Biology
Bachelor of Science
Quick Facts
Top 3%
Online Bachelor's
Program in the Nation
- U.S. News & World Report, 2025
TOP 25
Public Flagship
University
- U.S. News & World Report, 2024
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.
Core major coursework for the Bachelor of Science in Biology is available 100% online. Degree completion requires two Organic Chemistry labs. Students can complete this requirement via Arizona Online, beginning Summer 2022, in an Immersion/Hybrid format requiring 3.5 days per lab at The University of Arizona Main Campus.
Eligibility: Students must meet general university admission requirements: First Year, Transfer, International and Readmission.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
Core major coursework for the Bachelor of Science in Biology is available 100% online. Degree completion requires two Organic Chemistry labs. Students can complete this requirement via Arizona Online, beginning Summer 2022, in an Immersion/Hybrid format requiring 3.5 days per lab at The University of Arizona Main Campus.
**The online BS in Biology program meets University of Arizona Medical School requirements, however students planning to apply to other professional health programs post-graduation should check the policies for post-graduate programs they want to attend.
The curriculum for this program includes:
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.
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.
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.
Examine the basic genetic principles that govern the inheritance of all living organisms, with an emphasis on molecular, quantitative, population, and evolutionary genetics.
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.
Conduct laboratory exercises presenting techniques and fundamental principles of modern biology.
Explore fundamental principles in molecular and cellular biology and basic genetics. Emphasis on biological function at the molecular level.
Examine the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, with a focus on understanding the molecular function of essential biomolecules.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Bachelor of Science in Biology will build core skills, including:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Cell biology
- Chemistry
- Life sciences
- Physics
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
- Clinical trials
- Clinical research
- Pharmaceuticals
- Data management
- Statistical analysis
- Clinical research coordination
- Research experiences
- Laboratory experience
- Clinical laboratory science
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the Biology BS program will be prepared to pursue the following careers:
Areas of Emphasis
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 in this emphasis may include:
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 in this emphasis may include:
