The mission of the Department of Biology is to offer a broad, contemporary curriculum that will familiarize students in both the principles and the practices of the biological sciences. The curriculum is designed to develop the intellectual and professional competencies needed to secure entrance into graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, and other professional schools. Biology students have the opportunity to participate in research with departmental faculty, as well as in exchange programs and studies abroad. The department is an active member of Gerace Research Center at the College of the Bahamas on San Salvador Island in the Caribbean  This facility is used by students and faculty for tropical marine biology courses taught during the summer. The department also travels to the Belize Marine TREC facility on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Students and faculty are involved with cooperative research at the Louisville Zoo. These activities and affiliations give students the opportunity to study life science in unique natural environments and at international research institutes. The Biology major enables students to be competitive for post-baccalaureate admissions, scholarships, and fellowships at graduate and professional schools.

Requirements for a BA Major in Biology, 45 hours
Basic courses: Biol. 130, 140, 220, 231, 240, 318, 408, and an additional 20 hours of courses from the 300 and 400 level core. Required, related courses: Chem. 103, 104, 205; Math. 205; 6 hours of foreign language at the 200-level. Substitution for any of these courses requires the written approval of the department chairperson. For the maximum of 51 hours permitted in the Department, up to six additional hours may be selected from Biology electives. Additional biology courses will not count toward the minimum 126 hours needed to graduate.

Requirements for a BS Major in Biology, 51 hours
Basic courses: Biol. 130, 140, 220, 231, 240, 313, 314, 317, 318, 335 (or 301), 408, 419, 430 and an additional four hours of BIOL elective. Required, related courses: Chem. 103, 104, 205, 206; Math. 117, 205; Phys. 201. Substitution for any of these courses requires the written approval of the department chairperson.

Requirements for a Minor in Biology, 24 hours
A minor in biology requires a minimum of six departmental courses with lab/field experience for a total of 24 credit hours. The minor may include no more than two 100-level Biology courses.

Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Suggested Program for Bachelor of Arts Degree

BIOL core courses:

BIOL 225 Tropical Marine Biology (2)
BIOL 226 Tropical Marine Biology (2)
BIOL 227 Field Biology (1-3)
BIOL 228 Field Biology (1-4)

BIOL 301 Comp. Vert. Anatomy (4)
BIOL335 Gross Anatomy (4)
BIOL313 Microbiology (4)
BIOL314 Vertebrate Physiology (4)
BIOL 317 Molecular Biology (4)
BIOL 323 Entomology (4)
BIOL 330 Developmental Biology (4)

BIOL 430 Evolution (4)
BIOL 410 Histology (4)
BIOL 413 Immunology (4)
BIOL 415 Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL419 Senior Research (2)
BIOL420 Senior Research II (2)

* Students planning to study abroad should consult the International Programs Office in their freshman year
** Students who plan on applying to Medical, Dental, Physical Therapy or Veterinary School should carefully consult the admission guideline for the program and university of interest.

Total Biology hours = 45 hours
Total hours=126

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Suggested program for Bachelor of Science degree.  This degree meets medical, dental and professional school requirements.

* Students planning to study abroad should consult the International Programs Office in their freshman year
** Students must complete both MATH117 and MATH205
*** Students who plan on applying to graduate programs in the Biological Sciences or Medical, Dental, or Veterinary School should elect PHYS202

Total Biology hours = 51 hours
Total hours=126