GENERAL CURRICULA

For all the Life Sciences majors, each student completes the university's general education requirements (CORE courses), a basic College program and the advanced major courses.

General Education (CORE) courses - Biology and Chemistry

Basic College Courses:

Principles of Biology I
Principles of Biology II (for Biological Science majors only)
Genetics (for Biological Science majors only)
Calculus I and II
General Chemistry I and II
Organic Chemistry I and II
Physics I and II

Advanced Major courses - different for each program

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

A major in Biological Sciences is designed to offer you rigorous exposure to the modern experimental disciplines within biology. Our curriculum is designed to provide broad training from which you can pursue a career, professional school or graduate school in a range of areas. In the introductory courses you will clone genes, characterize enzymes and use computers to simulate the effects of environmental stress on the population growth of organisms. With the help of the faculty, you will choose from ten specializations for your advanced program:

Biological Sciences specializations:

Behavior, Evolution, Ecology and Systematics- focuses on the interaction of organisms with their environment and the evolutionary adaptations that allow organisms to fill specific environmental niches.

Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics- emphasizes cellular biology of animals, plants and microbes and examines cellular structures and functions, and mechanisms of heredity and gene expression. This specialization, along with the biochemistry major, provide an excellent foundation for work in the growing field of biotechnology.

Entomology- provides broad training in the molecular, cellular and organismal aspects of insect biology. This specialization prepares students for careers with research laboratories, government agencies and pest management services.

General Biology- provides broad training in biology at the cellular and organismal levels.

Individualized Studies- allows you to identify an interdisciplinary area of study and design a unique academic program with the help of a faculty advisor.

Marine Biology- focuses on the ecology of marine and aquatic environments and the organisms which inhabit them through both field and laboratory experiences.

Microbiology- examines the role of bacteria and viruses in disease; generation of the immune response to infections; gene replication and expression; cellular metabolism; application of microbiological principles to genetic engineering

Physiology and Neurobiology- investigates the structure and function of organisms from the cellular to the system level of organization. The curriculum includes course work in physiology and cellular biology.

Plant Biology- explores plant physiology, molecular and cell biology, pathology, and ecology and systematics.

Zoology- examines the full range of the discipline, from the molecular, genetic, and cellular aspects of biology to the interactions of organisms with their environment.

CHEMISTRY or BIOCHEMISTRY

The field of Chemistry or Biochemistry offers the opportunity for a challenging and rewarding life. Chemistry is the central science. It bridges with physics and materials science, with the biological sciences and medicine, and with the earth and planetary sciences. Chemistry is a fundamental driver in the business and commerce sectors of society.

Chemists and biochemists are in continual demand. Many students with degrees in chemistry or biochemistry choose to pursue an advanced degree in graduate school, or to attend medical, dental, pharmacology, or veterinary schools. Chemists, however, are important in a wide spectrum of fields.