Biology

TU’s biology curriculum prepares students for the future with courses that cover biological and biochemical foundations of living systems (anatomy and physiology, developmental biology, cellular and molecular biology); chemical and physical foundations of biological systems (organic and biochemistry); psychological, social and biological foundations of behavior (animal behavior, introduction to psychology) and critical analysis and reasoning skills. These classes not only prepare students for a career in biology, but also for graduate school entrance exams like the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Dental Admission Test (DAT). 

Through the biology program, students will learn skills in the formal practices of observation, experimentation and hypothesis testing necessary to function as a biologist in the workplace or as a candidate for an advanced degree. They will be able to articulate, verbally and in writing, knowledge of biology, biological methods and biological issues in context. Students will develop an awareness of the impact that biology has had on society at large as well as the interactions of biology with other disciplines.

Biology students will have access to a range of experiential learning opportunities that greatly enhance their understanding of the subject. Students will engage in laboratory experiments, where students will conduct practical investigations to learn techniques such as DNA analysis, microbiological culturing, or dissections. These experiences not only reinforce classroom concepts but also foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in handling scientific equipment. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips, where students visit natural habitats, ecosystems, or research centers to observe and study various organisms in their natural environments. This hands-on approach allows students to directly apply their theoretical knowledge, develop fieldwork skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of ecological interactions. Finally, internships or research placements provide biology students with real-world exposure, allowing them to work alongside professionals at research institutions, conservation organizations, or governmental agencies. Such opportunities enable students to contribute to ongoing projects, conduct independent research, and gain invaluable insights into the practical applications of biology.

CURRICULUM

ENG141 Rhetoric & Res Writing 

ENG142 Rhetoric & Academic Writing

BIO120 + L General Biology I & Lab 

BIO121 + L General Biology II & Lab

CHM131 + L General Chemistry I & Lab 

CHM132 + L General Chemistry II & Lab

DEC100 Dragon Education: Engage 

MAT273 Applied Statistics I

MAT181 College Algebra

MAT281 Calculus I 

MAT285 Calculus II

BIO221 + L Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab 

BIO222 + L Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab

CHM331 + L Organic Chemistry I & Lab 

CHM332 + L Organic Chemistry II & Lab

BIO250 Ecology and Evolution 

DEC200 Dragon Education: Explore

BIO333 + L Genetics and Lab 

PHY212 + L Physics II and Lab

BIO373 + L Microbiology and Lab 

BIO325+L Botany or BIO350 Animal Behavior 

PHY211 + L Physics I and Lab 

CHM411 + L 

NAT130 Foundations of Healthy Living 

DEC300 Dragon Education: Connect

CST111 Digital Literacy 

COM130 Introduction to Speech

BIO410 Developmental Biology 

BIO445 + L Cellular and Molecular Biology and Lab

DEC400 + L Dragon Education: Impact 

BIO325+L Plant Bio or BIO350 Animal Behavior

SAS470 Internship CHM411 + L 

Course Descriptions 

BIO250 – Ecology and Evolution – This course looks at the role of evolution in shaping the organisms alive today. This course will look at how evolution operates at the molecular, organismal, and ecological levels. It will also look at the ways the environment impacts the evolutionary trajectories of organisms. Evolutionary topics covered will include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, phylogenetics, population genetics, speciation, and macroevolution. Ecological topics of climate, species interactions, and biodiversity will also be discussed.

BIO 325 – Botany– A general survey of the plant kingdom. Introduction to plant morphology, physiology, genetics,reproduction, classification, evolution, and ecology. Combined lecture/lab. (There is a corequisite lab component to this course).

BIO 325L -Botany Lab –  A general laboratory introduction into the plant kingdom. This includes plant morphology, physiology, genetics, reproduction, classification, evolution, and ecology. Combined lecture/lab. (There is a corequisite lecture component to this course).

BIO 350 – Animal Behavior – This course is a comparative study of animal behaviors, and analysis of their adaptive value, physiological mechanisms, development, and evolution, within their ecological and social context. During this course students will learn how to apply scientific reasoning to understand both the evolution and mechanisms behind animal behavior with an emphasis on how evolution joins numerous sub disciplines within the field.

**Course titles and content may change.

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format with a start date of January and August

Biology majors can use their degrees to work in a wide variety of fields including medical fields, government (Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Geological Survey, etc.), corporate research and advising and higher education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of a biology degree graduate in 2019 was $65,000. 

Many of the occupations below require or prefer an advanced degree, but offer above average wages and many areas have high projected job growth. 

CAREERS

• Animal Scientists
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Biological Scientists
• Clinical Laboratory Technicians
• Conservation Scientists
• Dentists
• Diagnostic Related Technicians
• Epidemiologists
• Food Scientists and Technologists
• Foresters
• Life Scientists
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
• Microbiologists
• Miscellaneous Life Scientists
• Optometrists
• Pharmacists
• Physician Assistants
• Physicians
• Soil and Plant Scientists
• Surgeons
• Veterinarians
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists