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Biology
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Purpose of Biology Program
The biology program provides diverse training for careers in the biological sciences. The
biology curriculum includes content courses required for (1) teacher certification in life science,
(2) acceptance to post-graduate studies and (3) pre-professional studies in preparation for
admission to professional schools.
Students will acquire content and skills to enter a variety of biology-related careers such
as research, marine biology, wildlife and coastal management, environmental protection,
laboratory technician, biotechnology industry, medical or environmental microbiology, technical
writing, pharmaceutical sales, careers in the medical, dental and allied health fields and science
education.
Field and laboratory courses emphasize the development of practical skills in using
special materials and equipment. Focus is on enhancement of critical thinking skills, which will
prepare the student for careers in the biological sciences as well as in other general areas of
employment.
Student learning outcomes include:
 Students will possess a broad understanding of biology.
 Students will understand the scientific method and use it to develop and conduct
biological experiments.
 Students will have the skills necessary to successfully communicate biological
information to a range of audiences.
Requirements of the Undergraduate Biology Program:
The requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree are a minimum of 120
semester credit hours: 45 are from designated University core curriculum courses, 31-33 are
from biology core courses and 42-44 are from biology career track courses. Students select one
of eight biology career track areas: (A) Ecology, (B) Marine Biology, (C) Cell/Molecular
Biology, (D) Microbiology, (E) Animal Biology, (F) Plant Biology, (G) Integrative Biology and
(H) General Biology. The student should select a biology career track after completion of a
minimum of 35 semester hours of university course work and no later than the completion of 50
semester hours. Students are strongly encouraged to take mathematics through Calculus I.
General Requirements
Sem. Hrs.
I.
First-Year Seminars (when applicable)*
(2)
II.
University Core Curriculum**
45
III.
Biology Core Courses
31-33
IV.
Biology Career Track Courses
42-44
Total 120 (122)
*First Year Seminars
First-Year Seminars or Electives
Full-time, first-year students are required to take the following courses:
UCCP 1101/UCCP 1102
First-Year Seminar I, II
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**Three of these four-hour science and mathematics courses are required for all Biology
students: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, and either MATH 1442 or MATH 2413). Only the 3 lecture
hours of each will apply to the University Core Curriculum. Each one-hour laboratory
component will be counted as a Biology Core or Biology Career Track requirement as
appropriate.
I. University Core Curriculum
Sem. Hrs.
Total 45
II. Biology Core Courses
BIOL 1406 Biology I (included in University Core)
BIOL 1407 Biology II (included in University Core)
BIOL 2200 Professional Skills
BIOL 2416 Genetics
BIOL 2421 Microbiology
BIOL 4085 Major Field Test in Biology
BIOL 4292 Senior Biology Presentation
CHEM 1311/1111
General Chemistry I
CHEM 1312/1112
General Chemistry II
CHEM 3411
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 3412
Organic Chemistry II
MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (included in University Core)
OR MATH 3342 Applied Probability and Statistics
Total
Sem. Hrs
(3) 1
(3) 1
2
4
4
0
2
4
4
4
4
(3) 1
3
31-33
A student who takes MATH 3342 to fulfill the Biology Core requirement, must first take MATH
2413; in this case, the 3 lecture hours of MATH 2413 will count as the University Core
Mathematics requirement.
III. Biology Tracks
Each of the tracks is designed to provide the student with specific background in a certain
area of biology. The general biology and integrative biology tracks provide a broad background
in the biological sciences.
Any of the tracks will prepare a student for careers in basic academic, governmental, or
private sector research or consulting. Although some careers require only the B.S. degree, most
require additional graduate training. Students should consult their faculty mentors to determine
which track is most suitable for their career choice.
Each track consists of a core of required courses, with remaining 42-44 hours selected
from a list of electives, to total 120 hours in the total degree (excluding First-Year Seminar).
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their faculty mentor when choosing the
electives.
