Biology B.A.

Biology has long been recognized as basic to environment, agriculture, and medicine. Because the topics studied by biologists range from sub-cellular particles to global environmental concerns, and because of the variety of living organisms and the various ways of studying them, many specialties have developed. The BA program provides majors with the necessary background to pursue careers in the diverse areas of life science, including health care professions, and the many careers that provide the interface between science and society.

Students select one of four sub-plans: Biodiversity, Conservation, and Sustainability; Human Biology; Life Sciences; and Medical Laboratory Sciences. The Biodiversity, Conservation, and Sustainability sub-plan is designed for students interested in research, policy, or advocacy focused on global issues such as climate change and environmental protection. The Human Biology sub-plan is designed for students interested in human health-related fields. The Life Science sub-plan is designed for students who would like to integrate their interests in biology with other fields outside the sciences, such as policy, education, or the arts. The Medical Laboratory Sciences sub-plan is implemented in coordination with the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Certificate program on the UMTC campus. Students who complete the Biology BA with the Medical Laboratory Sciences sub-plan are able to complete the MLS Certificate in less time than compared to completing the entire MLS Certificate after receiving their undergraduate degree.

The Department of Biology encourages students to develop as active scholars and to participate in undergraduate research. The degree involves faculty from multiple departments in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, and our students and faculty regularly collaborate with researchers in the UM Medical School and Pharmacy School.