Biology B.S. Premedical Concentration Requirements


Biology B.S. ~ Premedical Concentration Requirements

Note that some courses have a lab component

MLO 1 Mathematical Foundations ~ Students apply the fundamental mathematical and statistical constructs used to analyze, interpret and communicate quantitative information.

MLO 2 Physical Science Foundations ~ Students use the nomenclature, concepts and methodology of chemistry and physics to describe, measure and predict the chemical and physical properties and processes of physical and biological systems.

MLO 3 Biological Foundations ~ Students understand and describe the role of evolution as it applies to the diversity of life and life processes on earth, including molecular and cellular biology, genetics, organismal biology and ecology, and they apply basic scientific principles and methods to these biological processes.

MLO 4 Communication and Ethics in Biology ~ Students identify, research, analyze and present clearly, in oral and written formats, for scientific and non-scientific audiences, historical and current complex biological concepts in appropriate contexts.  Students analyze their own and other ethical frameworks surrounding such issues.

  • BIO 300 Issues and Ethics in Biology

MLO 5 Information, Technology and Scientific Inquiry in Biology ~ Students detect, describe and observe patterns that emerge from the analysis of biological questions, use the scientific method to develop questions and test hypotheses, and demonstrate competence in the analysis and display of data

IMPORTANT: All students should meet with their upper-division advisor to select a sequence of courses appropriate to their career goals.

MLO 6 Advanced Knowledge in Molecular and Cellular Biology ~ Students apply scientific principles and methods to the study of molecular life processes and the structure and function of cells.

MLO 7 Advanced Knowledge in Organismal Biology ~ Students apply biological principles and scientific methods to the study of one or more chosen areas of organismal biology.

Courses may not be double counted for two different MLO's.

MLO 8 Advanced Knowledge in Ecology, Evolution, or Genetics ~ Students apply advanced concepts in molecular and population genetics, evolution, or experimental and theoretical ecology to modern questions in biology. 

MLO 9 Service in Biology ~ Students demonstrate the ability to share an understanding of biology with culturally, linguistically, economically and technologically diverse communities.

Choose one:

  • BIO 378S Health Sciences Service Learning;
  • BIO 379S Biology Education Service Learning;
  • ENVS 384S Environmental Justice & Environmental Policy Service Learning

MLO 10 Biology Capstone ~ Students complete written and oral reports synthesizing their biology knowledge with their experiences in a course-based project, an internship, service learning project, independent research or other advisor-approved Capstone-level project.

  • BIO 490 Biology Capstone;
    OR
  • ENVS 400 Capstone Seminar I and ENVS 402 or ENVS 403 (ENVS Capstone Seminar may be substituted for BIO 490 with advisor approval)

and choose one capstone-related class, which must be taken prior to BIO 490 and may be double-counted in other MLO's:

  • BIO 344L Environmental Biotechnology Lab;
  • BIO 460L Yeast Genetics & Molecular Bio Lab;
  • BIO 497 Independent Study;
  • ENVS 440 Environmental Modeling;
  • PH 420 Multicult. Health Ed. & Promot;
  • CHHS 450 Health/Social Policy Analysis;

Concentration Electives:

  • Two additional electives from MLO 5, 6, 7, 8 or advisor-approved KIN, CHHS, or PH courses – at least one of which is 400 level or other classes with advisor's approval.