Biology
Bachelor of Science
Online Bachelor's Program in the Nation
- U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Public Flagship University
- U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Quick Facts
College of Science
Program Details
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.
Courses
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:
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
Graduates of the Biology BS program will be prepared to pursue the following careers:
- Epidemiologist
- Molecular Biologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Biochemist
- Microbiologist
- Biologist
- Statistician
- Biostatician
- Statistical Programmer
- Statistical Analyst
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Clinical Trial Manager
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Medical Science Liaison
- Research Coordinator
- Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Oncology Clinical Research Associate
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Biological Scientist
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Secondary Teacher
- Mathematic Teacher
- Environmental Field Technician
- Postdoctoral Researcher
Areas 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.
Biomedical Sciences
Courses in this emphasis may include:
- ECOL 220: Evolutionary Medicine
- ECOL 379: Evidence-based Medicine
- ECOL 409: Evolution of Infectious Disease
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.
ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY
Courses in this emphasis may include:
- ECOL 335: Evolutionary Biology
- ECOL 302: Ecology
- ECOL 360: Marine Ecology & Conservation
