2025-2026 General Catalog [Effective Fall 2025]
Biology (BA/BS)
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 Return to: Bachelor’s Degrees
Program Information
- All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the major.
- All Biology majors must show a minimal level of competency as demonstrated by the ETS® major field test in Biology. All students must satisfactorily complete the ETS® field test in Biology before taking any capstone course in the Department of Biology.
- Courses may not be repeated more than two (2) times without instructor approval.
- Credits over 10 years old may not be accepted for use in the major.
- This program requires the completion of MATH 1040 - Statistical Inference and MATH 1210 - Calculus I . Students who are not prepared for these math courses may need additional math credits/preparation, which may affect time to graduation. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for more information.
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Bachelor’s Degree Type: Arts or Science Requirement (12* or 16** Credits)
Select one degree type from either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science: Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)
- Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits
* Note: A portion of the BS requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education Core and Breadth Areas. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. orBachelor of Arts (BA) Degree Requirement (16 Credits**)
- Bachelor of Arts Degree - Foreign Language Requirement 16 Credits
** Note: One semester of a foreign language may also fulfill the General Education Humanities requirement. The 16 credits may be fulfilled by taking four semesters of a foreign language or by testing out of a language and purchasing the credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. General Education Requirement (28+ Credits)
See General Education for course options. - Core Course Requirements (12+ Credits)
- Breadth Area Requirements (16+ Credits)
Biology Curriculum (56-67 Credits)
Core Requirements (23 Credits)
Required Support Courses (18 or 28 Credits)
Complete a Chemistry Track (10 or 20 Credits)
Track Two*
* Recommended for advanced degrees (professional, graduate, etc.) in biological sciences Biology Requirements (3000-Level) (12 Credits)
Complete 12 credits from the following: Biology Requirements (4000-Level) (3 Credits)
Complete one course from the following: Free Electives and University Requirements
Students’ total free elective credit is determined by their General Education courses taken, degree type selected (if applicable), additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Some students and/or programs may not have any free electives. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn - A minimum of 120 total credits;
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in both SUU coursework and combined transfer/SUU coursework;
- 40 upper-division credits , 20 of which are earned from SUU (students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum 40); and
- 30 credits completed through SUU.
Total Credits, BA/BS Degree: 120
Recommended Electives
Although not required, the Department of Biology recommends all Biology majors take the following variable credit courses: Program Learning Outcomes
- All students will demonstrate an understanding of the following core concepts:
- evolution
- structure and function
- information flow, exchange, and storage
- pathways and transformations of energy and matter
- systems
- Students will demonstrate understanding and ability to apply methodologies of science:
- scientific methodology
- reading, understanding, and critiquing peer-reviewed literature
- integrate and apply concepts from different within and beyond the sciences
- Students will demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in a variety of oral and written formats.
- Students will use appropriate tools to carry out investigations in their intended fields, including:
- demonstrating competency in use of appropriate field and/or laboratory equipment
- successful completion of an SUU-approved experiential learning activity
- acquiring sufficient knowledge and training to successfully enter graduate or professional school or the workforce.
- completion of an independent research project.
- use appropriate mathematical, modeling, and simulation tools to address scientific questions
- Students will develop an understanding of the social responsibility that is incumbent on all who obtain a degree in biological sciences, including:
- engagement in public and political conversations to promote learning based on scientific principles and rational thought
- knowledge of ethics in research, communications and reporting
- understanding the importance of environmental stewardship
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Return to: Bachelor’s Degrees
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