Biology Major
Requirements
Degree Requirements
This major is available as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, as defined in the section on degree requirements for all majors in this catalog.
Major Requirements
38 credits from within the department, plus an additional 16 CHEM credits, for a combined total of 54 credits1:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 210 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY 2 | 4 |
| BIOL 211 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY 2 | 4 |
| BIOL 270 | GENETICS | 5 |
| BIOL 285 | PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY | 5 |
| BIOL 400 | MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY | 5 |
| BIOL 450 | EVOLUTION | 5 |
| BIOL 486 | SENIOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAM | 1 |
| Select nine additional BIOL credits from courses numbered 220 or higher. | 9 | |
| Biology Major also requires: | ||
| CHEM 210 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 211 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 321 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 322 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| Total Credits | 54 | |
- 1
No more than a total of 5 credits from the following may apply towards a Biology major or minor: BIOL 220, BIOL 480, BIOL 487, BIOL 490.
- 2
For either a major or minor, students with an AP Biology test score of 5, or with a score of 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate subject exam in biology, receive 4 elective credits of Biology. They are not exempt from taking BIOL 210 and BIOL 211.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- an understanding of the basic principles and concepts of biology;
- an advanced level of competence in four areas of biology:
- hereditary biology;
- cell biology;
- ecology; and
- evolutionary biology;
- the ability to think critically and quantitatively;
- the ability to synthesize information from a variety of different sources; and
- the ability to write and speak in the discipline.
Oregon Preliminary Teaching Licensure in Biology
Students also seeking an Oregon Preliminary Teaching Licensure in Biology must also complete a Secondary Education major with Licensure. In order to complete the Secondary Education major with Licensure, students should begin taking education courses no later than their sophomore year. The student must be advised by faculty in both majors.