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 1110Biological Science I (TECO)4
BI 1120Biological Science II4
BI 2270Integrative Biology (WECO)4
GE 2050GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO)4
BI 3060Genetics4
BI 3130Evolution4
BI 3240Conservation (DICO,GACO)3
BI 4050Ecology (QRCO,WRCO)4
BI 4800Current Environmental Issues3
BI 4980Biology Seminar2
BI3000/4000 level Biology electives (not already required in the major) 18
CH 1050Laboratory Safety1
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 3370Organic Chemistry I4
2000 Level Electives
Complete two courses from the following:8
BI 2030
Invertebrate Zoology
BI 2040
Vertebrate Zoology
BI 2070
Botany
Physical Science Electives
Complete 4 credits from the following:4
PH 2110
College Physics I
PH 2510
University Physics I
CH 3380
Organic Chemistry II
CH 3650
Environmental Chemistry
Mathematics Foundations
MA 1800College Algebra (equivalent Math Placement Score or passing grade in higher level math course) 20-3
MA 2130Precalculus (QRCO)3-4
or MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO)
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 34-7
IS 4220Signature Project (INCO,INCP)4
Electives16-20
Total Credits120
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

Directions must total a minimum of 16 credits.

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).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
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
 Credits27-32
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
BI 2030
 Invertebrate Zoology
BI 2040
 Vertebrate Zoology
BI 2070
 Botany
GE 2050 GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 3-4
Electives 3
 Credits30-31
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
CH 3380
 Organic Chemistry II
CH 3650
 Environmental Chemistry
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 6-8
Electives 4
 Credits29-31
Year Four
BI 3130 Evolution 4
BI 4050 Ecology (QRCO,WRCO) 4
BI 4800 Current Environmental Issues 3
BI 4980 Biology Seminar 2
BI3000/4000 level Biology electives 3 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 0-4
Electives 5-9
 Credits22-30
 Total Credits120
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
Biologists study living organisms and their relationships to the environment from molecules, to cells, to ecosystems. Most specialize in a particular discipline within biology, sometimes by pursuing a specialized degree like Environmental Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. Some go on to attain further education in graduate school or a health professional school for medicine, public health, or pharmacy. There are as many job opportunities as areas of study.
For more information, visit Career Services in the Global Education Office.
 
Sample Job Titles include: Biochemist, Botanist, Ecologist, Fishery Biologist, High School Science Teacher, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Veterinarian, Medical doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Research Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical scientist, Virologist
 
See the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook for a complete list.
 
Useful Skills for Jobs in the Biology Fields
  • 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