Biology, Bachelor of Science
College: College of Science and Health
Department: Biological Sciences
Student Type: Traditional Undergraduate
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Campus: Lisle Campus
Progression in the Biological Sciences Programs (B.S. in Biology or B.A. in Biology)
A student in either Biology major (B.S. or B.A.) must complete the following with a grade of “C” or better in each of these courses and receiving no more than a total of three “W,” “D,” or “F” grades in these courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1195 | Principles of Organismal Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 1197 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 1198 | Principles of Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 1108 | Preparatory General Chemistry (if required based on placement) | 3 |
| CHEM 1113 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 1123 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
The entire introductory sequence must be completed prior to taking any 2000-level courses in BIOL. A transfer student must meet these requirements through equivalent transfer courses. Transfer students must complete their first two semesters with no more than two “W,” “D,” or “F” grades in College of Science lecture courses in the degree program.
If it is determined at any time that a student cannot continue in the Biology program or cannot graduate with a Biology degree, the student will be required to change their major and seek academic advising outside of that program.
We encourage students to further their learning by assisting in labs. However, only 2 semester credit hours in BIOL 2292 Biology Teaching will count toward the B.A. or B.S. in Biology major.
Requirements - Major
The B.S. in Biology major must complete 36 semester credit hours of biology courses with a grade of “C” or higher. A minimum of 18 semester hours in BIOL must be at the 3000 level or above including 6 hours at the 4000 level. Coursework must include:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1195 | Principles of Organismal Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 1197 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 3 |
| or BIOL 2297 | Honors Organismal Biology | |
| BIOL 1198 | Principles of Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 1199 | Principles of Biology Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 2250 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 2251 | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 4340 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4341 | Cell Molecular Biology Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| BIOL 4363 | Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 4364 | Ecology Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 1113 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 1114 | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 1123 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 1124 | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 2242 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 2243 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 2247 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 2248 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 3261 | Principles of Biochemistry | 3 |
| PHYS 1113 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 1114 | College Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 1118 | College Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 1119 | College Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 1111 | College Trigonometry | 3 |
| MATH 2229 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| MATH 2210 | Calculus I (or higher) | 4 |
| Organismal Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Advanced Botany | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Biology of Mammals | ||
| Zoology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Woody Plants of the Western Great Lakes Region | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
Other Approved Courses | ||
| Systems Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Vertebrate Embryology | ||
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Comparative Animal Physiology | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Paleobiology | ||
| Basic Endocrinology | ||
| Histology | ||
| Biology of Complex Systems | ||
Other Courses approved by program faculty | ||
| Biology Electives at the 2000 level or above | 8-10 | |
| Total Hours | 71-75 | |
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Writing intensive course.
A student majoring in Biology (B.A. or B.S.) may only earn one major in the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, Health Science, Physics, and Medical Humanities programs.
Students who earn a B.S. in Biology will achieve the following student learning outcomes (SLO):
Student Learning Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate biological knowledge required in professional settings
• University SLO: 1. Disciplinary Competence and Skills
Student Learning Outcome 2: Students will use scientific evidence to communicate biological concepts
• University SLO: 3. Communication Skills
Student Learning Outcome 3: Students will use quantitative reasoning to solve biological problems
• University SLO: 2. Critical and Creative Thinking Skills; 5. Analytical Skills
Student Learning Outcome 4: Students will relate biological sciences with other natural, physical, chemical, and mathematical sciences
• University SLO: 1. Disciplinary Competence and Skills
Student Learning Outcome 5: Students will discuss biological relevance to societal issues
• University SLO: 7. Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility; 8. Stewardship