Biology | CALS

The biology major develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants and microorganisms. The four specializations offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are tailored to meet the needs of preprofessional students, those preparing for graduate studies in biology or specialized areas such as bioinformatics, ecology, genetics and molecular biology and those seeking a career in biotechnology, education, natural resource management and environmental or biotechnology law.

Coursework for the Major

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) students in the biology major choose one of four specializations: applied biology, biotechnology, natural science or preprofessional biology. These specializations require significant introductory coursework and credits in general biology, calculus and/or statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Students who are uncertain about which specialization to choose should consult a biology advisor for information and guidance on curriculum planning. Students can individualize their curriculum through approved specialization electives in the life sciences.

Applied Biology

For students interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving problems. This specialization provides exposure to the major issues facing sustainability of human populations and natural resources.

Biotechnology

Prepares students for careers where knowledge of molecular biology and genetic engineering are important. Students will have the opportunity to learn various techniques and scientific procedures in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, cell and tissue culture and bioinformatics.

Natural Science

For students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on field biology. The specialization provides exposure to the major forms of flora and fauna, and integrates some of the major elements that influence flora and fauna, namely soil/water relations and human activities.

Preprofessional

For students preparing for admission to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary or other professional schools.

Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

UFTeach Program

There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary school biology teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a biology advisor or the UFTeach advisor. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching with their B.S. in biology and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
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Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics skills are valuable for students who may seek careers which will necessitate the analysis of genomic data. This minor provides students the opportunity to learn programming skills, mine genomic data, and participate in independent research.

Research

All biology majors are encouraged to participate in research. Research experience is valuable on many levels: It diversifies the college experience; teaches how scientists apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real world questions; provides the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who are the best in their field; enables participation in cutting edge scientific questions and techniques; enhances the student's resume/CV when applying to graduate or professional school; and finally, it is essential to help the student determine if science is an appropriate career choice.
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CALS biology majors may participate in research for course credit as a scholar (e.g., University Scholar, HHMI Science for Life Scholar), as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant.

Biology is the study of the many diverse forms, processes and systems of life. These studies range across all levels of the biological hierarchy, from the simplest to the most complex life forms, across all environments on the earth and across recent and evolutionary time that interconnects ancestors to their descendants.

To understand this vast diversity, the field of biology correspondingly relies on integrative and comparative approaches for the resolution of the general processes, principles and unifying themes that govern living systems. Biology is therefore very interdisciplinary and biologists rely on knowledge from the physical sciences and mathematics, as well as from across the disciplines and subdisciplines of biology for advances and breakthroughs.

The biology major is administered jointly by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Achieve a passing score for all content subsections of the Major Field Test for Biology. Content subscore areas are molecular biology and genetics, organismal biology, evolution, ecology and population biology.
• Achieve a passing score on the analytical skills assessment indicator of the Major Field Test for Biology.
• Achieve a passing score on the bioethics module quiz in BSC 4936. The content of the module and quiz are reviewed and approved by a faculty committee.
• Achieve a passing score on the scientific literacy paper assignment given in BSC 4936. This paper is graded using a faculty-developed rubric.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Identify, describe and explain the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies and theories used within the biological sciences.

Critical Thinking

1. Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
2. Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.

Communication

1. Communicate knowledge, ideas and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.

Curriculum Map for All Specializations except CALS Biotechnology

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Major field test for biology
• Bioethics module
• Scientific literacy paper

Curriculum Map for CALS Biotechnology

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Major field test for biology
• Bioethics module
• Scientific literacy paper

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

• A copy of your transcript for any school you have attended with the grades you have earned
• A list of your high school activities including jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.
• Information about your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as educational background, occupation and employer information

Add UF as a university to receive your application and review our specific application requirements.

Fill in your profile information. Your profile is where you'll enter information that will be sent to all schools to which you apply. The University of Florida requires the following sections:

• Information about who you are and how to contact you, your address, citizenship, high school and family information
• Current-year coursework
• Honors and distinctions
• Activities and experiences

Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that we can learn more about you when reviewing your application.

Complete the essay questions. The essay helps our admissions staff get to know you better. Use this space to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn elsewhere in your application. And remember, the best essay topic for you is going to be the one that you are most excited to write about.

Once you have submitted your application, a link will appear on your status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by December 1 for your application to be complete. If you begin the SSAR separately before submitting your UF application, be sure to link it to your application once your application has been submitted.

Submit your test scores to UF no later than December 15. You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. Since accuracy is critical, students who choose to self-report should have a copy of their SAT/ACT score report(s) available to reference when submitting their scores. Because UF superscores both the SAT and ACT, we encourage you to submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. If admitted, students who have self-reported their scores in the admissions process will be required to submit official scores from the testing agency to UF by May 1. UF Institutional Codes:

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term requested DOES NOT affect the consideration of your application. If you are admitted, we will try to offer you the term you requested, but space limitations may mean you receive an offer for a different term.

When you submit your application, pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. In both the Common and Coalition applications, you can indicate in the profile section if you qualify for a fee waiver.

You will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal to keep track of your application status and the materials that UF has received. This is also where you will find the link to create your SSAR.