Biology, BS

24 credits of biology core courses:

• BIOL 213 - Cell Structure and Function Credits: 4
• BIOL 303 - Animal Biology Credits: 4
• BIOL 304 - Plant Biology Credits: 4
• BIOL 305 - Biology of Microorganisms Credits: 3
• BIOL 306 - Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory Credits: 1
• BIOL 307 - Ecology Credits: 4
• BIOL 311 - General Genetics Credits: 4

20 credits of biology electives:

• 20 credits of additional biology courses

13 credits of chemistry:

• CHEM 211 - General Chemistry Credits: 4
• CHEM 212 - General Chemistry Credits: 4
• CHEM 313 - Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 315 - Organic Chemistry Lab I Credits: 2

One of the following options (3-8 credits):

Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which option best meets their career goals.

• One chemistry course at the 300 or 400 level (not CHEM 314)

• or

•  

• CHEM 314 - Organic Chemistry Credits: 3

• and

• CHEM 318 - Organic Chemistry Lab II Credits: 2

•  

• or

• GEOL 101 - Introductory Geology I Credits: 4

• and

• GEOL 102 - Introductory Geology II Credits: 4

8 credits of physics:

• PHYS 243 - College Physics Credits: 3
• PHYS 244 - College Physics Lab Credits: 1
• PHYS 245 - College Physics Credits: 3
• PHYS 246 - College Physics Lab Credits: 1

7-8 credits of math chosen from:

• BIOL 312 - Biostatistics Credits: 4

• and one of the following:

• MATH 108 - Introductory Calculus with Business Applications Credits: 3
• MATH 111 - Linear Mathematical Modeling Credits: 3
• MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4
• MATH 114 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Credits: 4

3 credits of computer science:

• IT 103 - Introduction to Computing Credits: 3

Note:

Students who wish to take biochemistry must take BIOL 483 to receive credit toward the major in biology.

▲ Concentration in Biology Education (with Licensure) (BIED)

The education concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who wish to pursue a career teaching high school biology. The concentration allows students to receive a license to teach biology in Virginia secondary schools within 120 credits.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . In addition, students majoring in biology with a concentration in education with licensure must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)

▲ Concentration in Biotechnology (BT)

The biotechnology concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who seek employment in the field or wish to include an applied component in their undergraduate training in biology.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . In addition, students majoring in biology with a concentration in biotechnology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)

▲ Concentration in Environmental and Conservation Biology (ESCB)

This concentration is offered to students seeking a biology degree that focuses on ecology and organismal biology, and prepares them for graduate work or employment in environmental and conservation fields, such as natural resources management, fisheries, forestry, water quality management, aquatic and wetland ecology, and conservation biology. The concentration is staffed and supported by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . In addition, students seeking the concentration in environmental and conservation biology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)

▲ Concentration in Marine and Freshwater Biology (MFWB)

This concentration is offered to students seeking a biology degree that focuses on the biology of organisms in marine and freshwater environments.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . In addition, students must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)

▲ Concentration in Microbiology (MIB)

This concentration offers lecture and laboratory courses in microbiology to prepare students for employment or advanced study in microbial genetics, physiology, diversity, and related fields.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . In addition, students seeking the concentration in microbiology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)

▲ Concentration in Molecular Biology (MOB)

The molecular biology concentration provides basic knowledge of the structure of macromolecules, and chemical processes that occur in living cells. The concentration prepares students for employment or further advanced study in molecular biology.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . In addition, students majoring in biology with a concentration in molecular biology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.)