Academics

Undergraduate Study Programs

Biology, B.S.

The Biology major with emphasis in Botany, Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology, Integrative Biology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Physiology, and Zoology stresses a balance between the theoretical aspects of biology and actual experience in the field and laboratory. The variety of courses offered in a flexible curriculum provides an opportunity for a wide range of experience in biological sciences.

Biotechnology, B.S.

The Biotechnology major is an interdisciplinary program which provides students with a strong background in both biology and chemistry. It provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to understand the numerous industrial applications of biological phenomena, while emphasizing the study of cell and molecular biology. Students can select their upper division electives from five emphases: (1) Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology; (2) Physiology; (3) Biochemistry and Molecular Separation Techniques; (4) Food, Agriculture, and Environment; and (5) Policy and Business. Any combination of sixteen upper-division electives must be chosen from the five emphases. This will allow the individual to specialize in a particular area. An important feature of this major is an internship in a biotechnology laboratory for practical experience in the field. This program also satisfies the admission requirements for various graduate and professional schools.

Environmental Biology, B.S.

The Environmental Biology major is designed for students who want to help solve the environmental problems threatening the organisms and life support systems of our planet. Students are able to specialize by selecting recommended courses from one of two emphases. The Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity (ECB) emphasis prepares students to identify and protect critical habitat, manage rare and endangered species, conduct ecological field research, manage natural resources on public and private lands, and design ecological preserves. The Environmental Microbiology (EM) emphasis focuses on laboratory research to assess water and air quality, transport and fate of pollutants, and environmental health in general. Each emphasis consists of a recommended series of core, support, and elective courses. All students conduct an independent research project or complete an internship with a participating agency or private organization. This provides practical problem-solving experience to complement classroom, laboratory, and field studies. In addition to core and support courses, each emphasis recommends a multidisciplinary series of courses to fulfill twenty units of upper division electives.

Botany Minor

Students enrolled in other academic programs, especially those outside of the College of Science, may broaden their intellectual base and increase their opportunities for employment by completing an academic minor in Botany. Through a selection of core and elective courses, students will gain fundamental knowledge of plant structure, development and function, as well as specialized knowledge and skills related to the genetics, ecology, and/or evolution of plants. This minor is designed to supplement student studies in other major fields, but students majoring in Biology, Biotechnology or Environmental Biology may also pursue this minor.

Microbiology Minor

Students enrolled in other academic programs, especially those outside of the College of Science, may broaden their intellectual base and increase their opportunities for employment by completing an academic minor in Microbiology. Through a selection of core and elective courses, students gain fundamental as well as hands-on laboratory training in microbiology.  The minor allows students in other disciplines to specialize in different areas (medical, industrial and environmental) of microbiology including immunology, virology, bacteriology, mycology, etc. This minor is recommended for pre-professional students (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.) to achieve the necessary prerequisites for admission to professional schools. It is also highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) license.  This minor is designed to supplement student studies in other major fields, but students majoring in Biology, Biotechnology or Environmental Biology may also pursue this minor.

Zoology Minor

Students enrolled in other academic programs, especially those outside of the College of Science, may broaden their intellectual base and increase their opportunities for employment by completing an academic minor in Zoology.  Students in the Zoology Minor will gain an enhanced understanding of animal evolution, ecology, physiology, and development by taking selected courses. A combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory and field exercises will complement students' basic knowledge of animal structure and function.  This minor is designed to supplement student studies in other major fields, but students majoring in Biology, Biotechnology or Environmental Biology may also pursue this minor.

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Graduate Study Program

Biology, M.S.

The Master of Science degree program in the Biological Sciences enhances the knowledge and competence of the student in the chosen field of specialization and develops potential for continuing self-directed study and research. The curriculum is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of the discipline by providing theoretical, technical and practical studies. It also provides students with training in the use of research techniques, as well as familiarity with the critical evaluation of, and the use of scientific literature. Graduate study specializations may be elected in the disciplines of the biological sciences: biology, biotechnology, botany, environmental biology, microbiology and zoology.

Student Learning Objectives

Student Learning Objectives