Biology (CLAS)
The biology major offers a broader approach to biology than is available through a major in botany, zoology or other specialized biological sciences. Preprofessional students, those seeking careers in secondary education and those with interdisciplinary interests in systematics, ecology, physiology and biochemistry or molecular biology will be interested in this major.
About This Major
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Hours for the Degree: 120
- Specializations: Biology, Biology Secondary Education, Preprofessional
- Minor: No
- Website: major.biology.ufl.edu/tracks-careers/
Overview
This flexible curriculum develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants and microorganisms. It is tailored to meet the needs of preprofessional students, those seeking a career in teaching in secondary education and those students preparing for graduate studies in various areas of biology.
Coursework for the Major
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) students in the biology major can specialize in one of three specializations: basic biology, biology secondary education or preprofessional biology. These specializations require significant introductory coursework and credits in calculus and/or statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Otherwise, they vary in the specific introductory courses and courses that satisfy the degree. These differences provide the options that distinguish one specialization from another. Students can also individualize their curricula with additional biology courses from other departments, colleges and units in the life sciences at UF.
Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
UFTeach Program: There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary biology teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a biology adviser or the UFTeach adviser. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching with their B.S. in biology and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
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Research
All biology, botany and zoology majors are encouraged to participate in research. Research experience is valuable on many levels: It diversifies your college experience; it teaches you how scientists apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real world questions; it gives you the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who are the best in their field; it introduces you to cutting edge scientific questions and techniques; it can enhance your resume/CV when applying to graduate or professional school; and finally, it is essential to help you determine if science is a good career choice for you.
CLAS preprofessional biology, botany and zoology majors may participate in research for course credit, as a scholar (e.g., University Scholar, HHMI Science for Life Scholar, Beckman Scholar), as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant. Please visit Undergraduate Research for more information regarding course credit. Students who plan to enroll for course credit must contact potential research mentors before the end of drop/add. If they miss the drop/add window, they should still contact potential research mentors, if only to discuss upcoming opportunities.
Basic Biology
Biology Secondary Education
Preprofessional Biology
Basic Biology
This specialization is designed for biology majors seeking admission to graduate school in biochemistry, botany, molecular biology, entomology, ecology, fisheries, forestry, wildlife, zoology or other related specialties.
All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.
Required Foundation Coursework
- General Chemistry: CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2046/2046L
- Organic Chemistry: CHM 2210 and CHM 2211/2211L
- Mathematics: MAC 2311 and MAC 2312 -or- STA 2023
- Physics: PHY 2053/2053L and PHY2054/2054L -or-
PHY 2048/2048L and PHY2049/2049L
Required Core Coursework
- BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L Integrated Principles of Biology and Lab
- Genetics: PCB 3063 or AGR 3303 or PCB 4522
- Taxonomic Diversity (complete at least one course from two of the three groups).
- Animal Diversity: ZOO 4205C Invertebrate Biodiversity -or-
ZOO 4307C Vertebrate Biodiversity
- Plant and Fungal Diversity: BOT 2011C Plant Diversity -or-
BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy
- MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms and Laboratory Microbial Diversity
- Structural Biology: PCB 3134 or ZOO 3713C or ZOO 3603C
- PCB 4043C General Ecology
- PCB 4674 Evolution
- BOT 3503/3503L Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants -or-
PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals
Critical Tracking
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.
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
- Complete one of the following in BSC, CHM or MAC: BSC 2010/2010L,
CHM 1025 or CHM 2045/2045L; MAC 1140, MAC 1114, MAC 1147 or MAC 2311
Semester 2
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L, and BSC 2010/2010L or MAC 2311
Semester 3
- Complete BSC 2010/2010L and MAC 2311
Semester 4
- Complete CHM 2046/2046L and BSC 2011/2011L with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Semester 5
- Complete CHM 2210 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) |
4 |
| HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) |
3 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) |
4 |
| Elective (BSC 1920 First Year Introduction: Biology at UF recommended) |
1 |
| 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 2312 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) (GE-M) or
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) (GE-M) |
3-4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
13-14 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) |
4 |
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or
CHM 3217 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 1 (4) |
3-4 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
16-17 |
| 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) - if CHM 2210 was taken Semester 3 - or
CHM 3218 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 2 |
3-4 |
| CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| Composition (GE-C) |
3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Total |
15-16 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
| PCB 4043C General Ecology |
4 |
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
PHY 2048 Physics 1 with Calculus (3) |
3-4 |
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics 1 with Calculus Laboratory |
1 |
| Elective (3000 level or above, not in major), if needed |
8-6 |
| Total |
16-15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
PCB 3063 (4) Genetics or
AGR 3303 (3) Genetics or
PCB 4522 (3) Molecular Genetics |
3-4 |
PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
PHY 2049 Physics 2 with Calculus (3) |
3-4 |
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics 2 with Calculus Laboratory |
1 |
| Electives |
7-0 |
| First Taxonomic diversity course |
3-4 |
| Total |
17-13 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
BOT 3303C Introduction to Vascular Plant Morphology (4) or
PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function (3) or
ZOO 3603C Evolutionary Developmental Biology (4) or
ZOO 3713C Functional Vertebrate Anatomy (4) |
3-4 |
| Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) |
3 |
| Foreign language |
5 |
| Second Taxonomic diversity course |
3-4 |
| Total |
14-16 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
BOT 3503 Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants (3) and BOT 3503L Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants Laboratory (2) or
PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals (5) |
5 |
| PCB 4674 Evolution |
4 |
| Foreign language |
5 |
| Total |
14 |
Note: Additional electives may be needed to complete the 120 hours required for graduation.
