Biology (BS)

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Departmental Admission Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Biology requires the following: 

  • Completion of BIOL 240, BIOL 241,  BIOL 242, and BIOL 243 with a grade of C or better.
  • Completion of MATH 111 with a grade of C or better OR placement into a mathematics course above the level of MATH 111 on the basis of either the University of Louisville mathematics placement examination or ACT/SAT score.
  • A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. 

The Change Major Request form can be found under the Academic Progress tile on ULink.

General Education Requirements

General Education Requirements *31
The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement:
Unity of Life - S
Diversity of Life - S
Unity of Life Lab - SL
Diversity of Life Lab - SL
Calculus I - QR
General Chemistry I - S

*All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  To complete the degree in the minimum number of hours listed on the Overview tab, some hours from the General Education Requirements must be satisfied by courses defined by the unit and/or program. If additional hours taken within the program also satisfy General Education requirements, students may need to take additional electives to satisfy the minimum hours required for the degree. 

College/School Requirements

Arts & Sciences Requirements
GEN 100Student Success Center First Year Experience1
or GEN 101 Arts & Sciences First Year Experience
Foreign Language 16-8
Electives in Humanities or Social Sciences at the 300-level or above 26
WR - two approved courses at the 300 level or above 3
Minimum Total Hours13-15

Program/Major Requirements

Department of Biology 4
BIOL 240Unity of Life - S 53
BIOL 241Unity of Life Lab - SL1
BIOL 242Diversity of Life - S 53
BIOL 243Diversity of Life Lab - SL1
BIOL 329Cellular and Molecular Biology3
BIOL 330Genetics and Molecular Biology3
BIOL 331Genetics and Molecular Biology: Laboratory2
BIOL 363Principles of Ecology3
BIOL 409Evolutionary Biology 3
Minimum Total Hours22
Supporting Courses
MATH 205Calculus I - QR 54
BIOL 350Biostatistics3
CHEM 201General Chemistry I - S 53
CHEM 202General Chemistry II - S 53
CHEM 207
CHEM 208
Introduction to Chemical Analysis I - SL
Introduction to Chemical Analysis II - SL
2
CHEM 209Introduction to Chemical Analysis III1
CHEM 341
CHEM 343
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
5
PHYS 221
PHYS 223
Fundamentals of Physics I - S
Fundamentals of Physics Lab I - SL
4
Minimum Total Hours25
Track Requirements (see Track Requirements tab)38-40

At least 50 of the total minimum hours required must be at the 300 level or above. 

Culminating Undergraduate Experience (Graduation requirement)
Requirement fulfilled by completing one of the following:
Undergraduate Research - CUE 6
Undergraduate Research (WR) - CUE, WR 6
Evolutionary Biology
Biology of the Cell - CUE, WR
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant - CUE
Global Change Ecology - CUE
Developmental Biology - CUE
Microbial Physiology - WR, CUE
Biology Internship - CUE, WR
Behavioral Endocrinology - CUE, WR
Medicinal Plant Biochemistry - WR, CUE
Experimental Design and Analysis - CUE, WR
1

Completion of the second semester of a single foreign language; hours will vary depending on language taken

2

In addition to courses counted toward General Education

3

May be incorporated into other degree requirements

4

Note: BIOL 102, BIOL 104, BIOL 257, BIOL 258, BIOL 260, BIOL 261, BIOL 262 and BIOL 263 do not count toward electives in the major.

5

Fulfills General Education requirement.

6

A maximum of 6 hours of undergraduate research or independent study may count toward the major.

BS in Biology Tracks

Track in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Academic Plan Code(s): BIOLBS_MCD

Supporting Courses
CHEM 342
CHEM 344
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
5
PHYS 222
PHYS 224
Fundamentals of Physics II - S
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory II - SL
4
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Track Core Courses
BIOL 457Microbiology3
BIOL 443Developmental Biology - CUE3
BIOL 465Principles of Physiology3
BIOL 540Metabolic Biochemistry3
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Laboratory Experience1-4
Select one of the following:
Microbiology Laboratory
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research - CUE
Undergraduate Research (WR) - CUE, WR
Biotechnology Methods - WR
Medicinal Plant Biochemistry - WR, CUE
Experimental Design and Analysis - CUE, WR
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Track Electives9-10
Select at least three courses from the following:
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Microbial Genetics and Pathogenesis - WR
Biology of the Cell - CUE, WR
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Chemical Ecology - WR
Introduction to Immunology - WR
Cancer Biology
Microbial Physiology - WR, CUE
Behavioral Endocrinology - CUE, WR
Endocrinology
Environmental Physiology
Gene Structure and Function - WR
Evolutionary Medicine
Chronic Disease Biology
Biology Electives (300 level or higher)5-7
Minimum Total Hours38-40

