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
- Departments: Botany and Zoology
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Hours for the Degree: 120
- Specializations: Biology, Biology Secondary Education, Preprofessional
- Minor: No
- Website: major.biology.ufl.edu/CLAS_tracks.html
Overview
The curriculum is flexible and 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 & Sciences (CLAS) students in the biology major can specialize in one of three tracks. These tracks require significant introductory coursework and credits in calculus and/or statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Most tracks require the following major coursework and credits, passed with a C or better:
- Integrated Principles of Biology (BSC 2010-2010L and BSC 2011-2011L)
- Genetics (PCB 3063 or AGR 3303) or Molecular Genetics (PCB 4522)
The tracks otherwise vary in the specific introductory courses and major courses that satisfy the requirements of the biology degree. These differences provide the options that distinguish one track from another. Students can further individualize their curricula with additional biology courses from the many different departments, colleges and units in the life sciences at UF.
Concentrations/Specializations
The biology major has six degree specializations: basic biology, biology secondary education, preprofessional, natural science, biotechnology and applied biology. The preprofessional specialization is offered through both the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers both the basic biology and the secondary education specializations. See Biology CALS for information on the natural science, the biotechnology and the applied biology specializations.
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 education with their B.S. in biology and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
Research
All biology, botany and zoology majors are strongly 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 in helping 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 (e.g., ZOO 4905), 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. If you plan to enroll for course credit, you must contact potential research mentors before the end of drop/add. If you miss the drop/add window, you should still contact potential research mentors, if only to discuss upcoming opportunities.
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.
Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan
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 either 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
Specialization: Basic Biology
Specialization: Biology Secondary Education
Specialization: Preprofessional
Basic Biology
For biology majors seeking admission to graduate school in biochemistry, botany, molecular biology, entomology, ecology, fisheries, forestry, wildlife, zoology or other related specialties.
Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math 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 |
| Elective (BSC 2930 Biology Mentoring recommended) | 1 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Humanities (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 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 (options below) | 3-4 |
| Total | 17-13 |
Taxonomic Diversity: Choose at least two courses, distributed among at least two of the three subgroups.
| Animal Diversity | |
| ZOO 2203C Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| ZOO 2303C Vertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| Plant and Fungal Diversity | |
| BOT 2011C Plant Diversity | 4 |
| BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy | 3 |
| PLP 3653C Introductory Mycology | 4 |
| Microbial Diversity | |
| MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| 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 (refer to options above) | 3-4 |
| Total | 14-16 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| BOT 3503 and 3503L Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants (3) and 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.
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.
Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math 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 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Elective (BSC 2930 Biolgy Mentoring recommended) | 1 |
| Humanities (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 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 | 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 |
| 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 2203C Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) | 3-0 |
| Total | 14-13 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| PCB 4674 Evolution | 4 |
| ZOO 2303C Vertebrate Zoology | 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 |
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.
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 (100 Farrior Hall) for specific requirements.
Recommended Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math 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 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Elective (BSC 2930 Biology Mentoring recommended) | 1 |
| Humanities (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 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) | 5 |
| Total | 14 |