Jun 23, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 University Catalog

Biology, B.S.


Transfer students who have 60 or more hours of academic credit, including college algebra and 8 hours of introductory biology for majors, and a cumulative GPA of 3.25 may be allowed to enroll in upper division (3000 level or above) biology courses concurrently with sophomore (2000 level) courses. Transfer students who have 45 or more hours of academic credit with a cumulative GPA of 3.5, but who have not completed introductory biology for majors, may take the required freshman (1000 level) and sophomore courses simultaneously. This concurrent enrollment must be approved by the student’s advisor and the instructor of the higher-level courses.

The Biology Core consists of BIO 1410 , BIO 1420 , BIO 2320 , BIO 2424 , and BIO 2441 . To enroll in any advanced biology course (3000 level or higher), students must have at minimum completed the Biology Core and General Chemistry (Chemistry 1415  and Chemistry 1416 ) or their transfer equivalents with a grade of C or better in each of the courses listed above. Additional course-specific prerequisites will still apply.

Total Hours (120)


General Education Curriculum Course Requirements


General Education Curriculum (36 Hours)


The General Education Core (GEC) is divided into two categories: Foundational Courses (18 Hours) and Pillar Courses (18 Hours minimum).

  • A student must complete a minimum of 36 hours between foundational courses and pillar courses.

  • Students must complete at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics.

  • Foundational courses are meant to be 1000-level courses that provide the student with college-level skills in communication, wellness, and analytical and quantitative reasoning.

  • Pillar courses are meant to provide a student with flexibility to explore different interests prior to the beginning the major program.

Foundational Courses (18 Hours)


English Composition (6 Hours)

Speech (3 Hours)

Wellness (3 Hours)

Mathematics (3 Hours)

Choose one (1) of the following courses:

Note:

  • MAT 1304  is acceptable for all programs in the School of Arts and Sciences except for the programs in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics. 
  • MAT 1304   is acceptable for all programs in the School of Education.
  • MAT 1304   is not acceptable for any program in the School of Business and Professional Programs.

Pillar Courses (18 Hours)


In addition to the Foundational Courses, the student completes at least two courses in each pillar.

  • A student must complete a minimum of 36 hours between foundational courses and pillar courses.

  • Students must complete at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics across the GEC.

  • Since each course applies to two pillars, it is possible for the student to begin to focus on aquiring skills and content that prepare them for their major. It will also be possible for a student to use the remaining GEC courses to explore areas of interest that lie outside their major pathway. This provides the student with opportunities to consider a minor or second major.

Pillar One: Communication and Interpersonal Skills


In addition to the 18 hours required for the Foundation courses, students must complete additional courses within the Pillars requirements.

These courses should be chosen outside of those that have already been taken to fulfill the Foundation requirement.

Pillar Two: Technology and Problem Solving


In addition to the 18 hours required for the Foundation courses, students must complete additional courses within the Pillars requirements. 

These courses should be chosen outside of those that have already been taken to fulfill the Foundation requirement.

Pillar Four: Democratic Citizenship and Wellness in a Diverse Society


In addition to the 18 hours required for the Foundation courses, students must complete additional courses within the Pillars requirements. 

These courses should be chosen outside of those that have already been taken to fulfill the Foundation requirement.

Required Related Courses (34 Hours)


English (3 Hours)


Mathematics (3 Hours)


Physics (8 Hours)


PHY 1401 , PHY 1402 * may be used to satisfy the GEC.

Major Requirements (42 Hours)


Electives


The following courses are recommended for students majoring in Biology:

Biology


BIO 2401 , BIO 2402 * may be used to satisfy the GEC.

Chemistry


Computer Science


English


Humanities


HUM 2340 , HUM 2341 * may be used to satisfy the GEC.

Natural Science


CHE 1405 * may be used to satisfy the GEC.

Sociology


SOC 1302 * may be used to satisfy the GEC.

Note


Electives will be required if the student has not met a minimum of 120 hours in the program.