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Biology is the study of life. The earth is filled with an enormous variety of living organisms; therefore, an understanding of the basic biological processes common to all organisms is essential to understanding the world. In recent decades, great strides have been made in understanding important biological processes, particularly those at the molecular, cellular, and ecosystem levels. An understanding of biological systems depends, in part, on the principles of physics and chemistry; thus a firm background in the physical sciences is also important in the study of biology. For many, an undergraduate major in biology (Bachelor of Science (B.S. Degree)) serves as a basis for postgraduate study in the life sciences. School of Life Sciences graduates have gone on to advanced graduate study, leading to careers in college or university teaching, basic and applied research, and public health. Many have entered professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. Other graduates have gone directly into secondary (high school) science teaching, the biomedical industry, independent laboratory research, natural resources management, or environmental education.

The Biological Sciences undergraduate degree program aims to diversely train its students, enabling graduates to pursue careers or advanced degrees in life and health sciences, research, education, industry, or governmental work. Based on their individual interests, students may select from the following concentrations: Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Comprehensive Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Education, Integrative Physiology, Microbiology, and Pre-Professional Studies. All biology undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. Each concentration may require specific upper division courses; therefore the number of upper division electives may vary across concentrations.

Available Options

  • Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Concentration in Integrative Physiology
  • Concentration in Microbiology
  • Concentration in Pre-Professional Studies

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

All students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences should be able to:

  • Understand the nature of scientific knowledge.*
  • Understand cell structures and functions.*
  • Understand the physical nature of genetic information.*
  • Understand that all organisms are genetically related, have evolved, and are evolving.*
  • Understand the metabolic complexity of cells and organisms.
  • Understand the complex interplay of how organisms respond to and interact with each other and their environment.
  • Be able to effectively communicate complex biological concepts, orally and in writing.
  • Be able to fulfill their professional goals.

Outcomes marked with an asterisk apply to students graduating with a minor in Biological Sciences.

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

In addition to the outcomes listed above, concentration specific outcomes are as follows:

  • Explain the interrelationship between chemistry and biology, including how physical and chemical laws influence the structure and function of intracellular components and macromolecules.
Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

In addition to the outcomes listed above, concentration specific outcomes are as follows:

  • Articulate in detail the interactions organisms have with each other and with nonliving components of the environment and how organisms and environments change over time.
Concentration in Integrative Physiology

In addition to the outcomes listed above, concentration specific outcomes are as follows:

  • Explain how cells and organisms acquire and process nutrients, transform energy, and maintain homeostasis in a variable environment to survive and reproduce.
Concentration in Microbiology

In addition to the outcomes listed above, concentration specific outcomes are as follows:

  • Explain the diversity and similarity of microbes, including their physiology, mechanisms of pathogenesis and host defenses, and unique ecology.
Concentration in Pre-Professional Studies

In addition to the outcomes listed above, concentration specific outcomes are as follows:

  • Become competitive candidates for admission into professional schools.

Career Possibilities

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Concentration in Integrative Physiology
Concentration in Microbiology
Concentration in Pre-Professional Studies

Requirements

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Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Concentration in Integrative Physiology

Concentration in Microbiology

Concentration in Pre-Professional Studies

Contacts

School of Life Sciences

Life sciences involves studies of living organisms and their life processes, including their evolution and relationships with other living organisms and our planet. The courses and programs offered by the School of Life Sciences are designed for those students pursuing professional careers in medicine, science, and science education.

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College of Sciences

The School of Life Sciences offers programs that meet the needs of students intending to enter the workforce or pursue advanced training in the sciences, medicine, and other professional and technical fields. We provide a well-rounded foundation in natural, physical, and mathematical sciences that can set students up for successful careers and professional programs.

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