Undergraduate Student FAQs
This page lists Frequently Asked Questions relevant to current majors in Integrative Biology. Other FAQs on the SIB web site are relevant to:
- IB Advising
- Prospective undergraduate majors (high school and U of I)
- Prospective transfer students
- Prospective graduate students
1) What does Integrative Biology (IB) mean?
Integrative Biology is the study of how the different components of life interact, from molecules through global cycles. An Integrative Biology major prepares students in genetics and evolution, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, ecology and behavior, and molecular biology.
2) What can I do with an IB major?
You will be well prepared to pursue careers in the health professions, environmental sciences, ecology, biological research, conservation, animal science, and related careers. Follow this link for more information about IB careers.
3) Is this a good major if I want to pursue a health career?
Yes, this major will provide you with the courses and knowledge that will prepare you for the health professions admissions tests (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, etc.). Click here to see a list of MCAT topics and the SIB courses that cover those topics.
4) Can I declare an Integrative Biology major as an incoming freshman?
No, your "major" will be "Biological Sciences" (sometimes called "Biology Unassigned") during your freshman year while you take MCB (Molecular and Cellular Biology) 150 and IB (Integrative Biology) 150.
5) When can I declare an Integrative Biology major?
After your freshman year, you can declare your major as either IB or MCB at the beginning of a semester or before the early registration period for the following semester. You must declare a major before the beginning of your junior year. Check out the web page Declaring an IB Major for more information about declaring a major.
6) What are IB advising options?
Advising options are a set of recommended courses for students who wish to follow a particular academic path or prepare for a particular career. The list of options and an explanation of what purpose each serves may be found here.
7) Must I follow one of the IB advising options?
No. The options are sets of suggested courses to meet specific educational or career goals. They are entirely optional.
8) What is the IB Honors concentration?
The Honors Concentration in the Integrative Biology major is designed for superior students who wish to pursue an intensive biology program and also gain a strong background in the physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics. For more information, check out the Honors web pages.
9) Can I do research while pursuing my degree?
Certainly. The SIB faculty encourage undergraduates interested in conducting research to contact faculty members about working in their labs, the sooner the better. Check out the web page devoted to undergraduate research for more details.