biological fields, secondary school teaching, science writing, professional schools, biology – business related careers, and basic or applied research. Sample 4-year plan (pdf).


• Microbiology (pdf) 0404D
  Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including their distribution and role in the environment, their relationship to other living organisms in health and disease, and their use in biotechnology. An understanding of the basic nature and molecular structure of microbes has contributed to the advancement of modern molecular biology. This specialization prepares students for graduate study; entry into professional schools (Medicine, Dental, and Law); careers in public health, forensic science, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry: as well as jobs in research labs and employment in government agencies developing public policy and/or overseeing/enforcing government regulations relative to food, drugs, and infectious disease of animals, plants and humans. Sample 4-year plan (pdf).


• Physiology and Neurobiology (pdf) 0404E
  PHNB provides a foundation in the molecular and cellular processes of life, but allows students to study how these processes are organized into systems in whole organisms. This specialization will specifically prepare students for graduate study, medicine, dentistry, allied health fields, and basic or applied research. Sample 4-year plan (pdf).


• Individualized Studies (pdf) 0404F
  BIVS is a unique specialization area. It allows students to combine the rigors of a Life Sciences degree with interdisciplinary studies. BIVS students can integrate studies in biology with fields such as mathematics, physics, linguistics, or psychology. BIVS is reserved for students with truly interdisciplinary interests, and requires a written plan of study approved by the Associate Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs.

3.  CORE General Education Requirements  30 – 33 crs **

** Fundamental studies math and CORE Math & Science are satisfied by the BSCI major requirements