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.
Molecules to Cells |
Cells to Organisms |
Organisms to Populations |
Biotechnology (2302/2102) |
Human Biology (2315/2115) |
Darwin (2348/2148) |
Genetics (3325/3125) |
Plant Biology (2341/2141) |
Environmental Science (2360/2160) |
Microbiology (3327/3127) |
Anatomy (3323/3123) |
Ecology (3326/3126) |
Experimental Techniques (3340) |
Immunology (3324) |
Marine Biology (3311) |
Molecular Biology (4328/4128) |
Developmental Biology (3329) |
Animal Behavior (3346/3146) |
Advanced Genetics (4245) |
Physiology (3331/3131) |
Evolutionary Biology (3347) |
Cell Structure & Function (4338) |
Human Infectious Disease (3334) |
Disease and Society (2317) |
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).