Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Bachelor of Science in Biology

micrsoscopy in biologyThe program is designed to introduce you to the core sub-disciplines of biology and advanced studies in organisms, human and molecular biology. Biologists, naturalists, ecologists, marine biologists, agricultural scientists, foresters, wildlife managers, physicians, therapists, nutritionists, toxicologists, science writers and teachers are a sample of the professionals who commonly begin as biology majors.

Some biologists probe ecological relationships among animals, plants, and microorganisms, while others explore the system of organs and chemicals that comprises the body of a living organism; some work to solve mysteries of disease, while others work to solve the mysteries of the gene.

Biology students explore outdoor laboratories ranging from JSC's Babcock Nature Preserve to areas as diverse as tropical ecosystems and the American West. On campus, the biology program is supported by teaching laboratories, a greenhouse, an animal care facility, an artificial stream laboratory, a cellular and molecular laboratory, and extensive herbarium and vertebrate museum collections.


Students interested in pursuing study in biology have two degree options: the Bachelor of Arts in Biology: Field Naturalist, or the Bachelor of Science in Biology.

The B. A. in Biology: Field Naturalist

This track prepares you for a career as a field naturalist. Field naturalists have a broad knowledge of ecology, organism biology, field geology, environmental chemistry, conservation biology and wildlife management.

Field naturalist majors are well qualified for work in environmental education and research positions for the state or federal environmental agencies, private conservation organizations, consulting firms and environmental education institutions.

Required Courses                                                        Credits                                                             

BIO-1211

Introduction Biology: Ecology & Evolution

4

BIO-1212

Introduction Biology: Cells & Genetic Basis of Life+

4

BIO-2145

Plant Biology

4

BIO-2310

Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology

4

BIO-2340

Fundamentals of Ecology*

4

BIO-3720

Current Topics in Biology

1

BIO-4810

Internship in Biology

3-12

OR

    

BIO-4920

Senior Thesis

3-12

CHE-1031

General Chemistry I*+

4

CHE-1032

General Chemistry II*

4

ENV-1050

Introduction to Earth Science*+

4

ENV-1110

Introduction to Environmental Problems*

3

ENV-2050

The Natural History of Vermont*

3

 

Electives                                                                                  

(select a minimum of 4 courses from the following)        Credits        

BIO-3110

Field Ornithology*

3

BIO-3260

Limnology

4

BIO-3270

Forest Ecology

4

BIO-3290

Conservation Biology

3

BIO-3310

Wildlife Field Methods*

4

BIO-4220

Wildlife Ecology and Management*

4

ENV-3220

Environmental Interpretation*

3

GEY-3120

Field Geology

4

Total Credits                                                                             51-55

 

The B. S. in Biology

This track offers comprehensive training in the life sciences. By completing the required education courses for secondary licensure, as well, you will be eligible to teach life sciences for grades 7-12 in the public schools.

Required Courses                                                                Credits  

BIO-1211

Introduction to Biology: Ecology & Evolution +

4

BIO-1212

Introduction to Biology: Cells & Genetic Basis of LIfe*+

4

BIO-2340

Fundamentals of Ecology*

4

BIO-3220

Genetics*

4

BIO-3720

Current Topics in Biology

1

BIO-4920

Senior Thesis

3

CHE-1031

General Chemistry I*+

4

CHE-1032

General Chemistry II*

4

CHE-3111

Organic Chemistry I*

4

CHE-3112

Organic Chemistry II*

4

MAT-1531

Calculus I*+

4

PHY-1041

Physics I*+

4

PHY-1042

Physics II*

4

 

Electives           

(Select a minimum of one course from each set)

Set 1: Mathematics                                                           Credits

MAT-2030

Probability & Statistics+

3

MAT-2532

Calculus II+

4

MAT-XXXX

Inferential Statistics

3

        

Set 2: Cell/Molecular Biology                                       Credits

BIO-3125

Introduction to Biological Chemistry

3

BIO-3130

Cellular Biology: A Molecular Approach*

4

BIO-3140

MicroBiology*

4

 

Set 3: Organismal Biology                                                  Credits

BIO-2011

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

4

BIO-2012

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

4

BIO-2145

Plant Biology

4

BIO-2310

Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology

4

BIO-3160

Animal Behavior

4

BIO-3170

Mammalogy

4

BIO-3320

Ornithology

4

      

Set 4: Ecology/Evolution                                                    Credits

BIO-3260

Limnology

4

BIO-3270

Forest Ecology

4

BIO-3280

Environmental Toxicology*

4

BIO-3290

Conservation Biology

3

Total                                                                     62-64

 



*These courses also fulfill requirements in the ENV, HSC, OER, and WAM programs.
+These courses also fulfill the General Education Core Curriculum requirements.