Environmental Biology (BS)
The BS in Environmental Biology focuses on organismal, evolutionary, ecological, and field biology. This degree prepares students for careers in the environmental biology field, including environmental consulting, environmental education, and work for governmental agencies. Note that some professional/graduate schools require a full year of physics and that students should work closely with their academic advisor to plan their coursework.
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Major Requirements | ||
BI 1110 | Biological Science I (TECO) | 4 |
BI 1120 | Biological Science II | 4 |
BI 2270 | Integrative Biology (WECO) | 4 |
GE 2050 | GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
BI 3060 | Genetics | 4 |
BI 3130 | Evolution | 4 |
BI 3240 | Conservation (DICO,GACO) | 3 |
BI 4050 | Ecology (QRCO,WRCO) | 4 |
BI 4800 | Current Environmental Issues | 3 |
BI 4980 | Biology Seminar | 2 |
BI | 3000/4000 level Biology electives (not already required in the major) 1 | 8 |
CH 1050 | Laboratory Safety | 1 |
CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CH 3370 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
2000 Level Electives | ||
Complete two courses from the following: | 8 | |
Invertebrate Zoology | ||
Vertebrate Zoology | ||
Botany | ||
Physical Science Electives | ||
Complete 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
College Physics I | ||
University Physics I | ||
Organic Chemistry II | ||
Environmental Chemistry | ||
Mathematics Foundations | ||
MA 1800 | College Algebra (equivalent Math Placement Score or passing grade in higher level math course) 2 | 0-3 |
MA 2130 | Precalculus (QRCO) | 3-4 |
or MA 2300 | Statistics I (QRCO) | |
General Education | ||
EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
INCP | 4 | |
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3 | 16 | |
CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | |
PPDI | Past and Present Direction | |
SSDI | Self and Society Direction | |
Electives | 16-20 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
- 1
Excluding Genetics, Conservation, Evolution, Ecology, Current Environmental Issues and Biology Seminar.
- 2
Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Precalculus or Statistics is required.
- 3
One each of CTDI, PPDI, and SSDI plus additional Directions courses from these three categories to total at least 16 credits. SIDI is waived for BS Environmental Biology.
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
Year One | Credits | |
---|---|---|
BI 1110 | Biological Science I (TECO) | 4 |
BI 1120 | Biological Science II | 4 |
CH 1050 | Laboratory Safety | 1 |
EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
Mathematics Foundations Course: | ||
MA 1800 | College Algebra | 0-3 |
MA 2130 or MA 2300 |
Precalculus (QRCO) or Statistics I (QRCO) |
3-4 |
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
Electives | 4 | |
Credits | 27-32 | |
Year Two | ||
BI 2270 | Integrative Biology (WECO) | 4 |
CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
Complete two 2000 Level Elective coursesfrom the following: | 8 | |
Invertebrate Zoology | ||
Vertebrate Zoology | ||
Botany | ||
GE 2050 | GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 | 3-4 | |
Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 30-31 | |
Year Three | ||
BI 3060 | Genetics | 4 |
BI 3240 | Conservation (DICO,GACO) | 3 |
CH 3370 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
BI 3000/4000 level Biology elective 3 | 4 | |
Physical Science Elective choose from the following: | 4 | |
PH 2210 or PH 2410 |
or |
|
PH 2430 | ||
Organic Chemistry II | ||
Environmental Chemistry | ||
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) | 6-8 | |
Electives | 4 | |
Credits | 29-31 | |
Year Four | ||
BI 3130 | Evolution | 4 |
BI 4050 | Ecology (QRCO,WRCO) | 4 |
BI 4800 | Current Environmental Issues | 3 |
BI 4980 | Biology Seminar | 2 |
BI | 3000/4000 level Biology electives 3 | 4 |
INCP | Integrated Capstone | |
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 | 0-4 | |
Electives | 5-9 | |
Credits | 22-30 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
- 1
Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Precalculus or Statistics is required.
- 2
2 Required to take one each of CTDI, SSDI, and PPDI and then fulfill 16 credits total of Directions courses. SIDI courses are waived and do not count toward Directions course total for Biology majors.
- 3
3 Excluding Genetics, Conservation, Evolution, Ecology, Current Environmental Issues, and Biology Seminar.
- An understanding of the scientific method as the means to increase understanding of the natural world through hypothesis-testing.
- An aptitude for critically reading scientific literature, including primary research journals.
- Proficiency in writing, especially in scientific format.
- An ability to present scientific information orally with emphasis on clear interpretation of scientific data.
- Proficiency in techniques specific to a subdiscipline of biology, including but not limited to laboratory, field, and statistical techniques.
- An understanding of the critical issues facing the environment at local, regional, national, and global scales.
- Biological literacy allowing for the evaluation of new information and emerging issues.
- Readiness for post-graduate experiences in graduate school, professional school, or biology employment
- Research skills such as data collection, laboratory techniques, and working in teams
- Ability to problem-solve and think critically
- Written and verbal communication skills to convey technical and scientific data to both scientific and non-scientific communities