Track in Ecology

Academic Plan Code(s): BIOLBS_ECO

Supporting Courses
Select two of the following courses:5-6
Geology for Scientists and Engineers
Climate Science
Biogeography
Geomorphology
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Urban Demography and GIS
Select one of the following two sequences:4-5
Fundamentals of Physics II - S
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory II - SL
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Ecology Track Core Courses
BIOL 401Advanced Ecology3
BIOL 563Population and Community Ecology3
Ecology Track Electives
Select at least one course from each of the following three categories
Plant Ecology3
Plant Biology - WR
Plant Taxonomy & Ecology - WR
Chemical Ecology - WR
Animal Ecology3
Vertebrate Zoology
Animal Behavior
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Entomology
Behavioral Ecology
Ornithology
Environmental Physiology
Selected Topics (Invertebrate Zoology)
Community Ecology3
Evolutionary Ecology of Disease
Global Change Ecology - CUE
Ecology of Urban and Suburban Landscapes
Ecosystems Ecology
Conservation Biology
Select one additional courses from any of the three categories above3
Biology electives at the 300 level or above11
Minimum Total Hours38-40

Flight Plan


Track in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
GEN 100
Student Success Center First Year Experience
or Arts & Sciences First Year Experience
1
BIOL 240 Unity of Life - S 1 3
BIOL 241 Unity of Life Lab - SL 1
CHEM 201
CHEM 207
CHEM 208
General Chemistry I - S
Introduction to Chemical Analysis I - SL
Introduction to Chemical Analysis II - SL
5
Foreign Language 1 2 3-4
ENGL 101 Introduction to College Writing - WC 3
 Hours16-17
Spring
BIOL 242 Diversity of Life - S 1 3
BIOL 243 Diversity of Life Lab - SL 1
CHEM 202
CHEM 209
General Chemistry II - S
Introduction to Chemical Analysis III
4
MATH 205 Calculus I - QR 4
Foreign Language 2 2 3-4
 Hours15-16
Year 2
Fall
BIOL 329 Cellular and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM 341
CHEM 343
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
5
ENGL 102 Intermediate College Writing - WC 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Oral Communication - OC 1 3
 Hours14
Spring
BIOL 330 Genetics and Molecular Biology 3
BIOL 331 Genetics and Molecular Biology: Laboratory 2
CHEM 342
CHEM 344
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
5
PHYS 221
PHYS 223
Fundamentals of Physics I - S
Fundamentals of Physics Lab I - SL
4
General Education: Cardinal Core Arts & Humanities Global Diversity - AHD2 1 3
 Hours17
Year 3
Fall
BIOL 363 Principles of Ecology 3
BIOL 540 Metabolic Biochemistry 3
Select one of the following lab experiences: 3 1-3
Microbiology Laboratory
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research - CUE
Undergraduate Research (WR) - CUE, WR
Biotechnology Methods - WR
Medicinal Plant Biochemistry - WR, CUE
Experimental Design and Analysis - CUE, WR
PHYS 222 Fundamentals of Physics II - S 3
PHYS 224 Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory II - SL 1
General Education: Cardinal Core Arts & Humanities -AH 1 3
 Hours14-16
Spring
BIOL 465 Principles of Physiology 3
BIOL 350 Biostatistics 3
Biology MCD elective 1 (choose one) 3-4
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Microbial Genetics and Pathogenesis - WR
Biology of the Cell - CUE, WR
Chemical Ecology - WR
Introduction to Immunology - WR
Microbial Physiology - WR, CUE
Behavioral Endocrinology - CUE, WR
Endocrinology
Environmental Physiology
Gene Structure and Function - WR
Evolutionary Medicine
Chronic Disease Biology
Biology elective 3-4
Humanities/Social Science/Biology WR course (300 level or above) 4 3
 Hours15-17
Year 4
Fall
BIOL 409 Evolutionary Biology 3
BIOL 457 Microbiology 3
Biology MCD elective 2 (choose one) 3-4
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Microbial Genetics and Pathogenesis - WR
Biology of the Cell - CUE, WR
Chemical Ecology - WR
Introduction to Immunology - WR
Microbial Physiology - WR, CUE
Behavioral Endocrinology - CUE, WR
Endocrinology
Environmental Physiology
Gene Structure and Function - WR
Evolutionary Medicine
Chronic Disease Biology
Humanities/Social Science/Biology Elective (300 level or above) 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Historical Perspective – SBH 1 3
 Hours15-16
Spring
BIOL 443 Developmental Biology - CUE 3
Biology MCD Elective 3 (choose one) 3-4
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Microbial Genetics and Pathogenesis - WR
Biology of the Cell - CUE, WR
Chemical Ecology - WR
Introduction to Immunology - WR
Microbial Physiology - WR, CUE
Behavioral Endocrinology - CUE, WR
Endocrinology
Environmental Physiology
Gene Structure and Function - WR
Evolutionary Medicine
Chronic Disease Biology
Humanities/Social Science/Biology Elective (300 level or above) 3-4
Humanities/Social Science/Biology WR Course (300 level or above) 4 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Social & Behavioral Sciences US Diversity - SBD1 1 3
 Hours15-17
 Minimum Total Hours121-130
1

Fulfills the requirement for one of two required Gen Ed courses. However, only one Gen Ed course from each program will be counted towards your degree.

