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2022-2023 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology

The biology major is designed to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the biological sciences. The biology faculty believe it is vital for undergraduate students to understand the unifying concepts and fundamental principles within the breadth of biology. Thus, the core biology curriculum introduces the diverse areas of biology. All students are required to complete an emphasis. Each of the five emphases provides breadth and depth in biology, while allowing students flexibility to specialize in areas of particular interest. In consultation with their biology advisor, students can tailor programs to meet their unique interests, educational goals, and career needs. A biology degree can support students intending to pursue graduate or professional degrees in the life sciences, including veterinary and human medicine, as well as careers in highly diverse fields, such as conservation biology, genetic counseling, plant biology, population genetics, aquatic sciences, wildlife ecology, animal behavior, evolutionary biology, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture.

The biology major requires fulfillment of general university degree requirements, biology core requirements (including chemistry, physics, cell and molecular biology, and math/statistics requirements), and biology elective requirements outlined as follows for each emphasis. All majors must complete at least 41 credits in biology.

Requirements for a Major in Biology

Core Courses

Requires 28 to 30 credits, including:

Complete one course from each of the following biology elective categories:

  • Category I - Plant Organismal Biology (3 to 4 credits)
  • Category II - Animal Organismal Biology (3 to 4 credits)

Biology B.S. students must complete the courses listed previously. Biology B.A. students must complete the courses listed previously and demonstrate third-semester proficiency in a foreign language.

Students must complete a minimum of 41 credits of biology coursework. If students still do not have 41 credits of biology coursework after completing both the biology core requirements (listed previously) and the requirements for their chosen emphasis (as follows), they should select additional biology courses from the elective categories, BIO Issues courses, credits in research (BIO 499), or internship credit (BIO 490). Students should consult with a biology advisor prior to selecting elective courses.

Additional Requirements for the Biology Major (26 to 28 credits)

1. Chemistry

AND EITHER

OR BOTH

Note: Some professional and graduate schools require a year of organic chemistry, others a semester; some require one to two semesters of biochemistry. Students should consult an advisor and check requirements of particular programs of interest prior to selecting chemistry courses.

2. Statistics and Mathematics

Choose one of the following:

Professional and graduate schools generally require a semester of statistics and/or completion of math through trigonometry or calculus. Students should consult an advisor and check requirements of particular programs of interest prior to selecting math and statistics courses.

3. Physics

Students planning to seek secondary teaching certification or acceptance to graduate or professional programs (e.g., Ph.D. programs and medical or veterinary school) should complete PHY 220 and PHY 221 OR PHY 230 and PHY 231.

Choose one:

Excluded and Restricted Courses

The following courses are excluded from the biology major.

The following course may only count toward the biology major with advisor's permission.

Students may count BIO 357 or BMS 212/BMS 213 toward the biology degree, but not both.

Biology Issues Courses

The following courses have been approved to satisfy part of the general education Issues requirement. These courses may count toward the biology major after elective-category requirements are satisfied for the student's selected emphasis.

Emphases

All biology majors must complete an emphasis within the major (general biology, biomolecular processes, ecology and evolutionary biology, preveterinary medicine, or teacher certification). Students pursuing certification to teach biology in grades 6 through 12 must complete the emphasis in teacher certification. Students pursuing enrollment in veterinary school should select the emphasis in preveterinary medicine.

Students are encouraged to complete BIO courses of interest beyond the minimum required; these may include BIO courses not listed in the elective categories as follows. Unrestricted elective credits, i.e., those beyond the 41-credit minimum, will apply toward the GVSU 120 credit-hour baccalaureate degree requirement and additionally may help satisfy general education requirements (e.g., Issues courses). For students desiring more breadth or depth in their major, any additional BIO courses (except those specifically excluded elsewhere) are suggested and will contribute to credits completed in the BIO major.

Students may wish to pursue more specialized study within biology, such as aquatic biology, plant biology, microbiology, animal behavior, evolution, genetics, or conservation biology. The two specialized emphases -- ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) and biomolecular processes -- can support many such interests when elective courses are selected carefully. Prior to selecting an emphasis, students should consult with one or more biology faculty members whose expertise supports their interests.

Students should also pursue hands-on professional development through research, internship, volunteer, and other opportunities in field and laboratory settings. Early consultation with an appropriate academic advisor in the biology department is strongly encouraged.

- General Biology

The general biology emphasis is appropriate for preprofessional students, other than preveterinary, and students who are interested in exploring biology broadly. In addition to the requirements outlined previously, students in this emphasis must complete the following requirements. Elective courses may only count in one category.

Complete the following:

Complete one course from one of the following categories:

  • Category III (Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; 3 to 4 credits) OR Category IV (Applied Ecology and Evolution; 3 to 4 credits)

Complete one course from the following category:

  • Category V (Biomolecular Processes; 2 to 4 credits)

- Biomolecular Processes

The emphasis in biomolecular processes is appropriate for students interested in microbiology, genetics, cellular biology, and molecular biology. It supports students pursuing careers as laboratory technicians, seeking entry into medical or other health-related professional schools or graduate programs in genetics, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, or related fields, and those wishing to complete a broad biology degree with some specialization in genetics, microbiology, or cellular and molecular biology. In addition to the requirements outlined previously, students in this emphasis must complete the following requirements. Elective courses may only count in one category.

