Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology - Concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology

The Department of Biology holds as its primary core value a commitment to providing superlative teaching for students. To accomplish this mission, we will create an environment for learning that will include opportunities for undergraduate research, a broadly based academic program, a supportive, diverse and collaborative faculty, an understanding of the process of science and a recognition of the importance of community outreach and involvement. Biology majors must complete 40 credit hours of biology courses including 20 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level. Specific requirements include four core courses (BIO 140, BIO 150, BIO 240 and BIO 250), at least two upper-division laboratory courses and one course from a list of courses with an emphasis on organismal diversity. In addition, biology majors must complete a set of cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics that are listed below. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with a faculty mentor. Credits earned doing research will count toward the biology major but some restrictions apply. When requested, senior biology majors are expected to participate in program assessment test activities as a graduation requirement. Assessment information helps the department modify the curriculum to meet student needs. Ecology and Environmental Biology: The biology department offers a concentration within the biology major for students with interest in ecology, field biology, natural resources, environmental biology, conservation biology, evolution, animal behavior and organismal biology. Students choosing a concentration in ecology and environmental biology must meet all of the requirements for the biology major as well as the following additional requirements. Courses for this concentration can also satisfy biology major requirements. Career opportunities exists in the following fields of study: anthropology, aquatic science, biodiversity, bioinformatics, biotechnology, botany, clinical laboratory sciences, dentistry, ecology and environmental science, epidemiology, forensic science, forestry, genetic counseling, graduate school in the biological sciences immunology, landscape architecture, medicine, microbiology, microscopy, neurobiology, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacology, physical therapy, physician assistant, physiology, research assistant, scientific writing, secondary education, US fish and wildli