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Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Bachelor of Science in Biology
The 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.