A. Ecology Track
This track focuses on the interaction of organisms with each other and with the physical
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environment. Students choosing this track will be preparing for careers in agriculture,
environmental protection and conservation, natural resource management, habitat restoration,
field ecology, outdoor recreation and public education.
I. Ecology Core Courses (24 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2472 Principles of Botany
BIOL 3413 Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 3414 Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 3428 Principles of Ecology
BIOL 4408 Microbial Diversity and Ecology
BIOL 4422 Plant Taxonomy
II. Ecology Electives (Choose 20 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371, BIOL 3300, BIOL 3425, BIOL 3430, BIOL 3455, BIOL 3479, BIOL 4350,
BIOL 4371, BIOL 4405, BIOL 4407, BIOL 4409, BIOL 4411, BIOL 4413, BIOL 4425, BIOL
4428, BIOL 4431, BIOL 4432, BIOL 4433, BIOL 4434,BIOL 4436, BIOL 4442, BIOL 4444,
MATH 2413, CHEM 4443, GEOL 3441, Selected Topics (BIOL 4590) with faculty mentor’s
approval, up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives approved by faculty mentor.
B. Marine Biology Track
This track focuses on organisms in marine and coastal systems. Students choosing this track will
be preparing for careers in fisheries and aquaculture, coastal/marine management and
conservation, outdoor recreation, aquatic science, marine zoology and marine animal care.
I. Marine Biology Core Courses (28 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 3413 Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 3414 Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 3428 Principles of Ecology
BIOL 4429 Marine Botany
BIOL 4432 Ichthyology
BIOL 4436 Marine Ecology
BIOL 4444 Estuarine Organisms
II. Marine Biology Electives (Choose 16 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371, BIOL 2472, BIOL 3425, BIOL 3430, BIOL 3455, BIOL 3479, BIOL 4319,
BIOL 4350, BIOL 4370, BIOL 4405, BIOL 4407, BIOL 4408, BIOL 4409, BIOL 4411, BIOL
4425, BIOL 4428, BIOL 4431, BIOL 4433, BIOL 4434, BIOL 4442, CHEM 4344, ESCI 3351,
ESCI 4201, GEOL 3441, MATH 2413, Selected Topics (BIOL 4590) with faculty mentor’s
approval, up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives approved by faculty mentor.
C. Cell/Molecular Biology Track
This track focuses on the chemical, cellular, and tissue levels of biological organization. Students
choosing this track will be preparing for careers in biotechnology, bioinformatics, hospital and
research laboratory positions, industrial quality control, health care professions, and healthrelated sales.
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I. Cell/Molecular Biology Core Courses (22 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 3345 Cell Physiology
BIOL 3403 Molecular Biology
BIOL 3410 Cell Biology
BIOL 4340 Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics
CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I
CHEM 4402 Biochemistry II
II. Cell/Molecular Biology Electives (Choose 22 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371, BIOL 2472, BIOL 3430, BIOL 3455, BIOL 4301, BIOL 4304, BIOL 4350,
BIOL 4371, BIOL 4406, BIOL 4407, BIOL 4408, BIOL 4433, BIOL 4435, BIMS 3401, BIMS
4311, BIMS 4323, BIMS 4327, BIMS 4330, BIMS 4334, BIMS 4335, BIMS 4374, BIMS 4410,
MATH 2413, PHYS 1401 or PHYS 2425, PHYS 1402 or PHYS 2426, Selected Topics (BIOL
4590) with faculty mentor’s approval, up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives
approved by faculty mentor.
D. Microbiology Track
This track focuses on bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Many of these organisms are
important to industry, agriculture and health care. Students choosing this track will be preparing
for careers in industrial, environmental, medical, public health, and agricultural laboratories,
industrial quality control, health care professions, research, biotechnology, and microbiologyrelated sales.
