Biology

Bachelor of Science

Gain an in-depth understanding of biological systems and processes and prepare to pursue careers in medicine, health, agriculture and environment.

Explore your interest in biodiversity and the natural world and gain the flexibility to pursue a career in medicine, health, agriculture or environment. The Bachelor of Science in Biology is offered by a top-ranked program renowned for groundbreaking scientific discoveries and a long tradition of involving students in leading-edge research.

The curriculum provides a broad overview of the structure, function and evolution of biological systems from component parts, to organisms, communities and ecosystems. As a biology major, you will choose one of two degree emphases: Biomedical Sciences or Organismal Biology.

As a graduate, you may choose to pursue a career in a wide range of fields including medical and clinical research, healthcare, forensic science, conservation or wildlife biology. Biologists often seek to address grand challenges in medicine, agriculture and environment. This includes viral evolution and global pandemics, quantitative genetics and advanced plant and animal breeding, and biodiversity conservation and global change.

Our graduates are highly successful in gaining admission to graduate and professional programs that lead to careers in medicine, pharmacy, optometry, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, public health and education.

Eligibility: Students must meet general university admission requirements: First Year, Transfer, International and Readmission.

Career Level: Undergraduate

Degree: Bachelor of Science

College: College of Science

Cost & Eligibility

Per Unit Cost: $525

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

The core curriculum for this program includes:

ECOL 182L: Introductory Biology II Lab – Explore fundamental ecology and evolutionary biology concepts through activities and experimentation. Apply the scientific method and study how organisms interact and change over time to adapt with their environments.
ECOL 182R: Introductory Biology II – Review the origin, diversity and evolution of life; physiology of plants, animals and organ systems; processes of microevolution and macroevolution; animal behavior and ecology of populations; and communities emphasizing biotic interactions and biogeography.
ECOL 302: Ecology – Study organisms’ interactions with each other and their environment. Learn fundamental ecological principles; formulate and test ecological hypotheses; conduct basic ecological observations and experiments; and interpret and evaluate ecological data.
ECOL 320: Genetics – Examine the basic genetic principles that govern the inheritance of all living organisms, with an emphasis on molecular, quantitative, population, and evolutionary genetics.
ECOL 335: Evolutionary Biology – Examine the basic processes and patterns of evolution, including major evolutionary transitions in individuality; natural selection and mechanisms of evolution; the genetic analysis of evolutionary change and adaptation; species and speciation; phylogenetics; and the integration of evolution and development.
MCB 181L: Introductory Biology Laboratory I – Conduct laboratory exercises presenting techniques and fundamental principles of modern biology.
MCB 181R: Introductory Biology II – Explore fundamental principles in molecular and cellular biology and basic genetics. Emphasis on biological function at the molecular level.
BIOC 384: Foundations in Biochemistry – Examine the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, with a focus on understanding the molecular function of essential biomolecules.

Choose Your Area of Emphasis

Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences emphasis is for students who plan to pursue careers in biomedical research, medicine and other health professions. The program of study provides training in systems biology with a focus on anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. This emphasis includes all of the coursework required for admission to medical school.

Courses

Biomedical Sciences

Courses in this emphasis may include:

ECOL 220: Evolutionary Medicine
ECOL 379: Evidence-based Medicine
ECOL 409: Evolution of Infectious Disease

View detailed information for the Biomedical Sciences emphasis

Details

Organismal Biology

The Organismal Biology emphasis is for students interested in careers as professional biologists and educators. The program of study provides training in systems biology with a focus on animal behavior, genetics, ecology and evolution.

Courses