Biology Degree Requirements

Requirements

B.A. in Biology

The B.A. in Biology requires completion of the Biology Core, which includes General Biology in combination with selected chemistry, physics and mathematics courses that will serve as a foundation for further study in the Department. A minimum of 22 credits of course work in Biology must be completed, in addition to General Biology I and II (8 credits). A minimum of one course from each of the biological subject categories is required (see 'course distribution requirements' below).  A grade of "C" or better in any prerequisite course is required for advanced courses in Biology.

B.S. in Biology

To obtain the B.S. in Biology, students must complete all requirements indicated above plus 12 additional credits in Biology.  Summer research or an internship that accounts for up to 6 credit hours can be used towards the additional 12 credits.

Course Distribution Requirements

To satisfy the Biology Department's course distribution requirement, students must take at least one Biology course from each of the three subject areas below.  Additional courses may be approved by the Department chair to satisfy distribution requirements.  Courses at the 3000 level or above require completion of General Biology I and II or AP credit for Biology. 

Comprehensive Exam

All students must pass a comprehensive exam, which is given in the senior year.  This examination will generally entail a review of primary scientific literature in a specific subject area, followed by an oral presentation of findings and conclusions.  Students are urged to take the Biological Literature Seminar (4360) in the fall of the senior year as preparation for the comprehensive exam.

Biology for Non-Majors

The core curriculum is at the center of undergraduate education at the University of Dallas. As a component of this curriculum, the life sciences play an important role in introducing students to the ways in which science has contributed to the development of the Western tradition and to an understanding of our own existence.

Each undergraduate student must take one life science course that includes a laboratory component. Biology majors will, understandably, acquire sufficient credits in the course of their normal studies. Nonmajors have several options to fulfill the core life science requirement:

BIO 1311/1111 or 1312/1112 General Biology I and II

BIO 2301, 2101 Basic Ideas of Biology

BIO 2315, 2115 Human Biology

BIO 2348, 2148 Darwin

BIO 2360, 2160 Environmental Science

BIO 2317, 2117 Disease and Society

Other special topics courses such as Tropical Ecology and Ecopsychology (3V42).