Biological Sciences (Biology of Animals)

What Is Biological Sciences (Biology of Animals) ?

Effective Autumn 2009, the college will significantly change the A&S core requirements. Continuing students should consult their new degree audits for changes until the information below can be updated!

This concentration within the biology major is an opportunity for students to explore, in greater detail, the behaviors, phylogeny, anatomy, physiology and environmental interactions of animals. Students are able to focus their upper level elective courses on animals and related topics.

Biology is the scientific study of life and life processes. Biologists study the organization of life from the structures of molecules to the balance of ecosystems. Biology majors learn to observe critically the details of all life; they analyze data and apply biological knowledge learned in the classroom to draw conclusions about their observations. 

Biologists are able to make significant contributions to maintaining the health and well-being of the human population, as well as preserving and protecting the environment. They develop a knowledge base and scientific way of thinking that will enable them to make informed personal health and public policy decisions. 

Success Factors

Students who have an interest in the living world around them, and who love to learn about, interact with, or observe animals will often find this concentration within the biology major to be very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy this concentration, especially learning about animals in laboratory and natural environments. Visual learners will especially appreciate the complexity and behaviors of the animals they will study. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Career Possibilities

Graduates with a BS in biology and a concentration in biology of animals have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study. The MS or PhD degree in biology can lead to careers in teaching and research.  Students interested in applying to veterinary school will find this concentration to be particularly appropriate. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include:

• Anatomist        
• Animal behaviorist (Ethnologist)
• Biology Teacher (Middle/High School)
• Ecologist
• Entomologist (Insects)
• Fish and Wildlife Management Specialist
• Fisheries Biologist        
• Herpetologist (Amphibians & Reptiles)
• Ichthyologist (Fish) 
• Invertebrate Biologist
• Laboratory Animal Medicine Specialist
• Mammalogist
• Marine Biologist
• Museum Curator
• Natural Resources Manager
• Naturalist
• Ornithologist (Birds) 
• Vertebrate Biologist
• Veterinarian
• Zoologist

Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's Web site. 

Major Details

The study of biology includes several subdisciplines, and the major offers students the flexibility to create their own course of study within this range of possibilities. Majors begin by establishing a broad base in the discipline, taking a three-quarter sequence in introductory biology (lecture/lab) followed by three quarters of sophomore biology (lecture/lab): genetics (fall quarter), cell structure and function (winter quarter) and ecology (spring quarter). During the final two years, biology majors must complete a minimum of six upper-level electives in biology, of which at least two must include a laboratory component.

The Department of Biological Sciences in the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is now offering students the option of graduating with a concentration in a specific area of biology. The concentrations offered are biology of plants, biology of animals, cell and molecular biology, and ecology and evolution. To graduate with one of these concentrations, a student must complete the declaration of major form and then select six upper level courses and the capstone from lists of appropriate courses within the concentration. At graduation, the transcript will indicate the field of concentration along with the BS in biology. Although there is not a formal concentration in premedical studies, the "Special Programs" section below offers a list of suggested courses that may be especially appropriate for premed students. Students are not required to choose a concentration -- they can choose their biology major electives to match their interests (whether focused or varied) and thus earn a general degree in biological sciences.

Biology majors take a year of calculus; freshman level biology, chemistry and physics (all with lab); organic chemistry with lab; sophomore level genetics, cell biology and ecology (all with lab). To earn the concentration within the biology of animals, students choose six upper level biology elective courses (including two with a laboratory/field component) from the list of courses approved for this concentration.  These upper level courses include: Invertebrate Zoology (L), Neurobiology, Animal Behavior, Human and Comparative Embryology, Animal Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, Vertebrate Zoology (L), Medical Parasitology, Physiology and Biomechanics (L), Human and Comparative Anatomy (L), Sensory Physiology, Plant-Animal Interactions, Undergraduate Research (L). Students also complete a capstone project within the concentration.

McMicken College's flexible degree requirements allow for and highly encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Some of the most common pairings are listed below.

• Chemistry (BA or minor)
• Environmental studies
• Geographic information sciences
• Geography
• Geology
• Neuroscience 
• Psychology
• Spanish

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a large part of the Biology undergraduate major. Students are strongly encouraged to conduct research and take unique courses such as this field course held at the Cincinnati Center for Field Studies at Miami Whitewater Forest. Watch the YouTube Video.

Minor Details

To add the minor to your transcript upon graduation you must meet with the director of undergraduate studies or the undergraduate advisor for the Department of Biological Sciences. You will receive assistance in creating a plan to complete these required courses during your degree program. Total required for the minor is 57-62 credit hours.

A certificate in biology is also available and would be especially beneficial to those students with degrees in related fields such as chemistry, psychology, environmental studies, journalism or allied health. Requirements are identical to those for a minor. Specifics on minor and certificate requirements are available on the department's Web site.