Complete the following:

Complete two courses from the following category:

  • Category V (Biomolecular Processes: 2 to 4 credits each)

- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The emphasis in ecology and evolutionary biology is appropriate for students pursuing careers in professions such as aquatic and fisheries biology, animal behavior, wildlife ecology, plant biology, zoology, marine biology, and conservation biology. It is especially appropriate for students intending to apply to graduate programs in ecology, evolutionary biology (including systematics), and related fields. In addition to the requirements outlined previously, students in this emphasis must complete the following requirements. Elective courses may only count in one category.

Complete one of the following:

Complete one course from the following category:

  • Category III (Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: 3 to 4 credits)

Complete one course from one of the following categories:

  • Category III (Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: 3 to 4 credits) OR Category IV (Applied Ecology and Evolution: 3 to 4 credits)

- Preveterinary Medicine

Students planning careers in veterinary medicine or related fields may prepare for application to professional schools with a biology major by selecting the emphasis in preveterinary medicine after completion of the introductory sequences in biology and chemistry (previously mentioned). Early consultation with an appropriate preprofessional advisor within the biology department is strongly encouraged.

Entrance requirements vary among veterinary schools at different universities. The emphasis in preveterinary medicine is tailored to satisfy application requirements at MSU; students should peruse the application requirements of the specific programs they are considering to ensure that requirements are met prior to applying. Entry requirements for particular programs are available on university websites and through the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Because entry into professional programs is highly competitive, students should complete the entry requirements for programs in veterinary medicine offered at multiple universities and be prepared to apply for admission to several. In addition to the requirements outlined previously, students in this emphasis must complete the following requirements. Elective courses may only count in one category.

Complete the following:

AND

OR BOTH

Complete the following:

Beyond coursework, preveterinary students must gain experience in the profession through volunteer work, internships, or employment; most schools of veterinary medicine require completion of specific hours of small- and large-animal experience prior to application. Research experience, community service (especially involving animal handling or welfare), leadership, and customer service are also strongly encouraged. Consultation with a biology advisor is highly recommended throughout your academic career.

- Teacher Certification

Students majoring in biology may obtain Michigan certification to teach biology in grades 6 through 12. In addition to the requirements outlined previously, students pursuing certification to teach biology must complete all the requirements listed as follows. Elective courses may only count in one category. These are the same requirements as listed in the general biology emphasis but declaring the teacher certification emphasis is important so that students are identified for advising purposes. Additionally, those seeking teacher certification must complete a teaching minor and a 39-credit professional education program from the College of Education and Community Innovation (see the GVSU College of Education and Community Innovation website for more information). Secondary admission to the College of Education and Community Innovation requires at least a 2.7 GPA in the major.

Complete the following:

Complete one course from one of the following categories:

  • Category III (Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: 3 to 4 credits) OR Category IV (Applied Ecology and Evolution: 3 to 4 credits)

Complete one course from the following category:

  • Category V (Biomolecular Processes: 2 to 4 credits)

Premedical and other Preprofessional Students

Students planning careers in clinical professions, such as physicians, dentists, and physical therapists may prepare for entry into professional school with a biology major. Students are encouraged to complete the general biology or biomolecular processes emphasis and to pursue opportunities in laboratory-based research and/or clinical experience to best support preparation for such professional studies. Early consultation with an appropriate preprofessional advisor within the biology department or CLAS Academic Advising Center is strongly encouraged. Entrance requirements vary among universities, but most require completion of the following:

Additional coursework required for admission to professional programs may include biochemistry, microbiology, embryology, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, statistics, and/or mathematics beyond college algebra. Entry requirements for particular professional programs are available on university websites. Biology advisors and the CLAS preprofessional advisors can assist students in selecting appropriate courses. Because entry into professional programs is highly competitive, students should complete the entry requirements for programs offered at multiple universities and be prepared to apply for admission to several programs.

Beyond coursework, applicants are typically required to gain experience in the profession prior to seeking admission. For example, admission requirements for most medical schools require practical experience in a clinical or health care setting. Research experience and community service (especially in areas related to the profession) are also strongly encouraged. Consultation with a biology advisor is essential.

Elective Course Categories

Elective courses must be selected to satisfy emphasis requirements, but also should be selected deliberately, carefully, and in consultation with a biology advisor to support a student's specific educational and career objectives. Students should meet with their advisor prior to completion of elective coursework.

Note: Some courses appear in more than one category, but a particular course may only satisfy one biology degree requirement.

Category One: Plant Organismal Biology

These courses include a field and/or laboratory component and address the structure, function, development, taxonomy, evolution, or ecology of plants. All students (regardless of emphasis) must complete at least one course from the following:

Category Two: Animal Organismal Biology

These courses include a laboratory or field component and significant content addressing the anatomy, physiology, development, and/or lifecycles of animals. All biology majors (regardless of emphasis) must complete at least one course from the following:

Category Three: Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB)

These courses include significant content addressing principles of ecology and/or evolutionary biology; these courses may or may not include a laboratory component. See requirements for specific emphases.

Category Four: Applied Ecology and Evolution

These courses include significant content addressing the application of ecological and evolutionary principles to environmental concerns and human endeavors. See elective requirements for specific emphases.

*Note: Students may count BIO 357 or BMS 212/BMS 213 toward the biology degree, but not both.

Category Five: Biomolecular Processes

These courses include significant content addressing gene function and regulation, microbiology, cellular biology, and/or molecular biology. See elective requirements for specific emphases.

*Note: Students may count BIO 357 or BMS 212/BMS 213 toward the biology degree, but not both.

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Biology

The following plan may need to be adjusted on a case-by-case basis. Students should work with an academic advisor to create an academic plan that best suits their circumstances.

Year One

Year Two

One of the following chemistry cognate options:

Year Three

Year Four

One of the following options:

Click here for the program description.


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