Biology Major

Melanie Lee-Brown, Assistant Professor, Chair
Frank P. Keegan, Raymond Binford Professor of Biology
Lynn J. Moseley, Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology
Charles G. Smith, Professor

Bryan W. Brendley, Assistant Professor
Michele Malotky, Assistant Professor
Thomas R. Tucker, Assistant Professor

The Department of Biology seeks to provide students with a strong foundation in the biological sciences. The department offers three majors: A.B. biology and forensic biology and B.S. biology. The curriculum is designed so that all students take certain basic courses and then pursue more advanced courses according to their own interests. This flexibility enables students to prepare for graduate school; for medical, dental and other professional schools; and for careers in many different areas of biology and related fields.

Degrees Offered

The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in biology as well as in forensic biology. The Bachelor of Science degree is offered in biology. Through an arrangement with Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, a degree completion program and a master’s degree program in forestry or environmental management are also available.

Major Requirements

Major Requirements for A.B. degree in biology. The major requires a minimum of 40 credit hours (10 courses).

 

1.  BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells	4 credits
2.  BIOL 112 Integrative Biology: Organisms, Ecology & Evolution	4 credits
3.  BIOL 291 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry	4 credits
4-8. Five biology elective courses	20 credits
9.  CHEM 111 Chemical Principles I	4 credits
10. CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II	4 credits
Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in biology	40 credits

 

Major Requirements for A.B. degree in forensic biology. The major in forensic biology has two goals:  to provide students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences through a core of three introductory courses and to provide a focused and coherent study of the techniques used to analyze evidence found at the scene of a crime through the use of five upper-level courses. The upper-level courses emphasize the meaning and significance of physical evidence and its role in criminal investigations. 

This major will be valuable preparation for those interested in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system, the FBI or the SBI, as well as for work with humanitarian agencies investigating human rights abuses. In addition, students interested in law, journalism and creative writing will be able to double major and thus acquire the knowledge needed to complement their original field of specialization. The major requires a minimum of 32 credit hours (eight courses).

1.   BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells	4 credits
2.   BIOL 115 General Botany	4 credits
3.   BIOL 245 Introduction to Forensic Science	4 credits
4.   BIOL 246 Forensic Chemistry	4 credits
5.   BIOL 313 Molecular Cell Biology	4 credits
6.   BIOL 341 Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4 credits
7.   BIOL 342 Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4 credits
8.   BIOL 349 Forensic Anthropology	4 credits
Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in forensic biology	32 credits

 

Biology B.S. Major Requirements for B.S. degree in biology. The major requires a minimum of 56 credit hours (14 courses).

 

1.  BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells	4 credits
2.  BIOL 112 Integrative Biology: Organisms, Ecology and Evolution	4 credits
3.  BIOL 291 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry	4 credits
4-8. Five biology elective course chosen in consultation with advisor	20 credits
9.  CHEM 111 Chemical Principles I	4 credits
10.CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II	4 credits
11. PHYS 121 Classical and Modern Physics I or
PHYS 211 College Physics I	4 credits
12. PHYS 122 Classical and Modern Physics II or
PHYS 212 College Physics II	4 credits
13-14. Two courses from:	8 credits
MATH 112 Elementary Statistics
MATH 115 Elementary Functions
MATH 121 Calculus I
MATH 122 Calculus II
Total credit hours required for B.S. degree in biology	56 credits

 

Many biology courses involve fieldwork and off-campus field trips. Expanded study and research opportunities are available at the North Carolina coast, in the mountains and in adjacent states. Several biology courses are included as options for the new environmental studies major. Summer field courses offer students the opportunity to study in various places around the world.

Biology (B.S.) majors are encouraged to pursue independent research projects under the supervision of a biology faculty member. This research can lead to the writing of a thesis during the senior year, Senior Thesis (BIOL 470), or to honors in biology, Departmental Honors (BIOL 490). In addition, there are numerous opportunities for student participation in independent studies (BIOL 260 or 460) and internships (BIOL 290).