Biology Major
Bachelor of Arts Degree Track in Biology
The A.B. degree track in biology is recommended for those students interested in the biological sciences whose career goals do not require courses in physics or calculus, e.g., scientific illustration, science writing or environmental law. The major requires a minimum of 40 credit hours (10 courses).
Total Credit Hours required for A.B. degree in biology is 40 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 201 | Intro Biol: Form and Function | 4 |
| BIOL 202 | Intro Biol: Ecol and Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL 203 | Intro Biol:Molecules and Cells | |
| Select one BIOL elective course at any level | 4 | |
| Select one BIOL elective course at the 200 level or above | 4 | |
| Two BIOL elective courses at the 300 or 400 level | 8 | |
| Capstone approved by department | 4 | |
| CHEM 111 | Chemical Principles I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 4 |
Total credit hours required for A.B. in biology is 40 credits.
All biology courses include laboratory experiences, fieldwork and/or off-campus field trips. Expanded study and research opportunities are available on the Guilford campus, at the North Carolina coast, in the mountains, and at regional universities and organizations. Several biology courses are included as options for majors in environmental studies, public health, sports studies and health science. Numerous study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to study in various places around the world.
Biology (B.S track.) majors are encouraged to pursue independent research projects under the supervision of a biology faculty member through collaborations with other universities, summer REUs or with Guilford faculty. This research can lead to the generation of a senior thesis (BIOL 470) or departmental honors (BIOL 490). In addition, there are numerous opportunities for student participation in independent studies (BIOL 260 or 460) and internships (BIOL 290).
Bachelor of Arts Degree Track in Forensic Biology
This major provides valuable preparation for those interested in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system, the FBI or the SBI, as well as for work with humanitarian agencies investigating human rights abuses. In addition, students interested in law, journalism and creative writing are encouraged to double-major and thus acquire the knowledge needed to complement their primary field of specialization.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 201 | Intro Biol: Form and Function | 4 |
| BIOL 203 | Intro Biol:Molecules and Cells | |
| BIOL 245 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 4 |
| BIOL 345 SURVEY IN FORENSICS | ||
| BIOL 341 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| CHEM 111 | Chemical Principles I | 4 |
| ART 231 | Photography Fundamentals | 4 |
| Two courses selected from the following (8 credits) | ||
| BIOL 250 | Special Topics | 8 |
| BIOL 215 | General Botany | 4 |
| BIOL 350 | Special Topics | 8 |
| BIOL 342 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 4 |
| Capstone approved by department: suggested capstone includes BIOL 390 Intersnhip | ||
Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in biology is 40 credits.
Bachelor of Science Degree Track in Biology
The B.S. track in Biology is recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study in any area of biology. The major requires a minimum of 56 credit hours (14 courses).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 201 | Intro Biol: Form and Function | 4 |
| BIOL 202 | Intro Biol: Ecol and Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL 203 | Intro Biol:Molecules and Cells | |
| Select one BIOL elective course at any level | 4 | |
| Select one BIOL elective courses at the 200 level or above | 4 | |
| Two BIOL elective courses at the 300 or 400 level | 8 | |
| Capstone approved by department | 4 | |
| CHEM 111 | Chemical Principles I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Four courses selected from the following | ||
| CHEM 231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 232 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CTIS 210 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 4 |
| MATH 112 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| MATH 115 | Elementary Functions | 4 |
| MATH 222 | Calculus II | |
| MATH 220 | Calculus I | |
| PHYS 111 | Introduction to Physics for the Life Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 112 | Introduction to Physics for the Life Sciences II | 4 |
| PHYS 121 | Classical and Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 122 | Classical and Modern Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | College Physics II | 4 |
| SPST 120 | Introduction to Exercise and Sport Sciences | 4 |
| SPST 241 | Motor Learning | 4 |
| SPST 246 | Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise | 4 |
| SPST 311 | Sport and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| SPST 314 | Perspectives in Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 4 |
| SPST 373 | Therapeutic Modalities and Rehabilitation with Lab | 4 |
| SPST 474 | Physical Examination and Assessment with Lab | 4 |
Total Credit Hours required for B.S. degree track in biology is 56 credits
Major Requirements for Biology - Preprofessional B.S. degree track in biology.
