Biology Major

Required Courses

(common to all concentrations in the Biology major)

Third and Fourth Year Requirements

(common to all concentrations)

During the third and fourth year all majors are required to elect at least 21 credits in upper-division biology courses (courses numbered 300 or higher), including BIO 499 - Capstone Research. Course selection should be determined in consultation with the advisor. A minimum of 2 courses must include a laboratory component. Credits earned for BIO 440, 441, and 495 may not be applied to these totals. The requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences must also be met prior to graduation.

Cell & Molecular Biology Concentration

After building a comprehensive background through the Biology core, upper division courses will allow students to explore various specializations in a diverse and rapidly changing field, including genomics, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, and immunology. Many of these courses have integrated laboratory components giving students opportunities to learn specialized laboratory techniques including DNA sequence analysis and cloning, cell culture, and bioinformatics needed for graduate school and employment opportunities.

Conservation Biology Concentration

After completing the Biology core a student in the conservation biology concentration will complete a combination of broad-based coursework and innovative hands-on field and laboratory research experiences. This expertise will allow them to solve complex ecological problems and apply integrated approaches to wildlife and habitat management.  At the end of the program, the student will have the training needed to be successful in graduate school and to gain employment with sectors of society seeking to manage and restore natural environments.

Ecology & Evolution Concentration

After building a comprehensive background through the Biology core student will have the opportunity to take advanced coursework in Ecology & Evolution. This area emphasizes hands-on experience with methods in field biology, experimental design, and statistics. They will study organismal interactions at both ecological and evolutionary timescales in microbes, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Students will learn how such interactions have shaped the world in which we live.

Marine Biology Concentration

The marine biology option is designed to meet the needs of students who aspire to careers in ecology, marine biology, fisheries biology and biological oceanography. Students who elect the Marine Biology Option are urged to plan their program in close cooperation with their advisors.

Upper Division Electives

University Studies Requirement

In addition to the requirements in the major, students will be required to complete the University Studies requirements. For more information: http://www.umassd.edu/generaleducation/universitystudies/universitystudiescurriculum/.

Note

Some undergraduate senior-level courses are offered to graduate students under a corresponding 5xx number with concurrent enrollment but additional work expectations.

Some graduate courses may be open to undergraduates. Please consult your department chairperson. See the Graduate Catalog for graduate general and program requirements.