2009-2010 Catalog

Nov 23, 2024

2009-2010 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, BS

Outcomes

Apply the scientific method to the study of life and other biological principles and core concepts, including the ability to create a hypothesis given a specific scenario
Acquire proficiency in lab techniques and computer based analysis specific to the biological field and adequately describe the principles and core concepts behind these techniques
Read and analyze scientific papers, demonstrate critical thinking, and be able to effectively communicate through both oral and written means the principles and core concepts of biology to members of the scientific and non-scientific community
Apply the logic of energy flow to any biological principle or core concept
Articulate concepts regarding the connections between molecules, cell organisms, the ecosystem within the framework of evolution and the impact of evolution on ethical issues

Major General Requirements

Credit hours:

The biology major must complete at least 30 hours of course work in biology including a minimum of 16 hours in upper division (300-400 level) courses.

Grades:

A grade of C- or above must be attained in all required courses.

Chemistry:

All Biology students are required to complete these sequences in chemistry:

And, depending on the option, (see advisor):

Note:

If you take CHEM 331/333 then you are required to take CHEM 332/334 to finish the sequence. The department will not substitute 331/333 or 332/334 for 330/340.

And, depending on the option (see advisor):

BIOL 483 - Biochemistry Principles
OR
BIOL 481 - General Biochemistry
and
BIOL 482 - Biochemistry II It is suggested that if you take the one semester organic chemistry (CHEM 330/340) you should take the one semester BIOL 483 Biochemistry and if you take the two semester organic chemistry, then you should take the two semester BIOL 481/482 Biochemistry.

Note:

Some Biology options require additional chemistry courses. Please check with your advisor about those courses.

Physics:

All Biology students are required to take a two semester sequence in Physics:

Mathematics:

All Biology majors are required to complete the following math courses:

MATH 135 - Calculus I (Biology students can waive MATH 135 by scoring 4 or 5 on the AP math-calculus test or a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Math-Calculus BC test.)
BIOL 300 - Biology Statistics

Note:

Some Biology options require additional math courses.

Independent Study/Externships:

A maximum of 8 hours of credit taken in BIOL 940-949 (Independent Studies) and BIOL 471-474 (Externships) count toward the major.

Biology Major Options and Course Requirements

Note: Students must see their advisor to declare a biology option from the choices below; options should be declared no later than the end of the sophomore year

Note: All 300-level courses and above presume the student having General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics. FAILURE TO TAKE COURSES IN THE RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE WILL RESULT IN FUTURE SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

Options for Biology Major

Human Biology Option: offered for students who are interested in pre-professional programs such as medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy and others or those wanting knowledge about human biology.
Exercise Science Option: offers a unique experience and the opportunity to gain knowledge from faculty whose specialties are in exercise physiology, biomechanics and sports nutrition. The program is grounded in science and the application of science to exercise. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in sports medicine or physical therapy, or continue their education with graduate degrees in exercise physiology.
Molecular, Cellular and Biotech Option: offered for students who want to understand biology at the molecular level, where it is governed by the laws of Physics and Chemistry. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in medicine, research, biotechnology and bioinformatics that exist in academic, government and private industry settings.
Organismic/Environmental Option: offered for students interested in organisms, ecology, and evolution. This option gives students the opportunity to study the structure and functions of cells in animals and plants. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in wildlife management, ecology and natural resources.
Biology Education Option: A degree option is available for elementary, secondary and special education teachers.
Double Major Biology and Chemistry Option: A degree that offers an option in both biology and chemistry.

Please contact the Student Success Center or the College of Education for further information.

Curricular Requirements for Biology Options

Course Requirements for Human Biology Option

General

And complete two Biology Elective Lab courses from the following list:

Chemistry Requirements for Human Biology Option

CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 106 - General Chemistry II
CHEM 330 - Organic Chemistry
and
CHEM 340 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
OR the two semester course sequence:
CHEM 331 - Organic Chemistry I
and
CHEM 333 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
AND
CHEM 332 - Organic Chemistry II
and
CHEM 334 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Physics Requirements for Human Biology Option

Math Requirements for Human Biology Option

MATH 135 - Calculus I or a score of 10 or above on the calculus readiness exam. A score of >15 is preferred

Course Requirements for Exercise Science Option

General

Complete one Biology elective course from the following list:

Chemistry Requirements for Exercise Science Option

CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 106 - General Chemistry II
CHEM 330 - Organic Chemistry
CHEM 340 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
BIOL 483 - Biochemistry Principles
OR
the two semester course sequence:
CHEM 331 - Organic Chemistry I
and
CHEM 333 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
AND
CHEM 332 - Organic Chemistry II
and
CHEM 334 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
BIOL 481 - General Biochemistry
BIOL 482 - Biochemistry II

Physics Requirements for Exercise Science Option

Math Requirements for Exercise Science Option

MATH 135 - Calculus I (or a score of 10 or above on the calculus readiness exam. A score of >15 is preferred)

Course Requirements for Molecular, Cellular and Biotech Option

General

Complete two Biology Elective Lab courses from the following list:

Complete one Biology Elective Metabolism/physiology course from the following list:

Complete one Biology Elective Microbiology course from the following:

Complete two Biology Elective Molecular/Cellular courses from the following

Chemistry Requirements for Molecular, Cellular and Biotech Option

Physics Requirements for Molecular, Cellular and Biotech Option

Math Requirements for Molecular, Cellular and Biotech Option

Course Requirements for Organismic/Environmental Option

General

Complete the following Biology Elective courses:

Chemistry Requirements for Organismic/Environmental Option

Physics Requirements for Organismic/Environmental Option

Math Requirements for Organismic/Environmental Option

MATH 135 - Calculus I or a score of 10 or above on the calculus readiness exam. A score of >15 is preferred.

Honors Program

The Department of Biology offers a program for honors in biology to outstanding junior and senior students at UCCS. Individuals wishing to take advantage of this program should contact the department chair at the beginning of their junior year.

Qualifications for admissions to the honors program consist of a minimum grade point average of 3.5 overall. The honors applicant must complete BIOL 949 to be eligible for the honors program. Through the recommendation of the faculty of the Department of Biology, the successful honor student’s degree diploma will bear the citation “with distinction, or high distinction or highest distinction in Biology.” Honors students are required to form a faculty committee, complete a research project and present the research findings to the Biology Department at a seminar. Consult with a faculty advisor for more information regarding the Honors Program.