Biology Undergraduate Degree

Biology

Biology Fundamentals

Biology is the fastest-growing field of science today - its impact is carried to many fronts - medicine and health care; the environment and climate changes; global population and food sources.

Core courses provide the fundamentals of modern biology (eg. principles of biology, evolution, ecology, cell and molecular biology, genetics)
You can earn a bachelor's of science degree with a major in biology or natural sciences, and within these programs you will be able to choose such courses as:
- ecology and evolution
- molecular biology
- population biology
- field ecology
- advanced genetics
- biology of behavior
- comparative biomechanics
- microbiology
- animal physiology
- aquatic biology
Your work within the Department of Biology can also serve as a cornerstone for earning a combined B.S./M.D. or B.S./M.S. degree.

Professional Preparation

Coursework will prepare you for professional schools, such as medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy. In collaboration with our College of Education, our department can also prepare you to teach high school biology.

Integrated Approach to Experimentation

We cross traditional boundaries between subdisciplines, from the cellular to the ecosystem level. This cutting-edge approach to research also forms the basis for much of our teaching, as many courses offer hands-on training and a multidisciplinary methodology.

Our Faculty

are innovative and interactive in both the classroom and laboratory environment
have been recognized with numerous teaching awards
use multimedia technology and research experiences to enhance classroom learning

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Research

The Department of Biology offers an array of research experiences.

live-animal facility and brand new teaching and research laboratories
molecular genetics facility, including an automated DNA sequencer and RealTime PCR
advanced microscopy suite
400-acre nature preserve with a mixture of habitats

Recent Placements Include:

EnviroScience Inc.
Ben Venue Laboratories
Battelle Memorial Institute
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Ohio Nature Conservancy
Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Biology Student Organizations

Interact with other biology students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:

Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
Biology Club
Future Physician’s Club

Sample Curriculum

Biology — B.S.

Specific Degree Requirements and Curriculum Plan

Curriculum Guide for students who entered BCAS prior to Fall 2010 (PDF)*

Curriculum Guide for students who entered BCAS starting Fall 2010 (PDF)*

*See biology advisor if you are unsure when you entered the Buchtel College of Arts of Sciences (BCAS).

Curriculum Guide for Students interested in a Minor in Biology (PDF)

Anticipated schedule of course offerings for the next 2 years (PDF)

These are the classes that are expected to be taught over the next two years. Use this information to help you plan your classes for the next year.

UA Flyer for the Prepharmacy Program with NEOUCOP (PDF)

How to calculage your GPA (PDF)

For More Information:

Department of Biology

Contact: Dr. Monte Turner

Career Opportunities

Degrees and Preparation

A degree in biology paves the way to many careers in research and development, especially in such areas as medicine, health care and biotechnology. Entry-level positions in biology require at least a bachelor’s degree; research positions typically require an M.S. or Ph.D. degree.

Possible positions with a bachelor's degree:

technical sales and service people, research assistants, laboratory technicians, or medical laboratory staff members
administrative and managerial positions with duties ranging from overseeing food and drug programs to directing activities at zoos
high school teaching

Graduates with advanced degrees pursue careers as:

Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, or university professors and researchers

Career Outlook

Opportunities are expected to grow for biologists, especially in drug research, development, testing and
manufacturing industries.
Graduates with experience in industry through academic laboratories, internships, fellowships or
co-ops stand out among job seekers.