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    Biology (CLAS)

    The biology majors combine the faculty and resources of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to prepare undergraduates for careers in the biological sciences, advanced study in professional and graduate schools, productive citizenship and leadership, and lifelong learning. The program is comprehensive and flexible, emphasizing the diverse forms, processes, and systems of life. Students in the program complete required and elective courses that promote critical thinking through the investigation and understanding of principles and unifying themes that govern living systems. The biology major offers a broader approach to biology than is available through a major in botany, zoology or other specialized biological sciences majors.

    About This Major

    • College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
    • Credits for Degree: 120
    • Specializations: B.S. - Integrative Biology, B.S. - Preprofessional
    • Minor: No
    • Academic Learning Compact: Biology
    • Website: major.biology.ufl.edu

    Overview

    The biology majors develop fundamental knowledge of animals, plants and microorganisms. The majors and specializations are tailored to meet the needs of preprofessional students, those students preparing for graduate studies in biology or specialized areas, and those seeking careers in education, the allied health professions and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism and bioscience management.

    The CLAS Bachelor of Science in biology offers two specializations. The Bachelor of Science – Integrative Biology is designed for students preparing for graduate studies in biology or specialized areas such as ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, physiology and systematics. The Bachelor of Science – Preprofessional Biology is designed for students preparing for admission to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary or other professional schools.

    The Bachelor of Arts in biology is a flexible degree that is best suited for students interested in a career in education, the allied health professions, and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism, and bioscience management.

    Coursework for the Majors

    The B.S. biology specializations require significant introductory coursework and credits in general biology, calculus and/or statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. The B.A. requires less preparation in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Students who are uncertain about the program that best suits their goals should consult a biology adviser for information and curriculum planning. Students can also individualize their curricula with additional life science courses from other departments, colleges and units at UF.

    Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

    UFTeach Program: There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary school 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.A. or B.S. in biology and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.​

    Research

    All biology majors are encouraged to participate in research. Research experience is valuable on many levels: it diversifies the college experience, teaches how scientists apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real world questions, provides the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who are the best in their field, enables participation in cutting edge scientific questions and techniques, enhances the student's resume/CV when applying to graduate or professional school and finally, it is essential to help the student determine if science is an appropriate career choice.

    CLAS biology majors may participate in research for course credit, as a scholar (e.g., University Scholar), as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant. Please visit the UF Biology Research page for more information.

    Bachelor of Arts
    Bachelor of Science - Integrative Biology
    Bachelor of Science - Preprofessional Biology

    Back to Top​

    Bachelor of Arts

    The B.A. major is designed for students interested in a career in education, the allied health professions, and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism, and bioscience management. The B.A. is not recommended for students preparing for health professions such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

    All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.

    Required Foundation Coursework

    • General Biology: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L
    • General Chemistry: CHM 1030 and 1031 -or-
      CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2046/2046L
    • Mathematics: MAC 1147 -or- MAC 1114 and MAC 1140 -or- higher math course
    • Physics: PHY 2004/2004L and PHY 2005/2005L -or-
      PHY 2053/2053L and PHY 2054/2054L
    • Statistics: STA 2023

    Required Core Coursework

    This major requires a minimum of 30 credits in core courses. Any additional credits remaining after completion of required coursework must be met by taking courses from the approved B.A. electives in the biological sciences.

    • Biology Distribution Courses - Complete at least one course from three of these four groups:
      • Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Genetics: AGR 3303, BCH 3023, PCB 3023, PCB 3063, PCB 3134, PCB 4522 or PCB 4553
      • Organismal Biology: BOT 3303C, BOT 3503 and 3503L, BSC 3096, MCB 2000 and MCB 2000L, MCB 3020 and 3020L, PCB 3134, PCB 3713C, PCB 4712, PCB 4723C, ZOO 3603C or ZOO 3713C
      • Ecology: BSC 3307C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4043C
      • Evolution and Diversity: BOT 2011C, BOT 2710C, BOT 3151C, PCB 4674, ZOO 3513C, ZOO 4205C or ZOO 4307C
    • B.A. Electives: 15 credits minimum approved biological science courses
    • Capstone: BSC 4936 Critical Analysis of Biological Research

    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

    • Complete one of the following: BSC 2010/2010L; or CHM 1025 or CHM 1030 or CHM 2045/2045L; or MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher math course
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 2

    • Complete CHM 1030 or CHM 2045/2045L and one of the following: BSC 2010/2010L or MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher MAC course
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 3

