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Biology Major: Microscopy Concentration, B.A., B.S.

B.A. degree or B.S. degree 

The Biology Major will prepare students for graduate programs, pre-professional programs, certificate programs, and careers in diverse biological disciplines. Experiences in the program will strengthen skills in teamwork, inquiry and analysis, oral and written communication, problem solving, ethical reasoning, critical and creative thinking, and quantitative and information literacy. Biology students have the opportunity to perform one-on-one research with Biology faculty members and often present their work at local, regional, national, or international venues. To support student success, the Biology department offers numerous scholarship opportunities, granting greater than $60K in awards annually. Biology students are part of a learning community that includes local networking opportunities (registered student organizations and clubs), state and regional collaborations and partnerships (e.g., government agencies, tribal organizations), and global experiences (study abroad opportunities).

The Microscopy concentration is designed for students who are interested in a career as a biological microscopist. In addition to fundamental laboratory skills, students will gain experience in sample preparation and image analysis techniques and master advanced microscopy techniques including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and light microscopy. Students that complete this major receive excellent preparation to pursue advanced degrees (e.g., MS, PhD) and/or obtain employment in:

  • research laboratories
  • hospitals
  • pharmaceutical companies
  • chemical companies
  • food processing laboratories
  • forensic laboratories

Extensive hands-on learning opportunities, supported by state-of-the art teaching, laboratory and microscopy facilities, will empower students to apply their undergraduate education for employment or graduate/professional training.

 

 

 

Program Requirements

Core Courses I (20 hours)

BIO 111Foundations of Evolution and Diversity

4(3-3)

BIO 112Foundations of Cell Biology

4(3-3)

BIO 211Foundations of Genetics

4(3-3)

BIO 212Foundations of Form and Function

4(3-3)

BIO 213Foundations of Ecology

4(3-3)

Core Courses II (17-18 hours)

BIO 330Light Microscopy

3(2-2)

BIO 403WIUndergraduate Research

3-4(Spec)

BIO 550Transmission Electron Microscopy

4(1-6)

BIO 552Scanning Electron Microscope Technique

4(3-3)

BIO 553Confocal Microscopy

3(2-3)

Required Courses (3 hours)

Select one of the following:

BIO 325Biotechnology

3(1-5)

BIO 500Biological Statistics

3(2-2)

BIO 536Histology

3(2-3)

Other Requirements I (20 hours)

CHM 131General Chemistry I

4(3-3)

CHM 132General Chemistry II

4(3-3)

MTH 130Pre-Calculus Mathematics

4(4-0)

MTH 132Calculus I

4(4-0)

PHY 130QRCollege Physics I

4(4-0)

PHY 131College Physics II

4(4-0)

Note: You may only count one of MTH 130 OR MTH 132, not both.

Other Requirements II (4-8 hours)

Select one of the following options:

Option A (4 hours)

CHM 342Survey of Organic Chemistry

4(3-3)

Option B (8 hours)

CHM 345Organic Chemistry I

3(3-0)

CHM 346Organic Chemistry II

3(3-0)

CHM 349Organic Chemistry Laboratory

2(0-6)

Note: Students selecting Option A in Other Requirements II must select Option A in Other Requirements III. Students selecting Option B in Other Requirements II may select any option in Other Requirements III.

Option C (8 hours)

CHM 343Organic Chemistry I: Foundations

4(4-0)

CHM 348Organic Chemistry II: Bioorganic

2(2-0)

CHM 349Organic Chemistry Laboratory

2(0-6)

Other Requirements III (3-6 hours)

Select one of the following options:

Option A (3 hours)

CHM 421Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences

3(3-0)

Option B (3 hours)

CHM 520Introductory Biochemistry

3(3-0)

Option C (6 hours)

CHM 521Biochemistry I

3(3-0)

CHM 522Biochemistry II

3(3-0)

Other Requirements IV (0 hours)

Capstone Exit Exam and Survey

This capstone experience may include taking the Biology Major Field Test, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or completing an exit survey.

Total: 67-75 semester hours