Biological Science Undergraduate Programs - College of Engineering & Natural Sciences
Department of Biological Science

Biological Science Undergraduate Programs

Biology is a rapidly changing science that incorporates molecular and cellular biology; behavioral and molecular ecology; developmental biology; organismal, ecological and evolutionary genetics; microbiology; aerobiology; molecular systematics; and neuroscience. Flexible degree requirements lead to careers in the biology and health fields or graduate school.

The Department of Biological Science offers B.S., B.A., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Research opportunities allow undergraduate and graduate students to work directly with professors in laboratories as well as ecological field sites such as the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, the Oklahoma Cross Timbers and the Ozark Mountains. Students are encouraged to participate in the local chapters of the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society and Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-med honor society and are often invited to present research at nationwide conferences.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biological Sciences

    1. Display fundamental understanding of basic genetics and evolution through (a) responses on lecture quizzes and tests, (b) responses on laboratory quizzes and practical exams, or (c) written reports from laboratory exercises.
    2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of cell structure and function and molecular biology through (a) responses on lecture quizzes and tests, (b) responses on laboratory quizzes and practical exams, or (c) written reports from laboratory exercises.
    3. Demonstrate basic knowledge of comparative organismic diversity through (a) responses on lecture quizzes and tests, (b) responses on laboratory quizzes and practical exams, or (c) written reports from laboratory exercises.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic organismal adaptations to ecological environments through (a) responses on lecture quizzes and tests, (b) responses on laboratory quizzes and practical exams, or (c) written reports from laboratory exercises. 5. Analyze and evaluate scientific data and/or current literature; this will be assessed through experimental design, problem solving, presentations, class discussions, class essays, or term papers.
  • Degree Options

    Biology, B.A.

    Learn the basic principles of biological science and how general science fundamentals apply to the area of biology.

    Biological Science, B.S.B.S.

    Study biology with a foundational science and mathematics curriculum.

    Biological Science, Pre-Med Option, B.S.B.S.

    Apply to medical, dentistry or veterinary school.
    Pre-professional program in medicine

    Biology Minor

    Non-majors interested in learning more about biology are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.

    Neuroscience Minor

    Provides foundational knowledge of the structure and function of the brain and nervous system.

    Bioinformatics Minor

    Students from any discipline may minor in bioinformatics.

    Biomedical Engineering Minor

    Students majoring in any discipline may minor in biomedical engineering.

  • Typical Four-Year Schedule
    FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTERFRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
    Exposition and Argumentation*Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience
    General ElectiveGeneral Elective
    General Chemistry I and LabGeneral Chemistry II and Lab
    Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary BiologyIntroduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
    Introduction to Biological Sciences
    SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTERSOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative ExperienceBlock II - Historical and Social Interpretation
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationCalculus I
    Supplemental Area Concentration (SAC)†SAC
    GeneticsBiology, Cluster B - Evolution
    JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTERJUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationWriting for the Professions
    SACSAC
    General ElectiveBiology, Cluster A - Virology
    Introduction to StatisticsBiology, Cluster B - Ecology
    Biology, Cluster C - Vertebrate PhysiologyBiology, Cluster C - Medical Botany
    SENIOR – FALL SEMESTERSENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    General ElectiveBlock II - Historical and Social Interpretation
    Biology, Cluster A - ImmunologyComparative Anatomy
    Field EcologyMicrobiology
    Environmental MicrobiologyAnimal Behavior
    HistologyPopulation Ecology
    * Introduction to College Writing or its equivalent may be a prerequisite in some cases.
    † A Supplemental Area Concentration must consist of at least 16 hours with 8 hours taken at the upper
    division levels.

  • Professional Opportunities
    • Medicine
    • Laboratory or field researcher
    • Biology teacher
    • Public health
    • Forensics