School of
Integrative Biology
Undergraduate

IB Major

Undergraduate Degree Program

Please find the IB Major Student Learning Outcomes below

Requirements for B.S.Degree in Integrative Biology

  Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Math & Physics (see grid below)
  LAS General Education Courses (Gen-Eds)
  Electives: courses needed to complete the 120 hours required to graduate. These can be non-math/science courses.

Typical Plans for IB Major

  Typical 4-year plan for all IB majors.
  Typical 4-year plan for pre-med IB majors.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) HOURS CATEGORY
SUBTOTAL

Supporting Courses:

  30-36

MATH 220 (Calculus) or MATH 221 (Calculus I)

4-5  

STAT 212 (Biostatistics)

3  

CHEM 102, 103, 104, & 105 (General Chemistry) or
CHEM 202, 203, 204, & 205 (Accelerated Chemistry)

8-10  

CHEM 232 & 233 (Elementary Organic Chemistry I & Lab) or
CHEM 236 (Fundamental Organic Chemistry I) & CHEM 237 (Structure and Synthesis)

 6-7  

PHYS 101 & 102 (College Physics) or
PHYS 211 & 212, (University Physics)

 8-10  

Introductory Biology Sequence:

   8

IB 150 (Organismal & Evolutionary Biology)

 4  

MCB 150 (Molecular & Cellular Basis of Life)

 4  

IB Core Courses:

   16

IB 202 (Physiology)
(This course requires animal dissection and no completely equivalent alternative is available.)

 4  

IB 203 (Ecology)

 4  

IB 204 (Genetics)

 4  

IB 302 (Evolution)

 4  

Additional Courses:

   14-17
Additional advanced courses totaling a minimum of 14 hours at the 300- to 400-level are required. Course selection from the list of Courses for IB Major Advanced Hours must include:

1) One course from two of the following three areas:
  • Area I:  Organismal and Evolutionary Biology
  • Area II: Behavior, Ecology, and the Environment
  • Area III: Integrative Anatomy, Physiology, and Molecular Biology
2) One course with a laboratory and/or field component.

    

TOTAL

   66-76

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.

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.

IB Major Student Learning Outcomes

The School of Integrative Biology identifies 12 learning outcomes that represent what students should know or be able to do as a result of graduation from the program. Through the successful completion of the introductory biology sequence, IB core and selected advanced lab and lecture courses, and supporting courses outside of the major, the School of Integrative Biology ensures students that they will meet the following student learning outcomes:

  1. Possess a significant knowledge base in Integrative Biology, including but not limited to:
    • Structure and function
    • Ecology
    • Genetics and heredity
    • Evolution
    • Molecular biology
    • Statistical inference
  2. Understand that biology is integrative and multidisciplinary
  3. Show curiosity and caring about biology, and an awareness of and appreciation for the diversity of life
  4. Understand how paradigms of biology relate to society and policy and their own lives
  5. Carry out the process of scientific inquiry
  6. Use critical thinking skills and solve problems
  7. Use quantitative reasoning and computational skills
  8. Apply simple models (equations/math) to biological phenomena
  9. Gain proficiency in scientific writing and speaking
  10. Read and synthesize primary scientific literature
  11. Critically evaluate science-related news and information
  12. Work collaboratively