This specialization is for students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on field biology. The specialization provides exposure to the major forms of flora and fauna, and integrates some of the major elements that influence flora and fauna, namely soil/water relations and human activities. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences. 

The Biology major develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants, and microorganisms. The four specializations offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are tailored to meet the needs of preprofessional students, those preparing for graduate studies in biology, or specialized areas such as bioinformatics, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology and those seeking a career in biotechnology, education, natural resource management, and environmental or biotechnology law.

Coursework for the Major

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) students in the biology major choose one of four specializations: applied biology, biotechnology, natural science, or preprofessional biology. These specializations require significant introductory coursework and credits in general biology, calculus and/or statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Students who are uncertain about which specialization to choose should consult a biology advisor for information and guidance on curriculum planning. Students can individualize their curriculum through approved specialization electives in the life sciences.

Applied Biology

For students interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving problems. This specialization provides exposure to the major issues facing sustainability of human populations and natural resources.

Biotechnology

Prepares students for careers where knowledge of molecular biology and genetic engineering are important. Students will have the opportunity to learn various techniques and scientific procedures in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, cell and tissue culture and bioinformatics.

Natural Science

For students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on field biology. The specialization provides exposure to the major forms of flora and fauna, and integrates some of the major elements that influence flora and fauna, namely soil/water relations and human activities.

Preprofessional

For students preparing for admission to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, or other professional schools.

Relevant Minors and Certificates

UFTeach Program

There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary school biology teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a biology advisor or the UFTeach advisor. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching with their BS in Biology and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
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Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics skills are valuable for students who may seek careers which will necessitate the analysis of genomic data. This minor provides students the opportunity to learn programming skills, mine genomic data, and participate in independent research.

Research

All biology majors are encouraged to participate in research. Research experience is valuable on many levels: It diversifies the college experience; teaches how scientists apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real world questions; provides the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who are the best in their field; enables participation in cutting edge scientific questions and techniques; enhances the student's resume/CV when applying to graduate or professional school; and finally, it is essential to help the student determine if science is an appropriate career choice.
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CALS biology majors may participate in research for course credit as a scholar (e.g., University Scholar, HHMI Science for Life Scholar), as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• Complete CHM 2045/CHM 2045L or MAC 2311
• 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete CHM 2045/CHM 2045L and MAC 2311
• 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete BSC 2010/BSC 2010L and CHM 2046/CHM 2046L
• 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete BSC 2011/BSC 2011L
• 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete all critical-tracking courses, including labs
• 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 upper division GPA required
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 8

• Complete all the remaining Natural Science 3xxx/4xxx required core courses
• Complete BSC 4936  (Capstone)
• Complete all critical-tracking courses, including labs
• 2.0 upper division GPA required
• 2.0 UF GPA required

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Biology is the study of the many diverse forms, processes, and systems of life. These studies range across all levels of the biological hierarchy, from the simplest to the most complex life forms, across all environments on the earth and across recent and evolutionary time that interconnects ancestors to their descendants.

To understand this vast diversity, the field of biology correspondingly relies on integrative and comparative approaches for the resolution of the general processes, principles, and unifying themes that govern living systems. Biology is therefore very interdisciplinary and biologists rely on knowledge from the physical sciences and mathematics, as well as from across the disciplines and subdisciplines of biology for advances and breakthroughs.

The Biology major is administered jointly by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Achieve a passing score for all content subsections of the Major Field Test for Biology. Content subscore areas are molecular biology and genetics, organismal biology, evolution, ecology, and population biology.
• Achieve a passing score on the analytical skills assessment indicator of the Major Field Test for Biology.
• Achieve a passing score on the bioethics module quiz in BSC 4936. The content of the module and quiz are reviewed and approved by a faculty committee.
• Achieve a passing score on the scientific literacy paper assignment given in BSC 4936. This paper is graded using a faculty-developed rubric.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs

Content

1. Identify, describe and explain the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used within the biological sciences.

Critical Thinking

2. Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
3. Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.

Communication

4. Communicate knowledge, ideas, and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.

Curriculum Map for All Specializations except CALS Biotechnology

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Major field test for biology
• Bioethics module
• Scientific literacy paper

Curriculum Map for CALS Biotechnology

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Major field test for biology
• Bioethics module
• Scientific literacy paper