Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology BS, General Biology Specialization


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For those students who do not desire a specialization, the BS Biology major offers undergraduate students a broad degree program with depth of training in a variety of areas in biological sciences and supporting fields. This program offers considerable flexibility in program coursework and prepares students for immediate entrance into careers in biological sciences or for graduate work.

Students consult with the appropriate biology faculty advisor for approval of their BS program and electives, which must be submitted for approval to the biological sciences department at least two quarters preceding graduation. All students in the BS Biology major must complete all BS core requirements, plus additional specific requirements. Additionally, students will need to choose a specified number of courses from different groupings of upper division courses. A maximum of 15 credits in BIOL 295, BIOL 490, BIOL 495, and BIOL 496 may be included in the major.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Exhibit basic mastery of biological content.
  • Reason analytically.
  • Critically analyze the primary literature.
  • Employ appropriate experimental design and methodology.
  • Effectively communicate underlying principles of biology.
  • Demonstrate basic scientific skills.

Select from the following for 17-31 credits.


  • 1 course from the Biological Diversity Group Credits: (4-5)
  • 1 course from the Ecology Group Credits: (3-5)*
  • 1 course from the Evolution Group Credits: (4-6)*
  • 1 course from the Molecular/Cell Group Credits: (3-5)*
  • 1 course from the Structure/Function Group Credits: (3-10)
    (*NOTE: Courses can only be counted once.)

Department-Approved Electives Credits: 19-33


Total Credits: 100


Biological Diversity Group


Evolution Group


Molecular and Cell Group


College and Department Information


Biological Sciences Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
Major plan codes: BIOLBS, BIOLBSP
Specialization plan code: GEBI

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