    • Complete BSC 2010/2010L and MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher MAC course
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 4

    • Complete CHM 1031 or CHM 2046/2046L; BSC 2011/2011L; and MAC 1147 or equivalent or higher MAC course with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 5

    • Complete at least one biology distribution course
    • 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Recommended Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. 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 1030 Basic Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1 (3) or
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1)
    (GE-P)    		 3-4
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H)​ 3​
    MAC 1147 Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry (GE-M) 4
    Biology elective (BSC 1920 First Year Introduction: Biology at UF recommended) 1
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Total 14-15
    Semester 2 Credits
    CHM 1031 Basic Chemistry Concepts and Applications 2 (3) or
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1)    		 3-4
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) (GE-M) 3
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Elective 3-4
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15-17
    Semester 3 Credits
    BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    Elective 3
    Foreign Language 5
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 4 Credits
    BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    Foreign Language 5
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 5 Credits
    PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) and PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory (1) 4
    Biology distribution courses, two 6-8
    ​Elective ​3
    Elective (3000 level or above, not in major)​ ​3
    Total 16-18
    Semester 6 Credits
    PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory (1) 4
    Biology distribution course 3-5
    ​Elective ​3
    Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) 3
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 16-18
    Semester 7 Credits
    Biology electives (see list below) 9
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    ​BSC 4936 Critical Analysis of Biological Research ​2
    Biology electives (see list below) 6
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Total 14

    Additional electives may be needed to complete the 120 credits required for graduation.

