2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog School of Biological Sciences

Majors in the School of Biological Sciences with superior academic records are invited to apply for admission to the School Honors Program. The program provides an opportunity for a scholastically gifted student to pursue personal interests through an independent honors project. Students successfully completing the Honors Program will receive the designation of Honors in Biological Sciences upon graduation. The student's official academic transcript and diploma will be so noted.

For more information on Honors in Biological Sciences, including admission and retention standards, please visit the Honors website.

Interdisciplinary Minors

The School of Biological Sciences offers coursework that contributes to the Interdisciplinary Minor in Cognitive Science. For further information on this minor and advisor, consult the Interdisciplinary Studies Programs section. The School also offers coursework that contributes to the Minor in Environmental Studies. For further information on this minor and advisor, consult the Geography, Geology, and the Environment section.

Major in Biological Sciences

Standards for Progress in the Major

Before being admitted to the University Professional Studies program (see the University Wide Teacher Education Program requirements), the Biological Sciences Teacher Education major must meet school requirements for admission.

Students should consult the Teacher Education advisor for information and updated requirements.

To progress through the program in a timely manner, the teacher candidate must continuously maintain a minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA and a minimum major 2.50 GPA to remain academically eligible. In order to receive teaching licensure in the state of Illinois, majors must earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for state licensure.

Students in the Biological Sciences major must complete one of the following sequences.

General Biology Sequence

Majors selecting this sequence will receive broad training in the biological sciences. This sequence is designed for students seeking careers in any area of biology. This sequence will also prepare students for graduate studies in the Biological Sciences and/or post-baccalaureate professional schools.

View General Biology Sequence Course Requirements

Conservation Biology Sequence

Biological Sciences majors selecting this sequence will receive broad training in conservation biology. This sequence is designed for students seeking careers in the conservation of natural ecosystems and their organisms (all levels of biodiversity). The coursework will also prepare students for graduate studies in conservation biology, and for internships and entry-level positions in conservation-oriented non-governmental organizations, state and federal government organizations, and environmental consulting firms.

View Conservation Biology Sequence Course Requirements

Physiology, Neuroscience and Behavior Sequence

Majors selecting this sequence will receive broad training in physiology, neuroscience and behavior. This sequence is designed for students seeking careers that involve basic scientific and applied aspects of behavior, physiology and neuroscience. This sequence will also prepare students for graduate studies in neuroscience, physiology and animal behavior and related fields, and with additional coursework, students can meet the requirements to apply to veterinary and health professional schools.

View Physiology, Neuroscience and Behavior Sequence Course Requirements

Plant Biology Sequence

Majors selecting this sequence receive broad training in plant biology. This sequence is designed for students seeking jobs with industries, the government and nonprofit organizations working with plants. This sequence will also prepare students for graduate studies in plant biology.

Research and internships enhance future prospects for employment and acceptance to graduate programs; hence students are strongly encouraged to pursue individual work via one of the following: 2 hours of BSC 287 Independent Study, 2 hours of BSC 398 Professional Practice (BSC 398, or BSC 398a02 Internship in Public Outreach), or at least 3 hours of BSC 290 Research in Biological Sciences. Students are also encouraged to do a formal senior thesis.

View Plant Biology Sequence Course Requirements

Zoology Sequence

Majors selecting this sequence will receive broad training in Zoology. This sequence is designed for students seeking careers that involve working with animals. This sequence will also prepare students for graduate studies in Zoology and related fields (e.g., Entomology, Physiology, Wildlife Biology), and with additional coursework, students can meet the requirements to apply to veterinary and health professional schools.

View Zoology Sequence Course Requirements

Minor in Biological Sciences

24 total hours required

• BSC 196 and BSC 197
• At least 12 of the elective hours must be 200- or 300-level courses

Note: BSC 101 and BSC 307 may not be used as electives in the minor.

Major in Molecular and Cellular Biology

The Molecular and Cellular Biology major provides a solid foundation in the study of molecular and cellular processes within the context of medical and societal applications.

View Molecular and Cellular Biology Course Requirements

Major in Biological Sciences and Teacher Education

The Biological Science Teacher Education major is designed to prepare students to teach secondary science.

Clinical Experiences in Teacher Education 

University-Wide Teacher Education Requirements

View Biological Sciences and Teacher Education Course Requirements