Department of Biology

[1] Purposes

Knowledge of biology relates directly to understanding contemporary human life and the natural world. The biology program aims to contribute this vital element to the liberal education of all students through required and elective courses in general education. Majors in biology are provided the basic foundation for pursuing careers in biological sciences. Majors can go into research, teaching, or professional positions in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, environmental science, and various other applied and technical fields. Courses cover both the concepts and processes of biology as well as various groups of organisms. Advanced courses and individual research opportunities are available in numerous sub-disciplines. Students in related degree programs, such as applied health sciences and education, obtain the biological component of their programs from fundamental and applied courses offered in the Department of Biology.

[2] Honors in Biology

Students who major in Biology and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be invited to enter the Honors in the Major Program. For details, see Honors in the Major Program.

[3] Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Biology requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the lower-division UCA Core requirements) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses; and (2) requirements in biological science, physical science, and mathematics as described below. Completion of a minor approved by both the major and the minor advisors is optional (see specific requirements below).

Mathematics Pathways: First-time, first-year students majoring in Biology enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390.

Please note: Students must earn a C or higher grade in a biology core course before enrolling in a subsequent biology core course or biology elective that lists that core course as a prerequisite. Similar prerequisite requirements also exist for courses in other departments offering courses required for a BS degree in Biology.

[3.1] Major in Biology (40-48 hours)

Biology Core Requirements:

Other Required Courses:

Biology Elective Requirements:

Note 1

Note 2

Note 3

[3.2] Minor in Biology (24 hours)

Minimum Requirements:

Four elective hours chosen from the following:

Additional requirements include:

[4] Bachelor of Science Education in Science and Technology, Biology Track

The BSE in Science and Technology is awaiting approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and is not yet accepting students.

Biology course requirements (32 hours)

Related Physics course requirements (8 hours)

Related Chemistry course requirements (8 hours)

Related Mathematics course requirements (8 hours)

Related Education course requirements (32 hours)

Completion of the biology and related courses will only partially satisfy the upper-division (UD) UCA Core. Students are encouraged to take the opportunity to explore other areas more deeply by completing courses designed as “C” in areas outside of the sciences.

Required Biology Hours (32):
Additional Related Hours (56):

Total: 88

[5] Master’s Degree

See Graduate Bulletin.

[6] Course Links

[6.1] Courses in Biology (BIOL)

Follow this link for BIOL course descriptions: course link.

[6.2] Courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

The University of Central Arkansas is affiliated with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Students may take GCRL courses and receive credit at UCA.

UCA advisor: Dr. Noyes

Prerequisite for all courses: BIOL 2490 and consent of Department.

The following courses offered at GCRL can be used to satisfy up to 4 semester hours of the biology elective credit requirement at UCA. Special Problems in Marine Science (course #490) may satisfy up to 4 additional hours of the biology elective credit requirement upon approval of the Biology Department Independent Study Committee.