Biological Sciences
College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Biology and Wildlife
(907) 474-7542
Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.A.: 130 credits; B.S.: 130 credits; Ph.D.: open
The curricula in the biological sciences program are designed to give the student a broad education as well as a sound foundation in the basic principles of biology. Students pursuing either a B.A. or B.S. degree may have majors in biological sciences. The B.A. degree includes fewer credits in the major field, but gives greater emphasis in the fields of social sciences and humanities and allows a greater breadth of subject matter in the curricula. The B.S. degree includes a foundation in the basic sciences as well as a stronger major within the biological sciences program. Candidates who expect to teach in public secondary schools must be sure that education requirements are met.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Biological Sciences -- B.A. Degree
- Complete the general university requirements and B.A. degree requirements. (As part of the core, complete CHEM 105X-106X.)
- Complete the following requirements for the major:
BIOL 105X -- Fundamentals of Biology I (4 credits)
BIOL 106X -- Fundamentals of Biology II (4 credits)
BIOL 210 -- Animal Physiology (4) or
BIOL 211-212 -- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8) or
BIOL 334 -- Structure and Function in Vascular Plants (4) or
BIOL 342 -- Microbiology (4) 4-8
BIOL 271 -- Principles of Ecology (4 credits)
BIOL 303 -- Principles of Metabolism and Biochemistry (4)
or CHEM 321-322 -- Organic Chemistry (6) 4-6
BIOL 362 -- Principles of Genetics (4 credits)
BIOL 481 -- Processes of Evolution
or BIOL 482 -- Patterns of Evolution 4
Biology Elective (3 credits) - Minimum credits required (130 credits)
Biological Sciences -- B.S. Degree
- Complete the general university requirements and B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the core, complete CHEM 105X-106X.)
- Complete the following requirements for the major:
BIOL 105X -- Fundamentals of Biology I (4 credits)
BIOL 106X -- Fundamentals of Biology II (4 credits)
BIOL 271 -- Principles of Ecology (4 credits)
BIOL 303 -- Principles of Metabolism and Biochemistry (4)
or CHEM 321-322 -- Organic Chemistry (6) 4-6
BIOL 210 -- Animal Physiology (4) or
BIOL 211-212 -- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8) or
BIOL 334 -- Structure and Function in Vascular Plants (4) or
BIOL 342 -- Microbiology (4) 4-8
BIOL 362 -- Principles of Genetics (4 credits)
BIOL 481 -- Processes of Evolution
or BIOL 482 -- Patterns of Evolution (4 credits)
MATH 200X -- Calculus (4) or
MATH 272X -- Calculus for Life Sciences (3) 3-4
STAT 200 -- Elementary Probability and Statistics or
STAT 300 -- Statistics (3 credits)
Biology Electives* (24 credits)
Select two electives from:
Chemistry (200 level or above), Geosciences, Marine Science, Mathematics (200 level or above), Physics, Space Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, or Statistics 6 or more - Minimum credits required for degree (130 credits)
*A maximum of six credits of independent study (-97) may be applied to this requirement. Students may petition to substitute chemistry courses (up to 10 credits) for the biology electives required for the B.S. degree.
In addition, Foreign Language is encouraged by the department.
MINOR in Biological Sciences
- A minor in biological sciences requires 20 credits in biology, including:
BIOL 105X -- Fundamentals of Biology I (4 credits)
BIOL 106X -- Fundamentals of Biology II (4 credits)
and three of the following:
BIOL 210 -- Animal Physiology (4) or
BIOL 211-212 -- Human Anat and Physiol I and II (8) 4-8
BIOL 271 -- Principles of Ecology (4 credits)
BIOL 303 -- Principles of Metabolism and Biochemistry 4
BIOL 334 -- Structure and Function in Vascular Plants (4 credits)
BIOL 342 -- Microbiology (4 credits)
BIOL 362 -- Principles of Genetics (4 credits)
BIOL 481 -- Processes of Evolution (4) or
BIOL 482 -- Patterns of Evolution (4) (4 credits)
Students from Other Departments
Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in general science wishing a major in biological sciences must satisfy both the requirements of their major curriculum and those listed above for a B.A. degree with a major in biological sciences.
Graduate Degree Requirements
Biological Sciences -- Ph.D. Degree
See Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology and Zoology