Biological Sciences (Ecology & Evolution)

The study of biology includes several subdisciplines, and the major offers students the flexibility to create their own course of study within this range of possibilities. Majors begin by establishing a broad base in the discipline, taking a two-semester sequence in introductory biology (lecture/lab), followed by two semesters of sophomore biology (lecture/lab): genetics and cell biology (fall semester), evolution, ecology and genetics (spring semester). During the final two years, biology majors must complete upper-level electives in biology, which must include a laboratory component. Undergraduate research may be used to fulfill one of the lab requirements.

The Department of Biological Sciences in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is now offering students the option of graduating with a concentration in a specific area of biology. The concentrations offered are biology of animals, cell and molecular biology, biomedical studies and ecology and evolution. To graduate with one of these concentrations, a student must declare the particular concentration of their major and then select upper level courses and the capstone from lists of appropriate courses within the concentration. Students are not required to choose a concentration. They can choose their biology major electives to match their interests (whether focused or varied) and thus earn a general degree in biological sciences.

UC's College of Arts and Sciences' flexible degree requirements allow for and highly encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Students who have selected this concentration have completed second majors or minors in a number of different fields, for example those listed below.

• Chemistry (BA or minor)
• Environmental studies
• Geographic information sciences
• Geography
• Geology
• Neuroscience 
• Psychology
• Spanish

Experiential learning is a large part of the biology undergraduate major. Students are strongly encouraged to conduct research and take unique courses such as this field course held at the Cincinnati Center for Field Studies at Miami Whitewater Forest. Watch the YouTube Video. Internships can also be completed for free elective credit.

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school, use u.select to see how credits you have earned will transfer to UC. See course descriptions by college.

Curriculum Guide Versions:

Biology (BS) Curriculum Guide (At the upper right hand corner of this page select 15BS-BIOL-E to print a copy of the guide for only this concentration.)