Biological Sciences (BS)
The bachelor of science (BS) degree in biological sciences educates students broadly in biology. As a BS biological sciences student, you’ll explore the structure, function, behavior and evolution of cells, organisms, populations and ecosystems.
Students seeking a degree in biological sciences can opt for a general curriculum (BLS) or focus on a particular area by selecting one of our four concentrations. All these programs lead to a variety of overlapping postgraduation academic and career options; we encourage you to look at the differences in course requirements and select the curriculum that best matches your academic interests.
Students in all of these programs take the same core courses in introductory biology, chemistry, physics and calculus, and they must meet the same general education requirements. The curricula differ in more advanced course requirements and electives.
Biological Sciences — no concentration
Students majoring in biological sciences without a concentration receive comprehensive training in biology, spanning plant and animal life. Students explore the structure, function, behavior, and evolution of cells, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Required courses are designed to develop breadth and depth in core areas, providing a strong base for all Biological Sciences majors.
Biological sciences graduates are well prepared for employment in various government agencies and private industries. The curriculum also prepares students for postgraduate studies. Graduates may continue their education with studies leading to advanced degrees in many areas of the life sciences, including cell biology, neurobiology, marine biology, physiology and ecology. Many also choose to pursue degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related areas.
For more information about the BS in biological sciences with no concentration, contact:
- Lisa Parks, undergraduate coordinator
- Dana Thomas, coordinator of advising
- For general questions, Contact an advisor.
Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology
The ecology, evolution and conservation biology (EEC) concentration offers students in-depth studies in the biology of plants, animals and other organisms. EEC students also focus on the interactions of these organisms in populations, communities and ecosystems.
The EEC concentration is designed for students who have an interest in the diversity of life, including its origins, the connection between environmental change and the loss of life, and the conservation of life. Compared to other biological sciences concentrations, EEC involves more study and practice in natural environments and work in the field.
EEC graduates are ready for careers related to environmental research, management, stewardship and education. Our EEC alumni hold positions with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and private companies.
The EEC curriculum also prepares students for postgraduate studies. Graduates may continue their education by pursuing advanced degrees in ecology, fisheries and wildlife, biomathematics, conservation biology, and other fields in the biological and environmental sciences.
For more information about the EEC concentration, contact:
- Brian Langerhans, EEC undergraduate coordinator
- Dana Thomas, coordinator of advising
- For general questions, Contact an advisor.
Human Biology
The human biology (HB) concentration offers training in areas of science important to health-related professions, as well as relevant aspects of the humanities and social sciences.
Students in the HB concentration get a solid education in the scientific and humanistic concepts that underlie modern health sciences and related areas of scientific research. This curriculum allows students to complete health care professional program prerequisites. In HB concentration courses, you can explore upper-level sciences as well as health care economics, ethics, advancements in applied problem solving and other issues related to human health.
Our HB elective options are specifically targeted at students with interests in human health. With this targeted curriculum and support from Health Professions Advising, HB graduates emerge ready to apply to graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry and pharmacology school, among other health- and science-related postgrad programs.
For more information about the HB concentration, contact:
- Lisa Parks, undergraduate coordinator
- Dana Thomas, coordinator of advising
- For general questions, Contact an advisor.
Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology
The concentration in integrative physiology and neurobiology (IPN) provides a comprehensive grounding in basic principles of physiology and neuroscience, as well as in-depth exposure to the application of those principles in understanding whole-animal function, links between physiology and behavior, and the ways in which animals cope with challenges presented by their environments.
IPN students graduate with the skills to work in various industries and government agencies. Graduates may also choose to continue their education by pursuing advanced degrees in many areas of the life sciences, including neurobiology, endocrinology, cell biology, and physiology. The IPN concentration also prepares students to pursue degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related areas.
For more information about the IPN concentration, contact:
- John Meitzen, undergraduate coordinator
- Dana Thomas, coordinator of advising
- For general questions, Contact an advisor.
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
The molecular, cellular and developmental (MCD) biology concentration offers students in-depth studies of the molecular and cellular basis of life and the processes through which organisms arise from single cells.
MCD students learn the processes that govern cellular structure and function; gene structure, function and regulation; the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling development; and modern molecular and cellular tools used in the study of living organisms.
Molecular, cellular and developmental biology are among the most rapidly advancing areas of biology today. Insights in these fields are key to the development and sustainability of biotechnology, which projects as one of the largest growth industries of the 21st century.
MCD graduates are equipped for employment in various government agencies and throughout the medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The MCD curriculum also prepares students for postgraduate studies in many areas of life sciences, molecular and cell biology, physiology, developmental biology, genomics and proteomics. Many of our alumni pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related fields.
For more information about the MCD concentration, contact:
- Michael Sikes, curriculum coordinator
- Dana Thomas, coordinator of advising
- For general questions, Contact an advisor.