Bachelor of Science Degrees in the Department of Biology

Two Degrees

Two specific Bachelor of Science degrees, Biology and Microbiology, are available for students interested in the biological sciences. For more detailed information, use the links on the right.

• The B.S. in Biology allows students to concentrate in such areas as Ecology and Conservation Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Marine and Freshwater Biology and Evolution/Systematics/Functional Biology. The degree is preparatory for careers in such areas as teaching, agriculture, medicine, dentistry, conservation, and biotechnology, or for post-baccalaureate study in the various life sciences.
• The B.S. in Microbiology provides students with the broad range of courses necessary to qualify for certification by the National Registry for Microbiologists, American Society of Microbiology, and employment in microbiology and related fields.

The Bachelor of Science curricula are stringent. Incoming students are advised to begin their degree requirement coursework in their first semester at the University. Our two degrees are designed to provide both a strong Liberal Arts education in Biology and the technical skills for active participation in resource management, conservation, teaching, agriculture, medicine, dentistry, microbiology, marine biology, biotechnology, or for post-graduate study in any of the various life sciences. An undergraduate research experience in a faculty lab can be part of your training. Majors can earn up to four credit hours in Undergraduate Research (BSC/MCB 4910). Students considering one of the health professions should contact the College of Arts and Sciences (BEH 201) during the first semester at USF to declare their interest in a health professions program.

In addition to a set of courses in biology, students must have a thorough preparation in other areas of natural sciences to be competitive for jobs or for further study beyond the baccalaureate. A modern biology curriculum is built on a foundation of mathematics, chemistry and physics. Students should study the requirements listed on the degree links to the right and then make maximum use of the vigorous advising program maintained by the Department in structuring their programs.