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 111	Foundations of Evolution and Diversity	4(3-3)
BIO 112	Foundations of Cell Biology	4(3-3)
BIO 211	Foundations of Genetics	4(3-3)
BIO 212	Foundations of Form and Function	4(3-3)
BIO 213	Foundations of Ecology	4(3-3)

Core Courses II (17-18 hours)

BIO 330	Foundations in Microscopy	2(1-1)
BIO 403WI	Undergraduate Research	4(Spec)
BIO 550	Transmission Electron Microscopy	4(1-6)
BIO 552	Scanning Electron Microscopy	4(3-3)
BIO 553	Confocal Microscopy	3(2-3)

Required Courses (3 hours)

Select one of the following:

BIO 325	Biotechnology	3(1-5)
BIO 500	Biological Statistics	3(2-2)
BIO 536	Histology	3(2-3)

Other Requirements I (20 hours)

CHM 131	General Chemistry I	4(3-3)
CHM 132	General Chemistry II	4(3-3)
MTH 130	Pre-Calculus Mathematics	4(4-0)
MTH 132	Calculus I	4(4-0)
PHY 130QR	College Physics I	4(4-0)
PHY 131	College 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 342

Survey of Organic Chemistry

4(3-3)

Option B (8 hours)

CHM 345	Organic Chemistry I	3(3-0)
CHM 346	Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Bioorganic Chemistry	3(3-0)
CHM 349	Organic 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 343	Organic Chemistry I: Foundations	4(4-0)
CHM 348	Organic Chemistry II: Bioorganic	2(2-0)
CHM 349	Organic Chemistry Laboratory	2(0-6)

Other Requirements III (3-6 hours)

Select one of the following options:

Option A (3 hours)

CHM 421

Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences

3(3-0)

Option B (3 hours)

CHM 520

Introductory Biochemistry