Biology (B.S.)
Objectives: To acquaint students with the basic principles and branches of the biological sciences; to provide preparation for graduate study or employment in industry, research, conservation, or health-related areas.
Requirements: Core courses are 117, 210, 211, 212, 315, 430, 450, either 360 or 411. Three additional courses must be taken from the following: 225, 312, 320, 332, 340, 350, 425, 440, 460, 470, and either 360 or 411 (i.e., whichever of the two was not taken as part of the core). The senior project is completion of a departmental oral examination. Students in this track must take the following contextual and support courses: Chemistry 111, 112, 211, 212, and Physics 201 and 202. The college mathematics requirement is met by Mathematics 151. The college computer proficiency requirement is met by Computer Information Management 120 or 140. Students in this track must also take Mathematics 152 and Statistics 161, 162, or 163.

Biology - Teacher Preparation (B.A. or B.S.)
Objective: To enable students to meet Virginia requirements for licensure to teach biology and, under certain circumstances, other related subjects.
Departmental requirements: Prospective teachers must meet the requirements for the B.A. degree as outlined above. Additional coursework must include Physics 201.
General education requirements: The student should select general education courses to meet state licensure requirements while fulfilling college graduation requirements. The college mathematics requirement is met by Mathematics 151 and Statistics 161, 162, or 163. The college computer proficiency requirement is met by Computer Information Management 140.
Requirements in professional studies: Core courses are Education 114, 115 (two enrollments), Psychology 305, Education 370, 440, 441 (student teaching), 445, 449, and 450. (Note: Education 440, 441, and 450 are taken in the professional semester.) Additional coursework must include Speech 150 and History 211 or 212. A course chosen from Physical Education 231, 232, and 251 is recommended. Student Teaching is the senior project. Students should consult with faculty advisors in the Neff Education Center for assistance in planning for fulfillment of licensure requirements.
Additional licensure options: For licensure in chemistry, Chemistry 221 and 312 are required plus one additional course. For add-on licensure in earth science, the student must complete 24 semester hours in earth science, including geology, oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology. Approved courses from environmental studies may be used as elective credit in the earth science licensure program.

Minor in Biology
A student may minor in biology by completing Biology 117, 210, and 211, plus three additional biology courses approved by the department chair.

Professors
Melissa P. Taverner, Chair
Christopher Fielitz
Gregory J. McConnell
George E. Treadwell
Kevin W. Winterling

Biology courses