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Biology Secondary Education
This specialization is for biology majors seeking a secondary school teaching career in the life sciences. Students in this track should also consult an adviser in the College of Education.
All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.
Required Foundation Coursework
- General Chemistry: CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2046/2046L
- Organic Chemistry: CHM 2200/2200L
- Mathematics: MAC 2311 and MAC 2312 -or- STA 2023
- Physics: PHY 2004/2004L and PHY 2005/2005L -or-
PHY 2053/2053L and PHY 2054/2054L -or-
PHY 2048/2048 and PHY 2049/2049L
Required Core Coursework
- BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L Integrated Principles of Biology and Lab
- Genetics: PCB 3063 or AGR 3303 or PCB 4522
- PCB 4674 Evolution
- ZOO 4205C Invertebrate Biodiversity
- ZOO 4307C Vertebrate Biodiversity
- Plant and Fungal Diversity: BOT 2011C Plant Diversity -or-
BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy
- Physiology and Molecular Biology: BOT 3503/3503L -or- PCB 4723C
- PCB 4043C General Ecology
Critical Tracking
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.
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
- Complete one of the following in BSC, CHM or MAC: BSC 2010/2010L,
CHM 1025 or CHM 2045/2045L; MAC 1140, MAC 1114, MAC 1147 or MAC 2311
Semester 2
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L, and BSC 2010/2010L or MAC 2311
Semester 3
- Complete BSC 2010/2010L and MAC 2311
Semester 4
- Complete CHM 2046/2046L and BSC 2011/2011L with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Semester 5
- Complete CHM 2200 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) |
4 |
| HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) |
3 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) |
4 |
| Elective (BSC 1920 First Year Introduction: Biology at UF recommended) |
1 |
| 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 2312 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) (GE-M) or
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) (GE-M) |
3-4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
13-14 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) |
4 |
| CHM 2200 and 2200L Basic Organic Chemistry (3) and Basic Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) |
4 |
| Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) |
3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
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 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
| PCB 3063 Genetics |
4 |
| PCB 4043C General Ecology |
4 |
PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
PHY 2048 Physics 1 With Calculus (3) or
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) |
3-4 |
PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics 1 With Calculus Laboratory or
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory |
1 |
| Foreign language |
5 |
| Total |
17-18 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
BOT 2011C Plant Diversity (4) or
BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy (3) |
3-4 |
PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
PHY 2049 Physics 2 With Calculus (3) or
PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) |
3-4 |
PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics 2 With Calculus Laboratory or
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory |
1 |
| ZOO 4205C Invertebrate Biodiversity |
4 |
| Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) |
3-0 |
| Total |
14-13 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| PCB 4674 Evolution |
4 |
| ZOO 4307C Vertebrate Biodiversity |
4 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) |
6-3 |
| Total |
17-14 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals |
5 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) |
6 |
| Total |
14 |
Note: Additional electives may be needed to complete the 120 hours required for graduation.
Recommended additional courses include:
BOT 3503 Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plant (3)
MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Laboratory (1)
See biology advisers for additional courses.
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Preprofessional
This specialization is for biology majors seeking admission to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary or other professional schools. Students in this track should contact the biology adviser or the Academic Advising Center in 100 Farrior Hall for specific requirements.
All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.
Required Foundation Coursework
- General Chemistry: CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2046/2046L
- Organic Chemistry:;CHM 2210 and CHM 2211/2211L
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: BCH 4024
- Mathematics: MAC 2311 and MAC 2312 -or- STA 2023
- Physics: PHY2053/2053L and PHY2054/2054L -or-
PHY 2048/2048L and PHY2049/2049L
Required Core Coursework
- BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L Integrated Principles of Biology and Lab
- Genetics: PCB 3063 or AGR 3303 or PCB 4522
- PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals
- MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms and Laboratory -or-
PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function
- 12 hours of approved additional life science courses
Critical Tracking
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.
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
- Complete one of the following in BSC, CHM or MAC: BSC 2010/2010L,
CHM 1025 or CHM 2045/2045L; MAC 1140, MAC 1114, MAC 1147 or MAC 2311
Semester 2
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L, and BSC 2010/2010L or MAC 2311
Semester 3
- Complete BSC 2010/2010L and MAC 2311
Semester 4
- Complete CHM 2046/2046L and BSC 2011/2011L with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Semester 5
- Complete CHM 2210 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) |
4 |
| HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H) |
3 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) |
4 |
| Elective (BSC 1920 First Year Introduction: Biology at UF recommended) |
1 |
| 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 2312 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) (GE-M) or
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) (GE-M) |
3-4 |
| Composition (GE-C) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
13-14 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) |
4 |
| CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) |
3 |
| Total |
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 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
AGR 3303 Genetics (3) or
PCB 3063 Genetics (4) or
PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics (3) |
3-4 |
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
PHY 2048 Physics 1 with Calculus (3) |
3-4 |
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics 1 with Calculus Laboratory |
1 |
| Composition (GE-C) |
3 |
| Foreign language |
5 |
| Total |
15-17 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
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 2 with Calculus (3) |
3-4 |
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics 2 with Calculus Laboratory |
1 |
| Elective |
3-0 |
| Foreign language |
5 |
| Total |
15-14 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
4 |
| Additional life sciences (approved list) |
8 |
| Electives |
5-3 |
| Total |
17-15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals |
5 |
| Additional life sciences (approved list) |
4 |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
Note: Additional electives may be needed to complete the 120 hours required for graduation.
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