    Back to Top​

    B.A. Electives in the Biological Sciences

    Courses Credits Prerequisites and Requirements
    AGR 4320 Plant Breeding 3 Prereq: AGR 3303 or PCB 3063
    ALS 4161 Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and
    BSC 2011/2011L or equivalent;
    Coreq: One of AGR 3005, HOS 3020,
    ENY 3005/3005L or PLP 3002C
    ALS 4162 Consequences of Biological Invasions 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L or equivalent;
    Only one of ALS 4162 and ALS 4163 can apply toward ALS credits
    ALS 4163 Challenges in Plant Resource Protection 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and
    BSC 2011/2011L or equivalent;
    Coreq: One of HOS 3020,
    ENY 3005/ 3005L or PLP 3002C;
    Only one of ALS 4162 or ALS 4163 can apply toward ALS credits
    ANS 3006C Introduction to Animal Science 4 None
    ANS 3319C Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in Domestic Animals 4 Prereq: ANS 3006C, BSC 2010/2010L or equivalent
    ANS 3440 Principles of Animal Nutrition 4 Prereq: CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L
    ANT 4531 Molecular Genetics of Disease 3 Prereq: BSC 2011 or instructor permission
    ANT 4552 Primate Behavior 3 None
    ANT 4554C Primate Evolution 3 Prereq: ANT 3514C or instructor permission
    ANT 4586 Human Evolution 3 Prereq: ANT 3514C or equivalent
    BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy 3 None
    BOT 2800C Plants in Human Affairs 3 None
    BOT 3151C Local Flora of North Florida 3 None
    BOT 3503 and 3503L Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants and Laboratory 3 + 2 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2009 or BSC 2010; and CHM 2046C. Coreq: BOT 3503L (lab may be taken in subsequent term)
    BOT 4621 Plant Geography 2 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and
    BSC 2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C, or instructor permission
    BOT 4935 Special Topics in Botany 1-4 None
    BSC 1920 First Year Intro: Biology at UF 1 None
    BSC 2862 Global Change Ecology and Sustainability 3 None
    BSC 3402 Theory and Practice in the Biological Sciences 2 None
    BSC 3911 Entering Research in Biology 1 Coreq: BSC 4910 or BOT 4905 or
    ZOO 4905 or IDH 4917, a seminar course to complement mentored research
    BSC 4812C Evolutionary Biogeography 3 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    BSC 4910 Individual Mentored Research
    in Biology    		 0-3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC
    2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C;
    Coreq: BSC 3911
    BSC 4912 Advanced Mentored Research
    in Biology    		 0-4 Prereq: BSC 4910 and BSC 3911
    ENY 3005 and 3005L Principles of Entomology and Laboratory 2+1 Lecture and lab must be completed together
    ENY 3007C Life Science 3 None
    ENY 3163 Invertebrate Field Biology 3 None
    ENY 3563 Introduction to Tropical Entomology 3 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L
    ENY 3564L Tropical Entomology Field Laboratory 2 Prereq: ENY 3563
    ENY 4161 Insect Classification 3 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L
    ENY 4210 Insects and Wildlife 3 Prereq: ENY 3005L or equivalent entomology lab
    ENY 4453 Behavioral Ecology and Systematics 3 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L
    ENY 4455C Social Insects 3 None
    ENY 4660 and 4660L Medical and Veterinary Entomology and Laboratory 2+1 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L; Lecture and lab must be completed together
    FAS 4202C Biology of Fishes 4 Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L
    FAS 4305C Introduction to Fishery Science 3 Prereq: refer to the department
    FOR 3342C Tree Biology 3 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2011C
    GLY 3603C Paleontology 4 Prereq: refer to department
    HOS 3305 Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology 3 Prereq: APB 2150, BOT 2010C or
    BSC 2010
    HOS 4304 Horticultural Physiology 3 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2010
    HOS 4313C Laboratory Methods in Plant Molecular Biology 2 Prereq: AGR 3303 or HOS 3305 and
    PCB 3063
    HUN 4221 Nutrition and Metabolism 3 Prereq: BCH 3025 or BCH 4024;
    PCB 4723C or APK 2105C;
    HUN 3403 and HUN 4445
    MCB 4203 Bacterial and Viral Pathogens 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023 with minimum grade of C
    MCB 4304 Genetics of Microorganisms 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023, and MCB 3020L or MCB 3023L, with minimum grades of C; BCH 4024 should be taken before MCB 4403
    MCB 4320C Bacterial Genome Sequencing and Analysis 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023
    MCB 4403 Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function 3 Prereq: CHM 2211, and MCB 3020 or MCB 3023, and MCB 3020L or MCB 3023L with minimum grades of C; BCH 4024 should be taken before MCB 4403
    MCB 4503 General Virology 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023 or MCB 4203 or PCB 3023 or BCH 3023 or PCB 3134 with minimum grade of C
    NEM 3002 Principles of Nematology 3 None
    PCB 3023 Essential Cell Biology 3 Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L with minimum grades of C
    PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function 3 Prereq: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C; BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L, or equivalent, or AGR 3303 and CHM 2210. Coreq: CHM 2211 and CHM 2211L. May count as a CALS life science elective if not used as a degree requirement.
    PCB 3601C Plant Ecology 3 Prereq: introductory college biology or botany
    PCB 4043C General Ecology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    PCB 4233 Immunology 3 Prereq: MCB 3023, MCB 3020 or equivalent
    PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023 with minimum grade of C
    PCB 4674 Evolution 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C;
    Coreq: one semester of calculus; PCB 3063 recommended
    PLP 3002C Fundamentals of Plant Pathology 4 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2010
    PLS 3004C Principles of Plant Science 3 BOT 2010C or BSC 2010
    PLS 3223 and 3223L Plant Propagation and Laboratory 2+1 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2010;
    Coreq: PLS 3221L; lecture and lab must be completed together
    PSB 3002 Physiological Psychology 3 Prereq: PSY 2012
    PSB 3340 Behavioral Neuroscience 3 Prereq: BSC 2010;
    PSB 3340 is recommended for IDS majors in Neurobiological Sciences
    PSB 4434 Neurochemistry, Pharmacology and Behavior 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4504 Developmental Psychobiology 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4654 Chemical Senses and Behavior 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4810 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4823 Principles of Integrative Physiological Psychology 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    WIS 3401 and 3401L Wildlife Ecology and Management and Laboratory 3+1 Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L
    WIS 3402 and 3402L Wildlife of Florida and Laboratory 3+1 None
    WIS 3553C Introduction to Conservation Genetics 4 Prereq: STA 2023, and either FOR 3153C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C
    WIS 4203C Introduction to Landscape Ecology 3 Prereq: STA 2023, and either FOR 3153C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C; and FOR 3434C, GIS 3043, SUR 3393/3393L or URP 4273
    WIS 4443C Wetland Wildlife Ecology 4 Prereq: WIS 3401
    WIS 4501 Introduction to Wildlife Population Ecology 3 Prereq: PCB 3034C and WIS 3401; and FOR 3153C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C
    WIS 4547C Avian Field Techniques 2 Prereq: One course each in ecology and vertebrate ecology
    WIS 4554 Conservation Biology 3 Prereq: PCB 3063 or WIS 3553C; and FOR 3153C, PCB 3034C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C; and WIS 3401
    WIS 4601C Quantitative Wildlife Ecology 3 Prereq: STA 2023 and WIS 3401
    WIS 4945C Wildlife Techniques 2 Prereq: WSC 3402
    ZOO 3513C Animal Behavior 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674
    ZOO 3603C Evolutionary Developmental Biology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 3713C Functional Vertebrate Anatomy 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4205C Invertebrate Zoology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L with minimum grades of C and PCB 4674 with minimum grade of C (recommended)
    ZOO 4232 Human Parasitology 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L;
    BSC 2011/2011L or AGR 3303 with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4307C Vertebrate Zoology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4403C Marine Biology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4472C Avian Biology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674 (recommended)
    ZOO 4926 Special Topics in Zoology 1-4 Can be repeated with change in content up to 8 credits;
    Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C and instructor permission
    Back to Top​

