For students wanting additional specialization in their degree, who are interested in research, teaching, or professional programs, the department offers six areas of concentration under the B.S. degree in Biology.

  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Integrative Biology
  • Neurobiology
  • Plant Biology
  • Pre-Medical Sciences
  • Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification

To declare a concentration or obtain advice, students should consult an undergraduate advisor in Life and Health Sciences Advising.

If a student takes any of the courses that satisfy both the Biology degree and concentration requirements, then the student may need to take additional upper-division Biology courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Biology degree.

Students who do not satisfy all requirements of a given concentration will receive a standard B.S. degree in Biology.

Additional Resources

See below for additional information about the six areas of concentration.

The concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology is designed for students that want an emphasis in biochemical, molecular, and genetic mechanisms that regulate the development of cells and the maintenance of their specialized structures and functions.

Students in the Concentration must complete:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Three of the following:
    • Developmental Biology
    • Endocrinology
    • Immunology
    • Laboratory Research
    • Principles of Cancer Biology
    • Virology

Visit the Course Catalog for more information.

The concentration in Integrative Biology is designed for students that want an emphasis in ecology and environmental sciences that includes genetic, cellular, and morphological processes in animals and plants.

Students in the Concentration must complete:

  • Principals of Ecology
  • Principals of Ecology Laboratory
  • Three of the following:
    • Animal Behavior
    • Conservation Biology
    • Evolution
    • Field Biology
    • Laboratory Research
    • Ornithology
    • Wildlife Biology

Visit the Course Catalog for more information.

The concentration in Neurobiology is designed for students that want an emphasis in the functions of the human brain and their biological basis, from molecular and cellular components to cognition and consciousness.

Students in the Concentration must complete:

  • Neurobiology
  • Neurobiology Laboratory
  • Three of the following:
    • Animal Behavior
    • Brain and Behavior
    • Cognitive Neuroscience
    • The Computational Brain
    • Laboratory Research
    • Neuropsychopharmacology

Visit the Course Catalog for more information.

The concentration in Plant Biology is designed for students that want an emphasis in plant hormones, plant-insect interactions, and plant-virus interactions.

Students in the Concentration must complete:

  • Plant Cell Biology
  • Three of the following:
    • Biology of Flowering Plants
    • Laboratory Research
    • Medicinal Plants
    • Plants and Society
    • The Woody Plants

Visit the Course Catalog for more information.

The concentration in Pre-Medical Sciences is designed to prepare students for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary science. This concentration has a recommended curriculum that is designed to meet the requirements for entry into these professional schools and to prepare students for the MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE examinations.

For completion of the Pre-Medical Sciences Concentration, students must have both an overall math/science GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete all required coursework within the concentration with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Students in the Concentration must complete:

  • 19 credits and end degree with a 3.5 overall GPA
  • Brain and Behavior (or Animal Behavior for veterinary students)
  • Clinical Gross Anatomy
  • Immunology
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Microbiology
  • Microbiology Laboratory
  • Neurobiology

Students will have the option to enroll in small specialty courses including: BIO 3143 Physiology, BIO 3513 Biochemistry, BIO 3813 Cell Biology, and BIO 4743 Immunology. If a minimum of 20 pre-medical students enroll, it will be taught as a pre-medical sciences specialty course; otherwise, it will be taught as a regular class.

Visit the Course Catalog for more information.

Degree Plans

Click the applicable area to review the degree plan for a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Medical Sciences:
2020 plans:  Pre-Dentistry  •  Pre-Medical  •  Pre-Pharmacy  •  Pre-Veterinary
2019 plans:  Pre-Dentistry  •  Pre-Medical  •  Pre-Pharmacy  •  Pre-Veterinary

The concentration in Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification is designed to prepare students for professional careers in teaching Biology at the secondary education level. The program of study is structured around a comprehensive Biology core curriculum and state requirements for grades 7–12 life science teaching certification. This concentration is part of the a nationwide program called UTeach, which is designed for undergraduate STEM majors interested in a career in education.

Students in the Concentration must complete:

  • Brain and Behavior
  • Evolution
  • Microbiology
  • Principles of Ecology
  • 30 credit hours of Teaching Certification courses

Visit the Course Catalog for more information.

Review the  degree plan for a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification.

Learn more about the  UTeachSA program.