Integrative Biology
A Major for Students Interested in the Health Professions and Other Areas of the Biological Sciences
Integrative biology is the study of how the different components of life interact, from molecules through global cycles. An Integrative Biology (IB) major, offered by the School of Integrative Biology, provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the biological sciences by preparing students in genetics, physiology and development, behavior, ecology, and evolution. More specific information about the major can be found under For Prospective Students and links found there. The School also offers an IB Honors concentration for superior students seeking an extraordinary education. If you are interested in IB Honors you should see an IB Advisor as soon as possible in your freshman year.
Students interested in biology enter the Biological Sciences curriculum (sometimes called Biology unassigned). Freshmen take two lecture-only, one-semester introductory biology courses (IB 150 and MCB 150) that expose them to and provide the foundation for advanced work in either Integrative Biology (IB) or Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB). At the end of the freshman year, students may declare either IB or MCB as their major.
After completion of the core 100 and four 200-300-level core courses in IB, students complete the required additional coursework by either taking a variety of courses or specializing in such areas as health professions, biotechnology, biodiversity and conservation, or environmental sciences. A student works with an IB advisor to plan this additional coursework.
IB offers several advising options within the major that lay out recommended course work for students with specific educational or career goals. Click here to see a summary chart of those options with links to more information about each.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree in Integrative Biology:
- Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Math & Physics (see grid below)
- LAS General Education Courses (Gen-Eds):
- Non-Primary Language (formerly Foreign Language):
- Composition I:
- Advanced Composition: IB 203 (4 hrs.)
- Electives: courses needed to complete the 120 hours required to graduate. These can be non-math/science courses.
- Minimum Hours Required for Graduation: 120 hours.
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) | HOURS | CATEGORY SUBTOTAL |
|---|---|---|
Supporting Courses: |
30-36 | |
MATH 220 (Calculus) or MATH 221 (Calculus I) |
4-5 | |
STAT 100 or MATH 161 (introductory statistics course) |
3 | |
CHEM 102, 103, 104, & 105 (General Chemistry) or |
8-10 | |
CHEM 232 & 233 (Elementary Organic Chemistry I & Lab) or |
5-6 | |
PHYS 101 & 102 (College Physics) or |
10-12 | |
Introductory Biology Sequence: |
8 | |
IB 150 (Organismal & Evolutionary Biology) |
4 | |
MCB 150 (Molecular & Cellular Basis of Life) |
4 | |
IB Core Courses: |
16 | |
IB 202 (Anatomy and Physiology) |
4 | |
IB 203 (Ecology) |
4 | |
IB 204 (Genetics) |
4 | |
IB 302 (Evolution) |
4 | |
Additional Courses: |
14-18 | |
At least four additional courses (14-18 hours) at
the 200- to 400-level are required, as follows: At least one course in each of two of the following three areas: Area Courses:
(NOTE: MCB 240 and MCB 250 and MCB 252 do not count toward the 21 advanced hours required by LAS.) One of the four courses selected above must have a laboratory and/or field component. |
||
TOTAL |
68-78 | |
|
Strongly Recommended: Students are encouraged to gain research experience (IB 390 and/or IB 490). Students may count toward graduation no more than a combined maximum of 10 hours of IB 390/IB 490 credit.
Typical 4 year plan for all IB majors. Typical 4 year plan for premed IB majors.
For additional information about graduation requirements for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please see the College's website on academic programs, or refer to the Program of Study. | ||