The biology B.S. major is recommended for students planning to pursue medical, dental, veterinary or allied health professions. This track major requires a minimum of 52 credit hours (13 courses).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 202 | Intro Biol: Ecol and Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL 203 | Intro Biol:Molecules and Cells | |
| One BIOL elective courses at the 200 level or above | 4 | |
| Two BIOL elective courses at the 300 or 400 level | 8 | |
| Capstone approved by department | 4 | |
| CHEM 111 | Chemical Principles I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 4 |
| Five courses selected from the following based on pre-professional program requirements | ||
| CHEM 231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 232 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH 112 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| MATH 115 | Elementary Functions | 4 |
| MATH 220 | Calculus I | |
| PHYS 211 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | College Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 111 | Introduction to Physics for the Life Sciences I | 4 |
| or PHYS 211 | College Physics I | |
| PHYS 112 | Introduction to Physics for the Life Sciences II | 4 |
| or PHYS 212 | College Physics II | |
| PHYS 121 | Classical and Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 122 | Classical and Modern Physics II | 4 |
| SPST 120 | Introduction to Exercise and Sport Sciences | 4 |
| SPST 241 | Motor Learning | 4 |
| SPST 246 | Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise | 4 |
| SPST 311 | Sport and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| SPST 314 | Perspectives in Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 4 |
| SPST 373 | Therapeutic Modalities and Rehabilitation with Lab | 4 |
| SPST 474 | Physical Examination and Assessment with Lab | 4 |
Total Credit Hours required for pre-professional B.S. degree in biology is 52 credits
Major Requirements for Biology - Forensic Biology B.S. degree track in Biology
The forensic biology B.S. track is recommended for students planning to seek employment in a public or private forensics laboratory. The major also prepares students seeking certification as forensic DNA analysts, forensic drug analysts, or to pursue graduate study in the forensic sciences. This track requires a minimum of 52 credit hours (13 courses).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 201 | Intro Biol: Form and Function | 4 |
| BIOL 203 | Intro Biol:Molecules and Cells | |
| BIOL 245 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 4 |
| BIOL 345 SURVEY IN FORENSICS | ||
| BIOL 341 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| BIOL 449 | Forensic Anthropology | 4 |
| CHEM 111 | Chemical Principles I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 4 |
| ART 231 | Photography Fundamentals | 4 |
| Two courses selected from the following (8 credits) | ||
| BIOL 215 | General Botany | 4 |
| BIOL 313 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 342 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 350 | Special Topics | 8 |
| BIOL 434 | Biochemistry (CHEM 434) | 4 |
| BIOL 443 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 250 | Special Topics | 8 |
| Select two courses from the following (8 credits) | ||
| CHEM 231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 232 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CTIS 210 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 4 |
| MATH 112 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| MATH 115 | Elementary Functions | 4 |
| MATH 220 | Calculus I | |
| PHYS 211 | College Physics I | 4 |
| Capstone approved by department: Suggested Capstone examples include BIOL 390 Internship | ||
Total Credit Hours required for Forensics Biology B.S. degree track in biology is 56 credits
All biology courses include laboratory experiences, fieldwork and/or off-campus field trips. Expanded study and research opportunities are available on the Guilford campus, at the North Carolina coast, in the mountains, and at regional universities and organizations. Several biology courses are included as options for majors in environmental studies, public health, sports studies and health science. Numerous study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to study in various places around the world.
Biology (B.S track.) majors are encouraged to pursue independent research projects under the supervision of a biology faculty member through collaborations with other universities, summer REUs or with Guilford faculty. This research can lead to the generation of a senior thesis (BIOL 470) or departmental honors (BIOL 490). In addition, there are numerous opportunities for student participation in independent studies (BIOL 260 or BIOL 460) and internships (BIOL 290).