Biology, BA or BS

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Requirements for the Biology Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements.

2. Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for all coursework in biology.

All courses required for the biology major must be graded A-F.

3. Complete the biology core (35-38 credits)

BI 211 - Principles of Biology: Molecules, Cells, and Genes 5 credits (4 or 5 credits required)
BI 212 - Principles of Biology: Evolution and Diversity 5 credits (4 or 5 credits required)
BI 213 - Principles of Biology: Function and Ecology of Organisms 5 credits (4 or 5 credits required)
BI 314 - Comparative Animal Physiology 4 credits
or
BI 331 - Plant Physiology 5 credits
BI 340 - Ecology 4 credits
BI 341 - Genetics 4 credits
BI 342 - Cell Biology 4 credits
BI 348 - Evolution 4 credits

4. Electives (14-20 credits)

Complete a minimum of 4 upper-division biology electives, with a total of at least 14 credits. The following courses may not be used as upper-division biology electives: BI 401-405, . A maximum of 3 credits from and may be applied to this requirement. Only 1 credit may be from . In addition, 3 or 4 credits of biochemistry ( or ) may be applied to this requirement, Biogeochemistry () may be applied to this requirement, and Biogeography (BI 435 & BI 435L) may be applied to this requirement, if the courses are not used to fulfill biology requirements for chemistry or geospatial technology.

5. Capstone (6-8 credits)

The capstone integrates skills and knowledge gained in the major. Students plan a project, conduct research, write a final report in the format of a scientific paper suitable for publication, and make a formal oral presentation of their findings to faculty and peers.

The Biology capstone requirement can be completed by one of three options. All options require completion of Capstone Preparation () during the junior year.

Option 1 - Comprehensive Literature Review

Option 2 - Independent Research Project

(3-4 credits)
(1-2 credits)

Option 3 - Internship/Practicum

(3 credits)
(1 credit)

6. Complete the general chemistry sequence with labs (15 credits):

Pre-professional Programs

Students planning a career in a medical or allied health field such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or other professional areas such as wildlife biology, resource management or conversation should consult an appropriate advisor as soon as possible, and meet with an advisor each term. More information available in catalog section for Preprofessional Programs. The list of Biology advisors can be found by visiting https://sou.edu/academics/biology/advising/.

Ecology, Conservation, and Natural Resources

Students planning a career or graduate study in a natural resource related field such as ecology, wildlife biology, fishery biology, natural resource management, or conservation are strongly encouraged to take additional coursework and develop skills in geospatial technology ( and ). Students should consult an appropriate advisor as soon as possible, and meet with an advisor each term. The list of Biology advisors can be found by visiting https://sou.edu/academics/biology/advising/.

Biology Honors Program

Juniors and seniors who wish to graduate with honors in biology must petition the Biology Program for admission to the honors program and have support from a faculty mentor. Honors students conduct independent research with a biology faculty mentor, prepare a written report in an accepted editorial style, and make a formal oral presentation. Honors graduates must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in all biology courses taken for the major and a minimum overall 3.00 GPA. These GPA requirements apply to coursework taken at SOU only. Completion of the honors program satisﬁes the Senior Capstone requirement. The transcripts and diplomas of students completing the honors program indicate that their degrees were awarded with departmental honors.

Southern Oregon University Catalog