    B.S. - Integrative Biology

    The B.S. - Integrative Biology specialization is designed for students seeking admission to graduate school in biology or specialized areas such as ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, physiology and systematics.

    All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.

    Required Foundation Coursework

    • General Biology: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L
    • 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 PHY 2049/2049L

    Required Core Coursework

    • Critical Analysis of Biological Research: BSC 4936
    • Evolution: PCB 4674
    • Genetics: PCB 3063 or AGR 3303 or PCB 4522
    • General Ecology: PCB 4043C
    • Physiology: BOT 3503/3503L or PCB 3713C or PCB 4723C
    • Structural Biology: PCB 3134 or ZOO 3713C or ZOO 3603C
    • 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
      • Microorganisms and Microbial Diversity: MCB 3020 and 3020L

    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

    • 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
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 2

    • Complete CHM 2045/2045L; and BSC 2010/2010L or MAC 2311
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 3

    • Complete BSC 2010/2010L and MAC 2311 with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 4

    • Complete CHM 2046/2046L and BSC 2011/2011L with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 5

    • Complete CHM 2210 with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Recommended Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. 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 Analytic 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
    ​Elective ​3
    Total 16-17
    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 (4)    		 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 2048 Physics 1 with Calculus (3) or
    PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4)    		 3-4
    PHY 2048L Physics 1 with Calculus Laboratory or
    PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory    		 1
    Elective (3000 level or above, not in major), if needed 6
    Total 14-15
    Semester 6 Credits
    PCB 3063 Genetics (4) or
    AGR 3303 Genetics (3) or
    PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics (3)    		 3-4
    PHY 2049 Physics 2 with Calculus (3) or
    PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4)    		 3-4
    PHY 2049L Physics 2 with Calculus Laboratory or
    PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or     		1
    Electives 5
    Taxonomic diversity course 1 3-4
    Total 15-18
    Semester 7 Credits
    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
    Taxonomic diversity course 2 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 3713C Cellular and Systems Physiology (4) or
    PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals (5)    		 4-5
    ​BSC 4936 Critical Analysis of Biological Research ​2
    PCB 4674 Evolution 4
    Foreign language 5
    Total 15-16

    Additional electives may be needed to complete the 120 credits required for graduation.

    Back to Top​

    B.S. - Preprofessional Biology

    The B.S. - Preprofessional Biology specialization is designed for students preparing for 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 Biology: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L
    • 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 PHY 2054/2054L -or-
      PHY 2048/2048L and PHY 2049/2049L

    Required Core Coursework - minimum 28 credits

    • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: BCH 4024
    • Critical Analysis of Biological Research: BSC 4936
    • Genetics: PCB 3063 or AGR 3303 or PCB 4522
    • B.S. preprofessional electives: 12 credits minimum additional approved life sciences courses. A maximum of 6 credits of approved research may be applied to this requirement.
    • MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms and Laboratory -or-
      PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function
    • Physiology: PCB 3713C or PCB 4723C

    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

    • 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
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 2

    • Complete CHM 2045/2045L; and BSC 2010/2010L or MAC 2311
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 3

    • Complete BSC 2010/2010L and MAC 2311 with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 4

    • Complete CHM 2046/2046L and BSC 2011/2011L with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 5

    • Complete CHM 2210 with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Recommended Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. 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 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) (GE-M) or
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) (GE-M)    		 3-4
    Elective 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
    Composition (GE-C) 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 2048 Physics 1 with Calculus (3) or
    PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4)    		 3-4
    PHY 2048L Physics 1 with Calculus Laboratory or
    PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory    		 1
    Composition (GE-C) 3
    Foreign language 5
    Total 15-17
    Semester 6 Credits
    BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 4
    PHY 2049 Physics 2 with Calculus (3) or
    PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4)    		 3-4
    PHY 2049L Physics 2 with Calculus Laboratory or
    PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory    		 1
    Elective 3
    Foreign language 5
    Total 16-17
    Semester 7 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
    ​Biology electives (see list below) 6
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Total 15-16
    Semester 8 Credits
    ​BSC 4936 Critical Analysis of Biological Research ​2
    PCB 3713C Cellular and Systems Physiology (4) or
    PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals (5)    		 4-5
    ​Biology electives (see list below) 6
    Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) 3
    Total 15-16

    Additional electives may be needed to complete the 120 credits required for graduation.

