About the Major

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is for students interested in biodiversity and the natural world who want the flexibility to pursue careers in medicine, health, agriculture and environment. The curriculum provides a broad overview of the structure, function, and evolution of biological systems from component parts—molecules and cells—to organisms, communities and ecosystems. Biology majors choose from two degree emphases: Biomedical Sciences and Organismal Biology.  These are also offered on the AZ Online Campus as well. 

The Biomedical Sciences emphasis is for students who plan to pursue careers in biomedical research, medicine and other health professions. The program of study provides training in systems biology with a focus on anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, and *includes all of the coursework required for admission to medical school.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in independent research, either by working in faculty labs or through targeted programs.

Degree requirements prior to Spring 2022:

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements beginning Spring 2022:

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements catalog 2023:

Degree Requirements

Careers

Biologists work in a vast range of professions that seek to address grand challenges in medicine (e.g., viral evolution and global pandemics), agriculture (e.g., quantitative genetics and advanced plant and animal breeding), and environment (e.g., biodiversity conservation and global change). 

Graduates of our Biomedical Sciences program have gone on to careers in:

• Medical and clinical research
• Healthcare
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical engineering
• Forensic science

They are also highly successful in gaining admission to graduate and professional programs that lead to careers in:

• Medicine (MD, DO)
• Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Optometry (OD)
• Dentistry (DDS, DMD)
• Public Health (MPH)