Requirements
B.A. in Biology
The B.A. in Biology requires completion of the Biology Core, which includes General Biology in combination with selected chemistry, physics and mathematics courses that will serve as a foundation for further study in the Department. A minimum of 22 credits of course work in Biology must be completed, in addition to General Biology I and II (8 credits). A minimum of one course from each of the biological subject categories is required (see 'course distribution requirements' below). A grade of "C" or better in any prerequisite course is required for advanced courses in Biology.
B.S. in Biology
To obtain the B.S. in Biology, students must complete all requirements indicated above plus 12 additional credits in Biology. Summer research or an internship that accounts for up to 6 credit hours can be used towards the additional 12 credits.
Course Distribution Requirements
To satisfy the Biology Department's course distribution requirement, students must take at least one Biology course from each of the three subject areas below. Additional courses may be approved by the Department chair to satisfy distribution requirements. Courses at the 3000 level or above require completion of General Biology I and II or AP credit for Biology.
| Molecules to Cells | Cells to Organisms | Organisms to Populations |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 2302 Biotechnology (Lab 2102) | BIO 2315 Human Biology (Lab 2115) | BIO 2317 Disease and Society (Lab 2117) |
| BIO 3325 Genetics (Lab 3125) | BIO 3318 Plant Biology (Lab 3118) | BIO 2348 Darwin (Lab 2148) |
| BIO 3327 Microbiology (Lab 3127) | BIO 3323 Anatomy (Lab 3123) | BIO 2360 Environmental Science (Lab 2160) |
| BIO 3335 Biochemistry I (Lab 3135) | BIO 3324 Immunology | BIO 3311 Marine Biology (Lab 3111) |
| BIO 3336 Biochemistry II (Lab 3136) | BIO 3329 Developmental Biology | BIO 3326 Ecology (Lab 3126) |
| BIO 3340 Experimental Techniques | BIO 3331 Physiology (Lab 3131) | BIO 3346 Animal Behavior (Lab 3146) |
| BIO 4328 Molecular Biology (Lab 4128) | BIO 3347 Evolutionary Biology | |
| BIO 4345 Advanced Genetics | BIO 3345 Biostatistics | |
| BIO 4338 Cell Structure and Function | BIO 3350 Bioinformatics |
Comprehensive Exam
All students must pass a comprehensive exam, which is given in the senior year. This examination will generally entail a review of primary scientific literature in a specific subject area, followed by an oral presentation of findings and conclusions. Students are urged to take the Biological Literature Seminar (4360) in the fall of the senior year as preparation for the comprehensive exam.
Biology for Non-Majors
The core curriculum is at the center of undergraduate education at the University
of Dallas. As a component of this curriculum, the life sciences play an important
role in introducing students to the ways in which science has contributed to the development
of the Western tradition and to an understanding of our own existence.
Each undergraduate student must take one life science course that includes a laboratory
component. Biology majors will, understandably, acquire sufficient credits in the
course of their normal studies. Nonmajors have several options to fulfill the core
life science requirement:
BIO 1311/1111 or 1312/1112 General Biology I and II
BIO 2301, 2101 Basic Ideas of Biology
BIO 2315, 2115 Human Biology
BIO 2348, 2148 Darwin
BIO 2360, 2160 Environmental Science
BIO 2317, 2117 Disease and Society
BIO 3317, 3117 Tropical Ecology and Ecopsychology