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Biology (CALS)

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers a biology major that allows students to develop a broad, integrative background in the biological sciences.

About This Major

  • College: Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
  • Hours for the Degree: 120
  • Specializations: Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Natural Science, Preprofessional
  • Website: major.biology.ufl.edu/CALS_tracks.html

Overview

Each specialization develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants and microorganisms and then allows students to select courses to enhance their knowledge in specific areas.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking for all Specializations and Recommended Semester Plans

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
  • 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework for semesters 1-5
  • Complete CHM 2045/2045L or MAC 2311

Semester 2:

  • Complete CHM 2045/2045L and MAC 2311

Semester 3:

  • Complete CHM 2046/2046L, BSC 2010/2010L

Semester 4:

  • Complete BSC 2011/2011L

Semester 5:

  • Complete all critical tracking courses, including labs

Specialization: Applied Biology
Specialization: Biotechnology
Specialization: Natural Science
Specialization: Preprofessional

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Applied Biology

For students who are interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving problems. This specialization provides exposure to the major issues facing sustainability of human populations and natural resources. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
Composition (GE-C)3
Elective2
Humanities (GE-H)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 14
Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4])
(GE-S)
3-4
Humanities (GE-H) 3
Total 14-15
Semester 3 Credits
BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B)4
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
3-4
Electives 5
Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15-16
Semester 4Credits
AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication3
BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) or
BOT 2011C Plant Diversity (4)
4
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or
CHM 2200 and 2200L Organic Chemistry (3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
3-4
Applied biology course **3
Elective3
Total 16-17
Semester 5Credits
CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory *5
PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
3-4
PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
1
Applied biology courses **6
Total 15-16
Semester 6Credits
BCH 3025 or BCH 4024 Biochemistry4
PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
3-4
PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
1
Applied biology courses **6
Total 14-15
Semester 7Credits
MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) 4
Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4])3-4
Applied biology courses **6
Elective3
Total 16-17
Semester 8Credits
AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
Applied biology courses **9
Physiology (ANS 3319C [4], BOT 3503 [3] or HOS 4304 [3]) 3-4
Total 15-16

* Not required if CHM 2200 and CHM 2200L were taken.

** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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Biotechnology

For students preparing for a career where knowledge of molecular biology and genetic engineering are important. Students will have the opportunity to learn various techniques and scientific procedures in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, cell and tissue culture, microscopy, and bioinformatics. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
Composition (GE-C, WR)3
Elective2
Humanities (GE-H)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 14
Economics (AEB 2014 [3] or AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4], ECO 2023 [4])
(GE-S)
3-4
Humanities (GE-H) 3
Total 14-15
Semester 3 Credits
BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1)4
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or
CHM 3217 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 1 (4)
3-4
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
3-4
Elective 2
Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15-17
Semester 4Credits
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) or
CHM 3218 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 2 (4)
3-4
CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory2
Electives7
Total 16-17
Semester 5Credits
AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication3
BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology *4
CHM 3120 and CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry (3) and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1)4
PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
3-4
PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
1
Total 15-16
Semester 6Credits
AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function3
PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
3-4
PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
1
Elective2
Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4])3-4
Total 15-17
Semester 7Credits
MCB 3020 and MCB 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) 4
PCB 4674 Evolution4
Biotechnology course **3
Electives4
Total 15
Semester 8Credits
MCB 4304 Genetics of Microorganisms or
PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics
3
Biotechnology course **3
Electives9
Total 15

* Not required if CHM 3218 was taken.

** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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Natural Science

This specialization is for students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on field biology. The specialization provides exposure to the major forms of flora and fauna, and integrates some of the major elements that influence flora and fauna, namely soil/water relations and human activities. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
Composition (GE-C, WR)3
Elective2
Humanities (GE-H)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 14
Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4])
(GE-S)
3-4
Humanities (GE-H) 3
Total 14-15
Semester 3 Credits
BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1)4
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
3-4
Electives5
Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15-16
Semester 4Credits
BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B)4
CHM 2200 and 2200L Organic Chemistry (3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)4
Electives8
Total 16
Semester 5Credits
AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication3
PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
3-4
PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
1
Elective1
Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4])3-4
Natural science course **3
Total 14-16
Semester 6Credits
AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
PCB 4674 Evolution4
PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or
PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or
PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3)
3-4
PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
1
Natural science course **3
Total 14-15
Semester 7Credits
Electives8
Natural science courses **8
Total 16
Semester 8Credits
Electives9
Natural science courses **7
Total 16

** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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Preprofessional

For biology majors seeking admission to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school. This specialization is also excellent preparation for graduate study.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
Composition (GE-C, WR)3
Elective2
Humanities (GE-H)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) 4
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 14
Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4])
(GE-S)
3-4
Humanities (GE-H) 3
Total 14-15
Semester 3 Credits
BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1)4
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 13
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4)
3-4
Elective2
Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Total 15-16
Semester 4Credits
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
Electives7
Total 16
Semester 5Credits
AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication3
BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or
PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3)
3-4
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory
1
Elective3
Total 14-15
Semester 6Credits
AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) 3
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 with Calculus 2 (3)
3-4
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or
PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory
1
Electives5
Total 15-17
Semester 7Credits
Electives6
Genetics (AGR 3303 [3], PCB 3063 [4] or PCB 4522 [3])3-4
Life science courses **6
Total 15-16
Semester 8Credits
PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals5
Life science courses **6
Electives5
Total 16

** See adviser for approved list of courses.

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