General Biology

The General Biology concentration provides an alternative for students who wish to explore several biological disciplines instead of concentrating on only one specific area of biology for in-depth study. Students obtain a breadth of knowledge by taking coursework from at least three different concentrations, but also are exposed to advanced topics by taking a minimum of two upper-level courses. Laboratory coursework beyond that involved in the basic requirements for the major is also required.

General Biology is a particularly good choice for students whose interests lie within more than one established concentration. It also is an appropriate program for students who are not ready to select one single area for study, by providing guidelines for students who are trying to identify an area of interest. Students in the General Biology concentration are advised by faculty in any of the biology departments. The flexibility of the concentration allows virtually endless combinations of courses to satisfy the requirements, limited only by the scope of the student’s interests and creativity in designing a course of study.

This concentration provides suitable background for students who desire to continue their studies in human or veterinary medicine, or in graduate-level study in biology (most likely in the area the student focused on for advanced study). It is also ideal preparation for careers in teaching, business, or law requiring broad knowledge of the field of biology.

General Biology Requirements

The concentration in general biology requires a minimum of 13 credit hours in addition to courses counted toward requirements 1–9 in Concentrations and Requirements. These 13 credits must include:

A.

One course from each of three different concentrations in biology. Only those courses specifically listed as fulfilling a concentration requirement are acceptable without permission of advisor.

B.

A course with a laboratory.

C.

A minimum of two upper-level (3000 and above) courses of 2 or more credits each.

1000-level courses are not acceptable for meeting any of these requirements. BIOG 4980 and BIOG 2990 may not be used to fulfill the requirements of this concentration. BIOG 4990 (minimum of 2 credits, but no more than 3 credits) may count as one of the upper-level courses and may count as the laboratory course with approval of the advisor, but it cannot count as a course representing a program of study. Students must use three or more biological sciences courses (with a BIO prefix) to fulfill the requirements of this concentration.

Note:

It is possible to use a single course to fulfill more than one requirement. For example, BIOAP 4130 - Histology: The Biology of the Tissues could count in all three areas: as a course in the Animal Physiology Concentration, as an upper-level course, and as a course with a lab.