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Biology
First Year Advising 2008-2009
Students can pursue a comprehensive major (60 credits) in Biology and select from one of three empahses: Ecology and Environmental Biology, Microbiology, or Organismal Biology. A standard major (36 credits) is also offered.
Core requirements for all Biology majors include Biol 110 (Ecology and Evolution), Biol 111 (Cell Biology and Genetics), and Biol 211 (Organismal Form and Function). After this, Biology majors take additional advanced courses in an area of interest and complete the major with a capstone course. Two courses in chemistry are also required.
COURSE SELECTION
UW-Eau Claire respects individual differences. This guide complements rather than substitutes for individual advising.
PROGRAM READINESS
Students taking a Biology major start at different levels of readiness, particularly with respect to math and chemistry skills.
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Math readiness - students need to be qualified to take Math 109 (Algebra for Calculus) to begin chemistry. Students are strongly encouraged to take Math 112 (Precalculus Mathematics) or Math 113 (Trigonometry) if necessary for preparation for Math 114 (Calculus) required for the Biology B.S., as well as upper level biology, chemistry and/or physics courses.
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Starting college with a chemistry, biology, math and General Education III or IV class the first semester is desirable, but requires a high level of maturity. It is better to spread these courses out if a student is not prepared to study efficiently for long hours.
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Beginning students should plan to work no more than 10 hours per week. A Biology major is very intensive and requires a great deal of time for study (40-50 hours per week).
COURSES TO BE AVOIDED
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Biol 100 (General Biology), Biol 151 (Human Biology) and Biol 195 (Plants and Society) should not be taken by Biology majors.
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Biol 130 (Human Sexual Biology), 180 (Conservation of the Environment) and 196 (Human Nutrition) are useful for exploring Biology, although they do not count toward the major. Biol 180, however, should be used for the environmental science minor or teaching certification.
COMBINATIONS OF COURSES RECOMMENDED
Biology Education majors are strongly encouraged to take Biol 214 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I) and Biol 314 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) or Biol 301 (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy) and and Biol 317 (Animal Physiology).
GENERAL EDUCATION
Dependent on the degree: Liberal Arts or Teaching. Please refer to the Catalogue.
| Category IA: | Engl 305 or 308 (Scientific Communication) recommended for many students; Comm 202 (Fundamentals of Speech) is required for teaching majors. |
| Category IB: | Math 114 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry I) |
| Category II: | Biology and chemistry courses can apply. A third science area is required. |
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
Biol 110
Chem 103 (General Chemistry I) or 115 (Chemical Principles)
*Math 109, 112, 113 or 114
General Education III or IV
Spring Semester
Biol 111
Chem 104 (General Chemistry) or 213 (Quantitative Analysis)
Math or Engl 110 (Introduction to College Writing)
General Education III or IV
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
Biol 211
Math or English 110
General Education III or IV
Spring Semester
Course in major
Course in minor
General Education
General Education
MESSAGES FOR NEW MAJORS
Join such organizations as Biology Club, Pre-Med Club, or The Conservationists depending upon specific interests.
MINORS
Biology minors combine well with any other science major but any minor is possible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Biology Department
Phillips Science Hall 330
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715) 836-4166
freymima@uwec.edu
To learn how to declare this major, visit http://www.uwec.edu/registrar/chgofmajor/procedures/index.htm
Academic requirements change every year. For the most current information, refer to your catalogue and degree audit.