Biology

  • Major
  • Minor

Program Details

Our Bachelor of Science in Biology program prepares students for a flexible future in the sciences by providing a broad background in all areas of biology. Classes are taught by professors, never grad students. And class sizes are kept small. All so you can get personal attention from your instructor.

To promote active learning and understanding of the scientific process, almost every course has a lab component. You’ll develop your research skills, practice in experimental design and hypothesis testing, and learn how to work collaboratively.

Pre-Professional Programs

Many of our biology students go on to professional school after graduation. To help with this transition, we offer the following pre-professional programs:

 

*The Pre-Physical Therapy program has a direct entry path to the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Prepared for grad school and beyond.

Since 2010, a whopping 79% of UJ biology graduates who applied to professional or graduate schools were accepted. We credit this, in part, to our curriculum—where students can take both broad science courses and courses that allow for specialization.

A lot of our graduates go on to masters and PhD programs in science. Others pursue teaching or work in industries such as:

  • Pharmacy
  • Biotechnology
  • Seed companies
  • Natural resources
  • Wildlife biology
  • Fisheries, or as a game warden

Why UJ?

  • Small class sizes and labs allow for more personalized support and discussion.
  • New buildings feature state-of-the-art labs.
  • Project-oriented experiments and research opportunities provide hands-on experience.
  • Academic advisor (who is also biology faculty) is assigned on day one.
$12.49 million

In scholarships, grants, and waivers

This is the amount awarded to students in the 21-22 year.

84th

Percentile

Due to our rigorous coursework, our biology graduates average in the 84th percentile for the Major Field Test (a national standardized exam that assesses knowledge and understanding of students in a specific major).

60x70

Diverse student population

UJ has more than 1,000 undergrad students from roughly 30 states and 15 countries.

Gain real-life experience.

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to work in the field of your choice or expand your knowledge in graduate school. Biology majors can gain experience beyond the classroom through:

Biology Orientation

In this course, students explore career options and receive advice from faculty and seniors on how to prepare for the future.

Research Opportunities

Biology programs are notorious for making research opportunities hard to access, often requiring students to seek out a professor to engage in research. We take away that pressure by helping students develop research skills and experience as a class in Biology Research Methods. This supportive group environment helps us nurture students’ research skills.

All seniors also take Senior Seminar as a capstone course, in which they explore a particular topic with a mentor and learn about the scientific process.

Internships

More experience = a better career! Our community support helps you gain professional development opportunities – many of which are available for credit.
Our students gain healthcare experience by working with local dentists, veterinarians, clinics, physical therapists, or as EMTs and CNAs. Those interested in ecology and natural resources can find local opportunities at The Northern Prairie Research Center and NEON.

Ecology Abroad

Our Field Ecology of Costa Rica class allows students to directly learn about a variety of ecological systems in another country. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll study Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and observe tropical organisms and ecosystems. Explore other study abroad opportunities.

Coursework

Biology Course

Course Title Credits

Bio 150

introduction to Biology I

4

Bio 151

Introduction to Biology II

4

Biol 201

Biology Orientation

1

Biol 305

Cell Biology

5

Bio 430

Genetics

5

Biol 425/426

Biology Seminar

1 + 1

Biol 442

Evolution

4

Biol

Courses chosen in consultation with advisor at least one must be an upper level course with a substantial ecological component (304, 306, 308, and 310)

13

Other Required Courses

Course Title Credits

Chem 133

General Chemistry I

4

Chem 134

General Chemistry II

4

Chem 245

or

Chem 343

Survey of Organic Chemistry

 

Organic Chemistry I

4

Chem 344

or

Chem 353/431

Organic Chemistry II

 

or

Chemical Methods of Analysis/Advanced Lab 1

4

Math 151

or

Math 205

Calculus I

 

Statistics

4

 

3

Phys 143/144

or

Phys 203/204

 

College Physics I or College Physics II

 

Physics I or Physics II

 

 

 

5

Total Semester Credits Required: 61 or 62

See Full Academic Catalog

Our Faculty

You’ll get to know the biology faculty, both in and outside of the classroom, from day one. Click a profile below to learn more about faculty research and the courses they teach.
All Faculty & Staff

Tuition and Financial Aid

We believe every student, regardless of their financial situation, should have access to a UJ education. 100% of our full-time undergraduate students have some type of financial aid, with scholarship packages starting at $8,000 minimum. Your counselor for admissions personally walks you through financial aid, including the process of filing a FAFSA, maximizing your eligibility for aid, and answering any questions you may have along the way.

Scholarships