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  • Biology (CALS)

    The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers a biology major that allows students to develop a broad, integrative background in the biological sciences.

    About This Major

    Overview

    Each specialization develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants and microorganisms and then allows students to select courses to enhance their knowledge in specific areas.

    Critical Tracking for all Specializations

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

    Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

    Semester 1:

    • 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
    • 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework for semesters 1-5
    • Complete CHM 2045/2045L or MAC 2311

    Semester 2:

    • Complete CHM 2045/2045L and MAC 2311

    Semester 3:

    • Complete CHM 2046/2046L, BSC 2010/2010L

    Semester 4:

    • Complete BSC 2011/2011L

    Semester 5:

    • Complete all critical tracking courses, including labs

    Applied Biology
    Biotechnology
    Natural Science
    Preprofessional

    Applied Biology

    For students who are interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving problems. This specialization provides exposure to the major issues facing sustainability of human populations and natural resources. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.

    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2.

    Semester 1 Credits
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    Composition (GE-C) 3
    Elective 2
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 4
    Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4])
    (GE-S)
    3-4
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 3 Credits
    BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
    MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
    3-4
    Electives 5
    Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15-16
    Semester 4 Credits
    AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication or SPC 2608 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
    BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) or
    BOT 2011C Plant Diversity (4)
    4
    CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or
    CHM 2200 and 2200L Organic Chemistry (3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
    3-4
    Applied biology course ** 3
    Elective 3
    Total 16-17
    Semester 5 Credits
    CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory * 5
    PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
    PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
    PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
    1
    Applied biology courses ** 6
    Total 15-16
    Semester 6 Credits
    BCH 3025 or BCH 4024 Biochemistry 4
    PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
    PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
    PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
    1
    Applied biology courses ** 6
    Total 14-15
    Semester 7 Credits
    MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) 4
    Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4]) 3-4
    Applied biology courses ** 6
    Elective 3
    Total 16-17
    Semester 8 Credits
    AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
    Applied biology courses ** 9
    Physiology (ANS 3319C [4], BOT 3503 [3] or HOS 4304 [3]) 3-4
    Total 15-16

    * Not required if CHM 2200 and CHM 2200L were taken.
    ** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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    Biotechnology

    This specialization prepares students for careers where knowledge of molecular biology and genetic engineering are important. Students will have the opportunity to learn various techniques and scientific procedures in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, cell and tissue culture, microscopy and bioinformatics. They also will be prepared for graduate study in the biological sciences.

    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2.

    Semester 1 Credits
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Elective 2
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 4
    Economics (AEB 2014 [3] or AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4], ECO 2023 [4])
    (GE-S)
    3-4
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 3 Credits
    BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) 4
    CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or
    CHM 3217 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 1 (4)
    3-4
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
    MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
    3-4
    Elective 2
    Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15-17
    Semester 4 Credits
    BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry 2 (3) or
    CHM 3218 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 2 (4)
    3-4
    CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory 2
    Electives 7
    Total 16-17
    Semester 5 Credits
    AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication or SPC 2608 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
    BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology * 4
    CHM 3120 and CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry (3) and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1) 4
    PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
    PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
    PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
    1
    Total 15-16
    Semester 6 Credits
    AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
    PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function 3
    PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
    PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
    PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
    1
    Elective 2
    Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4]) 3-4
    Total 15-17
    Semester 7 Credits
    MCB 3020 and MCB 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) 4
    PCB 4674 Evolution 4
    Biotechnology course ** 3
    Electives 4
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    MCB 4304 Genetics of Microorganisms or
    PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics
    3
    Biotechnology course ** 3
    Electives 9
    Total 15

    * Not required if CHM 3218 was taken.
    ** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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    Natural Science

    This specialization is for students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on field biology. The specialization provides exposure to the major forms of flora and fauna, and integrates some of the major elements that influence flora and fauna, namely soil/water relations and human activities. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.

    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2.

    Semester 1 Credits
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Elective 2
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 4
    Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4])
    (GE-S)
    3-4
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 3 Credits
    BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) 4
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
    MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
    3-4
    Electives 5
    Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15-16
    Semester 4 Credits
    BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    CHM 2200 and 2200L Organic Chemistry (3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) 4
    Electives 8
    Total 16
    Semester 5 Credits
    AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication or SPC 2608 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
    PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
    PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
    PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
    1
    Elective 1
    Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4]) 3-4
    Natural science course ** 3
    Total 14-16
    Semester 6 Credits
    AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
    PCB 4674 Evolution 4
    PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
    PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
    PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
    1
    Natural science course ** 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 7 Credits
    Electives 8
    Natural science courses ** 8
    Total 16
    Semester 8 Credits
    Electives 9
    Natural science courses ** 7
    Total 16

    ** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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    Preprofessional

    This specialization prepares biology majors for admission to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school, and it also is excellent preparation for graduate study.

    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2.

    Semester 1 Credits
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Elective 2
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) 4
    MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 4
    Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4])
    (GE-S)
    3-4
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 3 Credits
    BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) 4
    CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 3
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
    MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
    3-4
    Elective 2
    Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15-16
    Semester 4 Credits
    BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 (3) and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory (2) 5
    Electives 7
    Total 16
    Semester 5 Credits
    AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication or SPC 2608 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
    BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 4
    PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
    PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
    PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
    1
    Elective 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 6 Credits
    AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
    MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) or
    PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
    PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
    3-4
    PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
    PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
    1
    Electives 5
    Total 15-17
    Semester 7 Credits
    Electives 6
    Genetics (AGR 3303 [3], PCB 3063 [4] or PCB 4522 [3]) 3-4
    Life science courses ** 6
    Total 15-16
    Semester 8 Credits
    PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals 5
    Life science courses ** 6
    Electives 5
    Total 16

    ** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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majors: biology