Bachelor of Science in Biology

The USF Bachelor of Science Biology degree provides both a strong Liberal Arts education in Biology and the technical skills for careers in resource management, conservation, teaching, agriculture, medicine, dentistry, microbiology, marine biology, biotechnology, or for post-graduate study in any of the various life sciences.

The course requirements provide a general background in modern biology and a specific background in four critical areas: Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, and Physiology. Students may apply as many as four credit hours of Undergraduate Research towards the major. The Department strongly encourages students to take advantage of this opportunity, particularly if they plan to seek advanced degrees.

The BS in Biology curriculum allows each student to select a number of free upper level electives in a particular area of interest. Areas of concentration include Ecology and Conservation Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Marine and Freshwater Biology and Evolution/Systematics/Functional Biology. Students are encouraged to consider elective courses based on their expected career goals and consult with advisors early in their academic career to assure that all pre-requisites are completed and they are eligible to take the upper level electives courses they desire.Our department offers a wide range of special topic courses that address current trends in biology as well, for example: Genetic Engineering, Genomics, and Insects and Humans.

We strongly suggest printing a degree sheet for the academic details of the program.

Biology Degree Sheets

• 2002-2003, 2003-2004 (pdf-updated 9/2006)
• 2004-2005, 2005-2006 (pdf-updated 9/2006)
• 2006-2007 (pdf-New 9/2006)
• 2006-2008 (pdf)

Sample Program

A sample 4 year program is shown below. Be sure to make maximum use of the vigorous advising program maintained by the Department in structuring your program. Use the Current Students link on the left to find useful information.