I. Microbiology Core Courses (23 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 3403 Molecular Biology
BIOL 4406 Immunology
BIOL 4408 Microbial Diversity and Ecology
BIMS 4374 Medical Microbiology
CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I
CHEM 4402 Biochemistry II
II. Microbiology Electives (Choose 21 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371, BIOL 3345, BIOL 3410, BIOL 4304, BIOL 4340, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4407,
BIOL 4429, BIOL 4433, BIOL 4435, BIMS 3401, BIMS 4370, BIMS 4375, BIMS 4378, HLSC
3310, MATH 2413, PHYS 1401 or PHYS 2425, PHYS 1402 or PHYS 2426, Selected Topics
(BIOL 4590) with faculty mentor’s approval, up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives
approved by faculty mentor.
E. Animal Biology Track
This track focuses on the natural history, ecology, structure and function of animals. Students
choosing this track will be preparing for careers in wildlife management, conservation and
protection, animal care, zoology, animal systematics, curation, agriculture, and outdoor
recreation.
I. Animal Biology Core Courses (19 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371 Principles of Evolution
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BIOL 3413 Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 3414 Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 3425 Functional Anatomy
or BIOL 3430 Physiology
BIOL 3428 Principles of Ecology
II. Animal Biology Electives (Choose 25 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 3300, BIOL 3403, BIOL 3410, BIOL 3425 if not counted as core, BIOL 3430 if
not counted as core, BIOL 4301, BIOL 4319, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4371, BIOL 4409, BIOL 4411,
BIOL 4413, BIOL 4425, BIOL 4428, BIOL 4431, BIOL 4432, BIOL 4433, BIOL 4434, BIOL
4435, BIOL 4442, BIOL 4444, GEOL 3441, MATH 2413, Selected Topics (BIOL 4590) with
faculty mentor’s approval, up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives approved by
faculty mentor.
F. Plant Biology Track
This track focuses on the natural history, ecology, structure and function of plants. Students
choosing this track will be preparing for careers in horticulture, plant health, plant resources,
plant systematics, biotechnology, curation, forestry, agriculture, habitat restoration and
education.
I. Plant Biology Core Courses (19 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371 Principles of Evolution
BIOL 2472 Principles of Botany
BIOL 3455 Plant Form and Function
BIOL 3479 Plant Ecology
BIOL 4422 Plant Taxonomy
II. Plant Biology Electives (Choose 25 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 3345, BIOL 3403, BIOL 3410, BIOL 4326, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4371, BIOL 4405,
BIOL 4407, BIOL 4408, BIOL 4409, BIOL 4429, BIOL 4413, BIOL 4435, MATH 2413,
Selected Topics (BIOL 4590) with faculty mentor’s approval, up to eight (8) semester hours of
unlisted electives approved by faculty mentor.
G. Integrative Biology Track
This track emphasizes the integration of physical factors, cells, tissues, organs, and organ
systems in producing functional organisms. Students choosing this track will be preparing for
careers in health care, government or academic research, agriculture or biology sales.
I. Integrative Biology Core Courses (15 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371 Principles of Evolution
BIOL 3410 Cell Biology
BIOL 3425 Functional Anatomy
or BIOL 3430
Physiology
or BIOL 3455
Plant Form and Function
BIOL 3428 Principles of Ecology
or BIOL 3479
Plant Ecology
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II. Integrative Biology Electives (Choose 29 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 3300, BIOL 3345, BIOL 3403, BIOL 3425 if not counted as core, BIOL 3428 if
not counted as core, BIOL 3430 if not counted as core, BIOL 3455 if not counted as core, BIOL
3479 if not counted as core, BIOL 4301, BIOL 4340, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4406, BIOL 4407,
BIOL 4409, BIOL 4411, BIOL 4433, BIOL 4435, BIMS 3401, BIMS 4311, BIMS 4323, BIMS
4327, BIMS 4335, BIMS 4410, CHEM 4401, CHEM 4402, MATH 2413, PHYS 1401 or PHYS
2425, PHYS 1402 or PHYS 2426, Selected Topics (BIOL 4590) with faculty mentor’s approval,
up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives approved by faculty mentor.
