Biology Interest Session
Dr. Carol Trent
Professor
Biology Department
Biology Department
Mission Statement
To provide an outstanding learning environment
for students that integrates education,
scholarship, and service to actively engage
students in the biological sciences and to foster
their development as lifelong learners.
We accomplish our mission by:
• Offering a broad-based, rigorous, and integrated
curriculum
• Fostering critical thinking and quantitative reasoning
skills
• Offering opportunities for undergraduate research
and writing
• Providing for timely completion of degree
Biology Degree Programs
• Bachelor of Science:
– Biology
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General Emphasis
Cell Emphasis
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Emphasis
Marine Biology Emphasis
Secondary Teaching Emphasis
– Cellular & Molecular Biology
– Biology/Anthropology (Combined major)
– Biology/Mathematics (Combined major)
Biology Degree Programs (cont.)
• Bachelor of Arts:
– Biology
– Behavioral Neurosciences (Combined major with
Psychology)
– Biology/Anthropology (Combined major)
• Bachelor of Arts in Education
– Biology/Chemistry Secondary Ed.
Overview of Biology Major
• Two phases for all Biology majors:
– In Phase I students take foundation courses in
chemistry and biology that will provide them with the
concepts, vocabulary, and study skills necessary to
succeed in upper division courses
– In Phase II students are eligible to take upper-division
courses and explore the major sub-disciplines of
biology
Phase I
• Complete math courses up to and including
Calculus (Math 124)
• General Chemistry series (Chem 121, 122 and
123)
• Introductory Biology series (Biol 204, 205 and
206)
Admission requirements for
Phase II
• Grade point average of 2.9 or higher from the
general chemistry (Chem 121, 122, 123) and
introductory biology (Biol 204, 205, 206) series
• Students can retake one of the six courses to
improve GPA
Phase II majors
• Take of upper-division courses that build on the
content of introductory biology series as well as
courses in chemistry and physics.
• Students may select coursework from a specific area
of biology or be generalists.
• Engage in research projects, internships, service
learning activities.
What do our majors do after
graduation?
• Variety of careers including:
– Education
– Government and non-government agencies
– Biotechnology firms
– Scientific research technicians
– Graduate or professional schools
• Our majors graduate with the analytical
skills to succeed in a variety of careers.
What you should do to prepare a
schedule of classes
• Determine your math level
• Plan on taking 2 science courses (including
math) each quarter and supplement with
non-science or GUR courses
• Use the handout to determine the best
schedule for you depending on your Math
Placement Test score.
Sample Schedules
Based on Math Placement Test Score
If math level is:
Fall
Winter
Spring
Completed college
Calculus course
Math 125
Chem 121
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Chem 122
Biol 204
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Chem 123
Biol 205
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Math Placement
Test score:
Advanced 20-30
Math 124
Chem 121
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Biol 204
Chem 122
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Biol 205
Chem 123
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Math Placement
Test score:
Advanced 15-19
Intermediate 25-35
Math 118
Chem 121
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Math 124
Chem 121
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Chem 122
Biol 204
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Math Placement
Test score:
Advanced 10-14
Intermediate 20-24
Math 114
7-10 cr non-science GURs
Math 115
Chem 121
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Math 124
Chem 122
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Math Placement
Test score:
Intermediate 15-19
Math 112
7-10 credits of non-science
GURs
Math 114
Math 115
7-10 credits of non-science
Chem 121
GURs
3-5 cr. non-science GURs
Highly recommended book:
Essential Study Skills for
Science Students
by Daniel D. Chiras (Brooks/Cole
Publisher; Thomas Learning)
ISBN 0-534-37595-2
In bookstore, about $3.00
Parting Advice!!
• Put in the time needed to succeed!
You should spend about 3 hours studying outside of
class for each hour of lecture.
• Declare your major as soon as you decide
• Talk with your professors and faculty advisor
• Become integrated into the campus
community
• Take care of your health