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    B.S. Preprofessional Electives

    Courses Credits Prerequisites and Requirements
    AGR 4320 Plant Breeding 3 Prereq: AGR 3303 or PCB 3063
    ALS 4161 Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and
    BSC 2011/2011L or equivalent;
    Coreq: One of AGR 3005, HOS 3020,
    ENY 3005/3005L or PLP 3002C
    ALS 4162 Consequences of Biological Invasions 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L or equivalent;
    Only one of ALS 4162 and ALS 4163 can apply toward ALS credits
    ALS 4163 Challenges in Plant Resource Protection 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and
    BSC 2011/2011L or equivalent;
    Coreq: One of HOS 3020,
    ENY 3005/ 3005L or PLP 3002C;
    Only one of ALS 4162 or ALS 4163 can apply toward ALS credits
    ANS 3006C Introduction to Animal Science 4 None
    ANS 3319C Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in Domestic Animals 4 Prereq: ANS 3006C, BSC 2010/2010L or equivalent
    ANS 3440 Principles of Animal Nutrition 4 Prereq: CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L
    ANT 4531 Molecular Genetics of Disease 3 Prereq: BSC 2011 or instructor permission
    ANT 4552 Primate Behavior 3 None
    ANT 4554C Primate Evolution 3 Prereq: ANT 3514C or instructor permission
    ANT 4586 Human Evolution 3 Prereq: ANT 3514C or equivalent
    BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy 3 None
    BOT 2800C Plants in Human Affairs 3 None
    BOT 3151C Local Flora of North Florida 3 None
    BOT 3503 and 3503L Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants and Laboratory 3 + 2 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2009 or BSC 2010; and CHM 2046C. Coreq: BOT 3503L (lab may be taken in subsequent term)
    BOT 4621 Plant Geography 2 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and
    BSC 2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C, or instructor permission
    BOT 4935 Special Topics in Botany 1-4 None
    BSC 1920 First Year Intro: Biology at UF 1 None
    BSC 2862 Global Change Ecology and Sustainability 3 None
    BSC 3402 Theory and Practice in the Biological Sciences 2 None
    BSC 3911 Entering Research in Biology 1 Coreq: BSC 4910 or BOT 4905 or
    ZOO 4905 or IDH 4917, a seminar course to complement mentored research
    BSC 4812C Evolutionary Biogeography 3 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    BSC 4910 Individual Mentored Research
    in Biology    		 0-3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L and BSC
    2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C;
    Coreq: BSC 3911
    BSC 4912 Advanced Mentored Research
    in Biology    		 0-4 Prereq: BSC 4910 and BSC 3911
    ENY 3005 and 3005L Principles of Entomology and Laboratory 2+1 Lecture and lab must be completed together
    ENY 3163 Invertebrate Field Biology 3 None
    ENY 3563 Introduction to Tropical Entomology 3 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L
    ENY 3564L Tropical Entomology Field Laboratory 2 Prereq: ENY 3563
    ENY 4161 Insect Classification 3 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L
    ENY 4210 Insects and Wildlife 3 Prereq: ENY 3005L or equivalent entomology lab
    ENY 4453 Behavioral Ecology and Systematics 3 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L
    ENY 4455C Social Insects 3 None
    ENY 4660 and 4660L Medical and Veterinary Entomology and Laboratory 2+1 Prereq: ENY 3005/3005L; Lecture and lab must be completed together
    FAS 4202C Biology of Fishes 4 Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L
    FAS 4305C Introduction to Fishery Science 3 Prereq: refer to the department
    FOR 3342C Tree Biology 3 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2011C
    GLY 3603C Paleontology 4 Prereq: refer to department
    HOS 3305 Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology 3 Prereq: APB 2150, BOT 2010C or
    BSC 2010
    HOS 4304 Horticultural Physiology 3 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2010
    HOS 4313C Laboratory Methods in Plant Molecular Biology 2 Prereq: AGR 3303 or HOS 3305 and
    PCB 3063
    HUN 4221 Nutrition and Metabolism 3 Prereq: BCH 3025 or BCH 4024;
    PCB 4723C or APK 2105C;
    HUN 3403 and HUN 4445
    MCB 4203 Bacterial and Viral Pathogens 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023 with minimum grade of C
    MCB 4304 Genetics of Microorganisms 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023, and MCB 3020L or MCB 3023L, with minimum grades of C; BCH 4024 should be taken before MCB 4403
    MCB 4320C Bacterial Genome Sequencing and Analysis 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023