H. General Biology Track
This track is designed to provide students with broad-based knowledge in all major areas of
biology. Students choosing this track will be preparing for careers in teaching, scientific writing,
technical advising, science law, public education, or biology sales.
I. General Biology Core Courses (31 Sem. Hrs.):
BIOL 2371 Principles of Evolution
BIOL 2472 Principles of Botany
BIOL 3403 Molecular Biology
or CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I
BIOL 3410 Cell Biology
BIOL 3413 Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 3414 Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 3425 Functional Anatomy
or BIOL 3430
Physiology
or BIOL 3455
Plant Form and Function
BIOL 3428 Principles of Ecology
II. General Biology Electives (Choose 13 Sem. Hrs.):
Any upper-division biology (BIOL) courses for which the appropriate prerequisites have been
taken, CHEM 4401 if not counted as core, CHEM 4402, MATH 2413, PHYS 1401 or PHYS
2425, PHYS 1402 or PHYS 2426, Selected Topics (BIOL 4590) with faculty mentor’s approval,
up to eight (8) semester hours of unlisted electives approved by faculty mentor.
BIOLOGY MINOR (20 semester hours)
Students majoring in other academic fields wishing to earn a minor in biology must
complete the following requirements.
Sem. Hrs.
Required Courses:
BIOL 1406 Biology I (included in University Core)
4
BIOL 1407 Biology II (included in University Core)
4
Total
8
Three from the following:
BIOL 2416 Genetics
4
BIOL 2421 Microbiology
4
BIOL 3410 Cell Biology
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BIOL 3413
BIOL 3414
BIOL 3428
Invertebrate Zoology
Vertebrate Biology
Principles of Ecology
Total
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Alternative junior/senior biology courses may be used to satisfy the minor with prior
approval of the Chair of the Department of Life Sciences. Biology courses for non-science
majors cannot be used to fulfill the biology minor. At least six hours must be upper-level
courses.
The Biology Minor consists of 20 hours that give students a chance to explore the life
sciences beyond core requirements. Only courses recommended for science majors count toward
the Biology Minor. Biology I-II with laboratories (BIOL 1406-1407) are required (eight hours),
and at least three hours are chosen from the following four sophomore-level courses: Principles
of Evolution (BIOL 2371), Genetics (BIOL 2416), Microbiology (BIOL 2421) and Principles of
Botany (2472). Sophomore level hours in excess of the required three may count toward the
minor, but lower-division courses other than those listed will not count toward the Biology
Minor. To complete the minor, students must take at least nine additional hours. At least one
course above the first-year level must include a laboratory component. A minor requires at least
six hours of upper-division (3000-4000 level) courses. Students may take most upper-division
courses with either the BIOL or BIMS prefix (if they have appropriate prerequisites), but the
following courses will not count toward the Biology Minor: BIOL 3471, BIOL 3472, BIOL
4100, BIOL 4292, BIOL/BIMS 4299, BIOL 4350, BIOL/BIMS 4396, BIOL/BIMS 4590, BIMS
4382, BIMS 4384, BIMS 4111, BIMS 4170, BIMS 4182, BIMS 4295, BIMS 4297, BIMS 4598
and BIMS 4599. (Students majoring in Biomedical Sciences may not minor in Biology.)
LIFE SCIENCE EDUCATION
Information on the life science education curriculum and requirements for teaching
certification can be found in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education section of the
catalog (College of Science and Technology).
THE HONORS PROGRAM
The Honors Program (admission by application only) offers highly motivated students
from any academic discipline an enriched program of study in which to develop global
perspectives. Appropriate courses approved by both a student’s Biology faculty mentor and
Honors advisor may count toward the Biology degree. Thus, a Biology student in the Honors
track can usually graduate with no additional course work. For more information, consult the
section entitled “Honors Program” near the front of this catalog.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Biology Program, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 784125800. Phone: (361) 825-2754. Web: http://lsci.tamucc.edu/biol
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
All course descriptions are located in one section near the back of the catalog.
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