Biology Major: General Option
Why study biology at CMU?
The biology-related programs provide students with a strong background to prepare them for future careers or graduate study in biology. Consider some key features distinguishing these programs:
- Advanced facilities, including research laboratories, an animal room, a computer laboratory, electron microscopes, and a greenhouse
- The only university in Michigan and one of two in the Midwest that operates an island research station - the CMU Biological Research Station on Beaver Island located in northern Lake Michigan
- Fieldwork opportunities at Neithercut Woodland, located just miles north of CMU's campus
- CMU is the only university in the nation with a bachelor's degree option in microscopy
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of biological scientists is projected to grow 9 to 17 percent.
- Recent budget increases at the National Institutes of Health have led to large increases in federal research and development expenditures.
- New industrial applications of biotechnology, such as changing how companies make ethanol for transportation fuel, also will spur demand for biological scientists.
Career options
Graduates of the biology-related programs at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Biological Researcher
- Cell Biologist
- Elementary or High School Teacher
- Forestry Technician
- Microscopist
- Soil Scientist
- University or College Professor
- Veterinarian
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Biology Major: General Option
General option is for students who do not plan to attend a professional graduate school upon graduation and are not planning to enter a field associated with natural resources. This option provides flexibility in the choice of electives. Students selecting this option are required to take the core courses (20 hours) and 22 hours of elective biology courses.
( Total: 50-55 semester hours )
4
BIO 110 Concepts of Biology
Fundamental concepts of biology including the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, molecular and transmission genetics, evolution and ecology. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement (Group II-A). May be applied towards fulfilling the requirements of any Biology major or minor. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: BIO 101, BIO 105, or BIO 110. Recommended: High school chemistry or CHM 120 and 127 or 131 or 161.
3
BIO 203 General Botany
Study of the structure, function, physiology, evolution, diversity and ecology of plants. Prerequisites: One of the following: BIO 101, 105 or 110
3
BIO 208 Microbiology
The biology of microorganisms: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Prerequisites: One of the following: BIO 101, 105 or 110.
3
BIO 218 General Zoology
A general survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on phylogeny, taxonomy, structure, physiology, and ecology of type examples of the major phyla. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or BIO 105.
4
BIO 326 Genetics
The principles of heredity dealing with the location, transmission, structure and function of genes and the results of modern genetic techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 208; One of BIO 101, 105, 110.
3
BIO 340 Ecology
Interaction among plants, animals, man, and the environment. Prerequisite: Completion of University Program Group II (Natural Sciences) and a minimum of 45 hours of University credit.
(5-9 hours)
Other Requirements I
Select one of the following options:
4
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 and 132 are recommended to constitute the standard one-year course for science majors. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 132 Introduction to Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
5
CHM 161 Principles of Chemistry
Intensive introduction to chemical principles for the well-prepared, motivated student. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirements. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B).
4
CHM 120 Survey of Chemistry
Elementary concepts in chemistry. For students on curricula needing minimal chemical background or students with no or weak chemistry background who need additional preparation for CHM 131. Cannot be counted on a Chemistry or Biochemistry major or Chemistry minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-B) Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 105 (preferably with a B or better).
1
CHM 127 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
Elementary laboratory experiments which parallel syllabus in CHM 111 and CHM 120. Recommended for students in dietetics, sports medicine, health education, and elementary/middle school education. Pre/Co-Requisites: CHM 111 or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 342 Survey of Organic Chemistry
Elementary course covering the field of organic chemistry. Course meets the needs for entrance to some professional schools. No credit toward chemistry major or minor. Prerequisites: One of: CHM 120, 127, or CHM 132 or CHM 161.
(3-4 hours)
Other Requirements II
Select one of the following:
3
PHS 101 Survey of Physical Science
Introduction to the nature of the physical universe, the concepts and methods of physical science, and the history of scientific ideas. Developed through lectures and demonstrations. (University Program Group II-B)
4
PHY 130 College Physics I
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Prerequisites: MTH 106. (University Program Group II-B)
Biology electives to be selected in consultation with a biology advisor.