    MCB 4403 Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function 3 Prereq: CHM 2211, and MCB 3020 or MCB 3023, and MCB 3020L or MCB 3023L with minimum grades of C; BCH 4024 should be taken before MCB 4403
    MCB 4503 General Virology 3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023 or MCB 4203 or PCB 3023 or BCH 3023 or PCB 3134 with minimum grade of C
    NEM 3002 Principles of Nematology 3 None
    PCB 3023 Essential Cell Biology 3 Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L with minimum grades of C
    PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function 3 Prereq: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C; BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L, or equivalent, or AGR 3303 and CHM 2210. Coreq: CHM 2211 and CHM 2211L. May count as a CALS life science elective if not used as a degree requirement.
    PCB 3601C Plant Ecology 3 Prereq: introductory college biology or botany
    PCB 4043C General Ecology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    PCB 4233 Immunology 3 Prereq: MCB 3023, MCB 3020 or equivalent
    ​PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics ​3 Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 3023 with minimum grade of C​
    PCB 4674 Evolution 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C;
    Coreq: one semester of calculus; PCB 3063 recommended
    PLP 3002C Fundamentals of Plant Pathology 4 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2010
    PLS 3004C Principles of Plant Science 3 BOT 2010C or BSC 2010
    PLS 3223 and 3223L Plant Propagation and Laboratory 2+1 Prereq: BOT 2010C or BSC 2010;
    Coreq: PLS 3221L; lecture and lab must be completed together
    PSB 3002 Physiological Psychology 3 Prereq: PSY 2012
    PSB 3340 Behavioral Neuroscience 3 Prereq: BSC 2010;
    PSB 3340 is recommended for IDS majors in Neurobiological Sciences
    PSB 4434 Neurochemistry, Pharmacology and Behavior 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4504 Developmental Psychobiology 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4654 Chemical Senses and Behavior 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4810 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    PSB 4823 Principles of Integrative Physiological Psychology 3 Prereq: PSB 3002 or PSB 3340, or instructor permission
    WIS 3401 and 3401L Wildlife Ecology and Management and Laboratory 3+1 Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L
    WIS 3402 and 3402L Wildlife of Florida and Laboratory 3+1 None
    WIS 3553C Introduction to Conservation Genetics 4 Prereq: STA 2023, and either FOR 3153C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C
    WIS 4203C Introduction to Landscape Ecology 3 Prereq: STA 2023, and either FOR 3153C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C; and
    FOR 3434C, GIS 3043, SUR 3393/3393L or
    URP 4273
    WIS 4443C Wetland Wildlife Ecology 4 Prereq: WIS 3401
    WIS 4501 Introduction to Wildlife Population Ecology 3 Prereq: PCB 3034C and WIS 3401; and FOR 3153C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C
    WIS 4547C Avian Field Techniques 2 Prereq: 1 course each in ecology and vertebrate ecology
    WIS 4554 Conservation Biology 3 Prereq: PCB 3063 or WIS 3553C; and FOR 3153C, PCB 3034C, PCB 3601C or PCB 4044C; and WIS 3401
    WIS 4601C Quantitative Wildlife Ecology 3 Prereq: STA 2023 and WIS 3401
    WIS 4945C Wildlife Techniques 2 Prereq: WIS 3402
    ZOO 3513C Animal Behavior 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674
    ZOO 3603C Evolutionary Developmental Biology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 3713C Functional Vertebrate Anatomy 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4205C Invertebrate Zoology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L with minimum grades of C and PCB 4674 with minimum grade of C (recommended)
    ZOO 4232 Human Parasitology 3 Prereq: BSC 2010/2010L;
    BSC 2011/2011L or AGR 3303 with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4307C Vertebrate Zoology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/ 2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4403C Marine Biology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C
    ZOO 4472C Avian Biology 4 Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674 (recommended)
    ZOO 4926 Special Topics in Zoology 1-4 Can be repeated with change in content up to 8 credits;
    Prereq: BSC 2011/2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C and instructor permission
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majors: biology