The Bachelor of Science with a major in biology requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 65-76 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education Program. The major is divided into six tracks that emphasize the most dynamic and active areas in the biological sciences. Five of the tracks—cell and developmental biology, genetics and biotechnology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, and plant biology—emphasize distinct areas. The sixth track—comprehensive biology—provides highly diverse content. Students working toward a B.S. must complete the chemistry/physics/mathematics foundation, the biology core, and one of the six tracks. Students who wish to apply transfer credit toward graduation with a major in biology should consult their biology advisor.

Pursuing a career in biology can be very rewarding and exciting. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. Biologists help us understand the natural world in which we live and issues of personal well-being and worldwide concern, such as the environment and human health. There are a range of careers that an individual can pursue with a degree in biology. Agriculture and food production Healthcare delivery and administration Biomedical research and diagnostics Biotechnology development and implementation Biofuels research and production Environmental research and policy Education