2

Students with high school language experience or multilingual backgrounds should consult the Classical and Modern Languages department for information on partially or completely satisfying the language requirements through testing.

3

This is a good time to think about performing undergraduate research.  Look at faculty websites here and at the HSC, then email faculty whose research you find interesting.  See if they have openings.

4

Biology WR courses that fit well in this track include: BIOL 359BIOL 415,  BIOL 416BIOL 480BIOL 485BIOL 511, BIOL 541, and BIOL 542 but note that only some of these are offered in a given semester. BIOL 406 (undergraduate research) would be appropriate if you plan to do an honors project, and is also a good source of writing credit.  You MUST have mentor approval.


Track in Ecology

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
GEN 100
Student Success Center First Year Experience
or Arts & Sciences First Year Experience
1
BIOL 240 Unity of Life - S 1 3
BIOL 241 Unity of Life Lab - SL 1
CHEM 201
CHEM 207
CHEM 208
General Chemistry I - S
Introduction to Chemical Analysis I - SL
Introduction to Chemical Analysis II - SL 1
5
MATH 205 Calculus I - QR 4
ENGL 101 Introduction to College Writing - WC 3
 Hours17
Spring
BIOL 242 Diversity of Life - S 1 3
BIOL 243 Diversity of Life Lab - SL 1
CHEM 202
CHEM 209
General Chemistry II - S
Introduction to Chemical Analysis III
4
ENGL 102 Intermediate College Writing - WC 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Social & Behavioral Sciences - SB (PSYC 201) 1 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Arts & Humanities US Diversity – AHD1 (300 level or above)
 Hours14
Year 2
Fall
BIOL 329 Cellular and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM 341 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 343 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 2
Foreign Language 1 2 4
General Education: Cardinal Core Oral Communication - OC (e.g., BIOL 203) 3
 Hours15
Spring
BIOL 330 Genetics and Molecular Biology 3
BIOL 331 Genetics and Molecular Biology: Laboratory 2
PHYS 221 Fundamentals of Physics I - S 3
PHYS 223 Fundamentals of Physics Lab I - SL 1
Foreign Language 2 2 4
ENVS 363 Climate Science (or other Ecology supporting course) 3
 Hours16
Year 3
Fall
BIOL 363 Principles of Ecology 3
BIOL 300 Plant Biology - WR 3
BIOL 404 Undergraduate Research 3
ENVS 365 Biogeography 3
PHYS 222 Fundamentals of Physics II - S 3
PHYS 224 Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory II - SL 1
 Hours16
Spring
BIOL 350 Biostatistics 3
BIOL 457 Microbiology (or other Biology elective) 3
BIOL 458 Microbiology Laboratory (or other Biology elective) 1
BIOL 310 Animal Behavior 3
BIOL 406 Undergraduate Research (WR) - CUE, WR 3
Humanities/Social Science elective (300 level or above) 3
 Hours16
Year 4
Fall
BIOL 409 Evolutionary Biology 3
BIOL 562 Ecosystems Ecology 3
BIOL 401 Advanced Ecology 3
BIOL 304 Plant Taxonomy & Ecology - WR 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Arts & Humanities Global Diversity – AHD2 1 3
 Hours15
Spring
BIOL 563 Population and Community Ecology 3
BIOL 567 Conservation Biology 3
Humanities/Social Science elective (300 level or above) 3
General Education: Cardinal Core Historical Perspective US Diversity – SBHD1 1 3
 Hours12
 Minimum Total Hours121
1

Fulfills the requirement for one of two required Gen Ed courses. However, only one Gen Ed course from each program will be counted towards your degree.

2

Students with high school language experience or multilingual backgrounds should consult the Classical and Modern Languages department for information on partially or completely satisfying the language requirements through testing.

Degree Audit Report
Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan.  What-if reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  Should you have questions about either report, please consult with your academic advisor.

Flight Planner
The Flight Planner tool is available for you to create a personalized Flight Plan to graduation.  Advisors have access to review your Flight Planner and can help you adjust it to ensure you remain on track to graduate in a timely manner.

To create these reports:

  1. Log into your ULink account.
  2. Click on the Academic Progress tile.
  3. Select the appropriate report.
    1. To run a Degree Audit report, click on "View my Degree Audit."
    2. To create a What-if report, click on "Create a What-if Advisement Report."
    3. To run a Flight Planner report, click on "Use My Flight Planner."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, create a What-if report, or run a Flight Planner report.