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
First Year
***Biology & Lab	BIOL 101-102-103 BIOL 111-112-113	15
***Chemistry & Lab	CHEM 101-102-103 CHEM 111-112-113	15
*Mathematics	(see math note below)	9-10
*English Composition	ENGL 101-102	6
Total		45-46 cr hrs
Second Year
**Organic Chemistry	CHEM 201-202-203 CHEM 211-212-213	15
Genetics	BIOL 302 (fall qtr)	4
Cell Structure & Function	BIOL 301 (winter qtr)	4
Ecology	BOL 303 (spring qtr)	4
*English Composition	ENGL 289	3
*History	see checklist	9
*Humanities	see checklist	9
Total		48 cr hrs
Third Year
Major electives in biology	see list below	9-15
Physics requirement	(see physics note below)	15
*Behavioral/Social Sciences	see checklist	6
*Literature	see checklist	3
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9-15
Total		42-54 cr hrs
Fourth Year
Major electives in biology	see list below	9-15
Biology Capstone	see below	1
*Behavioral/Social Sciences	see checklist	6
*Literature	see checklist	3
*Foreign Language (if necessary)	see checklist	9
Free Electives		0-14
Total		32-45 cr hrs

* Fulfills A&S college requirements as outlined in the A&S checklist. See math requirements for biology.

** Organic Chemistry should be taken at the same time (or before) Biology 301, 302 and 303.

*** Biology 101-102-103, 111-112-113 with a GPA of 2.0 or better and Chemistry 101-102-103, 111-112-113 with a GPA of 2.0 or better must be completed before taking Biology 301, 302 and 303.

Mathematics -- A major in biological sciences must fulfill the college mathematical sciences requirements by taking either (a) or (b):
(a) Foundations of Applied Calculus & Applied Calculus I and II- 224 (or equivalent)-226-227 (9 cr.)* - see advisor
(b) Calculus I,  II 251, 252, and 256 (10 cr.)

Physics -- A major in biological sciences usually completes the physics requirements by taking (a) or (b). Students are advised to complete their physics requirements in the third or fourth year:
(a) College Physics with lab 101-2-3, 111-12-13 (15 cr.) recommended for most students
(b) General Physics with lab 210-2-3, 211-12-13 (15 cr.) 

Capstone

The Department of Biological Sciences has a number of options for fulfilling the capstone requirement of the general education program. These may be taken late in the junior year or in the senior year. The options include several courses which have been designated "capstone courses." These are generally courses which require synthesis of material from a number of different fields of biology. With the permission of the instructor, the student may designate the course to fulfill the capstone requirement.

A paper or presentation beyond the regular requirements of the course may be required. Other options include summer fieldwork at a biology field station, research in a biology lab, either in the biology department or another part of the university, or work as a teaching assistant in one of the undergraduate laboratories. In each of these cases, there is a written component and a presentation required to complete the capstone experience. More details about capstone options are available on the biology Web site.

Biology of Animals Concentration Electives 
   
    520 Invertebrate Zoology (L)
    540 Neurobiology
    550 Animal Behavior
    567 Human and Comparative Embryology
    571 Animal Physiology 
    574 Sensory Physiology
    577** Evolutionary Biology
    601** Undergraduate Research (L)
    602** Undergraduate Research (L)
    603** Undergraduate Research (L)
    610 Conservation Biology
    647 Vertebrate Zoology (L)
    679 Comparative Endocrinology
    683 Medical Parasitology
    693** Physiology and Biomechanics (L)
    694 Human and Comparative Anatomy
    696 Plant-Animal Interactions

L = fulfills one lab course requirement

Special Opportunities

Students in the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Faculty within the Department of Biological Sciences are actively engaged in research in a variety of areas. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in this research and can earn academic credit that can be applied toward their upper-level biology course requirements. Outstanding undergraduates (with a GPA of at least 3.3 overall) may apply for admission to the honors program in biology as early as the spring quarter of their sophomore year.

Teaching laboratories within the department are well-equipped and devoted to undergraduate education. Faculty are involved and dedicated to employing new teaching methods and technology that enrich students’ educational experiences. 

While not an official concentration, students who are pursuing Pre-Med or another Pre-Professional program may wish to consider these upper level courses:
     520 Invertebrate Zoology (L)
     540 Neurobiology 
     551 and 552 Microbiology (+/- lab)
     565 Medical Botany 
     569 Human Genetics    
     571 Animal Physiology
     573** Developmental Biology
     574 Sensory Physiology
     597 Molecular Microbiology
     599** Eukaryotic Genetics (L)
     601** Undergraduate Research (L)
     602** Undergraduate Research (L)
     603** Undergraduate Research (L)
     639** Virology
     640** Introduction to Genomics
     641** Introduction to Proteomics
     642** Advanced Cell Biology
     647 Vertebrate Zoology (L)
     683 Medical Parasitology
     693** Physiology and Biomechanics (L)
     694 Human and Comparative Anatomy (L)
     695 Immunology
     697 Immune Defense and Disease

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA.

Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following state of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social science (2 units)
• Foreign language (2 units)*
• Fine arts (1 unit)
• Additional college-prep subjects (2 units)

*McMicken College of Arts & Sciences does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants who have received an associate degree from an accredited college or university and whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

Although midyear off-campus transfer students are not able to participate in early registration in the quarter prior to their enrollment, they are included in the summer registration period prior to their fall quarter enrollment.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree-seeking student in one of UC’s other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English Composition or its equivalent, and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

Further details on individual programs are available online or in the A&S Office of Undergraduate Student Affairs and Advising (102 McMicken Hall).

Graduation Requirements

To obtain a bachelor of science in biology, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in major courses.

In addition to meeting the university's General Education requirements, the requirements listed in the McMicken College Core Requirements are common to all potential graduates of the college, whether they are pursuing the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science or bachelor of interdisciplinary studies degree.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in McMicken 102). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).