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Students who complete an undergraduate degree in biology will be able to:
1. Identify fundamental concepts in the biological sciences, including
a. the relationship between structure and function at all levels of biological organization,
b. evolution and the role of natural selection in the process,
c. ecological relationships between organisms and their environment.
2. Describe cellular structure and explain the major biochemical processes that occur in cells.
3. Describe and explain the mechanisms of heredity and the flow of genetic information.
4. Apply knowledge in basic mathematics, chemistry, and physics to solve biological problems.
5. Employ techniques and procedures commonly used in modern biology laboratories.
6. Analyze and critically evaluate scientific data.
7. Write clearly about topics in the biological sciences for a peer or professional audience.
The B.A. degree program in biology is designed to accommodate students who want a solid background in the biological sciences, but who need less rigorous studies in the supporting sciences of chemistry, mathematics and physics. It is also recommended for students who plan to pursue double majors.
Degree Requirements
In addition to meeting the general education degree requirements outlined previously, students pursuing the B.A. degree in biology must meet the following requirements:
A. Biology Course Requirements
1. The following core courses (17 credit hours):
2. One of the following biology laboratory courses (minimum 2 credit hours).
3. Biology Synthesis requirement (Choose a total of 3 credit hours.)
4. Students must complete additional biology majors coursework to total at least 38 credit hours of biology courses with grades of C- or better. At least 24 of these must be at the 300- or 400-level. One of these courses must be writing intensive. A minimum of 21 credit hours of biology courses must be taken from the School of Biological Sciences. The UM Biology GPA must be at least 2.0.
B. Additional Science and Mathematics Course Requirements
The following courses must be completed with grades of C- or better: