Program: Biology, BSBIO - University of North Texas

Apr 01, 2025

2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog

The university’s investment in Institutes of Research Excellence, cross-disciplinary research clusters and our participation in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science Education Alliance gives you hands-on experience in complex research as you earn your Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Degree requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied for a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology. Foundation Course requirements must be successfully completed prior to advancing to upper-division major requirements.

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 36 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the University Core Curriculum in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Science degree requirements .

Major requirements

Foundation course requirements

The Foundation course requirements listed below must be completed before enrollment in 3000 and 4000 level courses required for the major. Successful completion is based on achieving a C or better in each course and an overall 2.5 grade point average in these courses.

Biology courses:

One of the following courses (with lab, if indicated):

Chemistry courses:

Math courses:

MATH 1650 - Pre-Calculus

Biology requirements

In addition to the biology foundation courses, students must complete a second 2000 level biology course, the advanced biology requirements, one physiology course with laboratory, and 16 advanced biology elective hours (of which 2 courses must be with laboratory).

Options for the second 2000 level course requirement (with lab, if indicated):

Advanced biology requirements:

Physiology requirement options (with lab):

Advanced biology electives:

Any BIOL 3000 or 4000 level 3 hour course or course with lab, except BIOL 3350 /BIOL 3360 , BIOL 3500 and BIOL 4700 . At least 2 courses must be with laboratory.

By selecting upper-division biology courses from a subdiscipline, it is possible for the BS student to establish, unofficially, an area of study in general biology, microbiology, animal physiology/neuroscience, cell and molecular biology/genetics, or plant sciences in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.

Other course requirements

These requirements include a replacement of a university core course, and courses in physics and math.

Chemistry requirements

Students must complete a minor in chemistry with a minimum of 20 hours. This includes the 12 hours of chemistry foundation courses plus 8 hours as follows:

Plus 4 advanced hours chosen from

Electives

Hours required for electives may vary based on course selection and the University Core Curriculum requirements. Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement and/or the minimum total hours required for the degree. For specific information see an academic advisor in the College of Science.

Other requirements

Only two attempts will be allowed for each biology and biochemistry course in the degree. Grade of C or better and minimum 2.5 grade point average in Foundation Courses, C or better in all upper-division courses counting towards major requirements, and an overall 2.0 grade point average are required for graduation. All students seeking to enter the Department of Biological Sciences, with the exception of beginning freshmen, must meet the minimum grade point averages given above. Students in the department whose Foundation Course or overall grade point average drops below the minimum for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the program.