Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

Within the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees with a total of five options:

• B.A. in Biological Sciences
• B.A. in Biological Sciences Education
• B.S. in Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Biotechnology
• B.S. in Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology & Genetics
• B.S. in Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Ecology and Organismic Biology

There are also Honors Degree options for each of these five degrees.

Degree Options with Other Departments

Interdepartmental Major in Biology and Psychology with Emphasis in Neurosciences

The interdepartmental major is co-sponsored by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Psychology for students with a strong interest in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. The major prepares students for graduate programs in neuroscience, biopsychology, neuropsychology, physiology, pharmacology, and anatomy, as well as for positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. It also provides preparation for professional programs in medicine, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy and related areas.

In this interdepartmental major, students first learn the fundamentals of biology and psychology and then concentrate on courses that examine the structure and function of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior. Detailed instructions regarding an interdepartmental major are available from the Department of Biological Sciences (contact Dr. David Smith), Psychology Department (contact Dr. Leslie Skeen) or the Arts & Sciences Advisement Center.

B.S. in Environmental Science

The B.S. in Environmental Science is a joint program of the departments of Geography, Geology, and Biological Sciences and the College of Marine and Earth Studies. Each student chooses a concentration within one of the four areas. The program is administered by the department of Geography (see the B.S. in Environmental Science program for details). Students interested in the Biology concentration should contact Dr. David Smith, the Environmental Science advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

B.S. in Quantitative Biology

The B.S. in Quantitative Biology is an interdisciplinary program between the Departments of Biological Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. It is designed for students who like math and biology and want to integrate both interests in their college careers. The Quantitative Biology curriculum addresses the needs of 21st-century biology in ways not met by traditional biology or mathematics curricula. This program is for students who enjoy the mathematical challenge of solving interesting and important biological problems. Graduates of the Quantitative Biology major will be prepared for postgraduate education and careers in industry, medicine, public health, government, and education. Students interested in this major should contact Dr. David Usher in Biology or Dr. Gilberto Schleiniger in Mathematics.