BIOLOGY - Dept. Code: BIL
www.bio.miami.edu
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Biology offers undergraduate programs for students interested in a natural science education that will prepare them for careers in biological research, medicine and other health-related fields, teaching, environmental management and other fields that require a broad base of biological knowledge.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The Department of Biology trains students to understand and use the scientific method, and to engage in critical thinking and experimental design. We strongly encourage original laboratory and/or field research under the mentorship of biology faculty. The Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares the student for further training in natural science, such as biology graduate school, as well as medical, veterinary, dental or other health-care professions. The Bachelor of Arts degree prepares the student for a career in more humanities-related fields such as teaching or environmental law.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Two undergraduate degrees are available in Biology: the B.S. and B.A.
Both require a major in Biology of 34 credits with a minimum grade of C- in each course and an overall GPA of 2.0.
MAJOR
Bachelor of Science Degree
The B.S. degree is recommended in preparation for graduate schools, professional schools, marine biology, and high school or college teaching. In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences general degree requirements, the B.S. requirements are as follows:
1. BIL 150, 151, 160, 161
2. BIL 250 (Genetics) and BIL 255 (Cellular and Molecular Biology)
3. BIL 360 (General Physiology) and BIL 330 (Ecology)
4. Additional BIL electives to total 34 credits.
5. Two laboratory or field courses beyond 151, 161 are required as part of the 34 credits in BIL.
Up to eight credits toward the major, but not the minor, may be selected from the following: (1) courses numbered 300 or higher in BMB, MBF or MIC, (2) BME 305, (3) CSC 548.
• A maximum of two credits of BIL 371 and BIL 372 may be applied towards the major.
• A maximum of six credits of BIL 495, 496 and 497 may be applied towards the major.
• One course only from BIL 495, 496 or 497 may be counted towards the laboratory course requirement for the B.S. degree.
• A maximum of one credit in BIL 381 and one credit of BIL 382 may be applied towards the major, although these two courses may be taken more than once each for general elective credit.
• A maximum of one credit in BIL 481 under any single subtitle may be applied towards the major. This course may be taken more than once for general elective credit only.
In addition, students must complete the following:
1. Select one statistics course from the following: BIL 311, BIL 511, ECS 204, IEN 311, MTH 224, or PSY 204 OR one computer language/programming course from the following: CSC 120, EEN 118. This will fulfill the Mathematics-statistics/computer programming requirement under the College of Arts and Sciences General degree requirements.
2. One year of inorganic chemistry (111-112) with laboratory (113-114) (first year) one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory (201/205) (second year).
3. Two semesters of college physics with laboratory or three semesters of university physics with laboratory.
4. A minor in chemistry, ecosystem science and policy, physics, geological sciences, marine sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, computer science, mathematics, or microbiology and immunology.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The B.A. degree is recommended for students involved in interdisciplinary programs and for entrance to those professional schools and specific biological careers not requiring a B.S. degree with a major in Biology. In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements, the B.A. requirements are as follows:
1. Biology 150, 151, 160, 161 (first year)
2. BIL electives to total 34 credits.
3. Up to eight credits toward the major, but not the minor, may be selected from the following: (1) courses numbered 300 or higher in BMB, MBF or MIC, (2) BME 305, (3) CSC 548.
4. One semester of inorganic chemistry with laboratory (111/113 or 103/105) and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory (201/205 or 104/106).
5. A minor in a department other than natural science.
MINOR
A biology minor consists of BIL 150/151 and BIL 160/161 plus BIL electives to total 18 credits, with a minimum grade of C- in each course. (Note: All courses in the minor must be in BIL. Courses from BMB, MBF, MIC, or BME, or other natural sciences approved as a substitute for one BIL elective in the major may not be counted towards the minor.)
Overall GPA in the major or minor must be a minimum of 2.0.
One half of the credits required for a Biology major or minor must be earned in residence at the University of Miami.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
HONORS PROGRAM
See HONORS PROGRAMS elsewhere in this Bulletin for minimal requirements. In addition to the grade point averages specified in the minimal requirements, the following program constitutes the Biology Departmental Honors Program:
1. A minimum of two of the following: Biology 495, 496, 497 (2 credits each), involving a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of the Department of Biology faculty.
2. Biology 498, a senior thesis, of superior quality, on the results of the research.
3. Biology 499.
4. A minimum of two BIL credits from the following list: 253, 257, 299, 374, 375.
5. A minimum of one course in the Department of Biology at the 500 level.
6. An overall GPA of 3.3 and a biology GPA of 3.5.
Advanced placement, and in certain situations, course credit can be earned through the College Entrance Examination Board program, placement examinations, and departmental proficiency examinations.
For Graduate programs, consult the Graduate School section of this Bulletin.
Variations within the above program may be permitted by the Department Chairman in special cases.
Biology Course Listing