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Biology, B.A.

Training the Next Generation of Scientists and Educators

Alumni work in:

Focus on advances in technology and medicine to develop new devices and equipment for improving human health. (Source)

Prepare lesson plans, tests and assignments, and supervise students during investigations and experiments. (Source)

Provide expert assessment and advisory services for their clients on matters pertaining to the management of environmental issues. (Source)

Research and test medications and chemical compounds for the development of drug therapies, the prevention of drug interactions, and more (Source)

Study humans, plants, animals and the environments in which they live. Conduct human medical research, plant research, animal research or environmental system research at the cellular level or the ecosystem level or anywhere between. (Source)

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Learn To

Demonstrate a fundamental level of academic competence in core biological content and issue knowledge

Understand basic biological experimental design and quantitative methods

Utilize and critique biological literature to examine scientific questions

Demonstrate competence in biological writing

Apply biological knowledge to current topics

“ This department has provided me with opportunities I didn't even know were possible. ”
Syd Spata '23, BA in Biology and BA in Geoscience
Biology, B.A. Program Overview

4 Ideals

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW strives to prepare all students to make sound judgments based on a solid foundation of biological principles.

Our department focuses on four ideals:

  • Coupling excellent teaching with diverse research opportunities.
  • Emphasizing current theories of Biological Science, knowledge of basic investigative skills, and methods of critical inquiry.
  • Centering our research programs the biological phenomena that impact life in our region and beyond.
  • Lending our professional expertise to all endeavors that work for the improvement of our environment and the human condition.

Flexibility

The B.A. Biology is a flexible degree program that can be designed by the student and advisor to meet personal educational goals or specific licensure requirements on both the undergraduate/graduate level.

Department of Biology

Research Opportunities

A major emphasis of the programs offered by the department is student involvement in research activities.

Teaching and research with well-planned laboratory and field studies create opportunities for you to learn and to practice skills necessary for professional development in the sciences.

Our faculty encourage student participation in research through a variety of means, including honors work, directed independent research projects, internships, and student research assistantships.

These research activities have resulted in opportunities for students to present at scientific meetings and to contribute with faculty to research publications as well as participate in faculty-led, cutting-edge research projects.

Sample Courses In Biology:

Table shows sample courses for this program
BIO 201 Principles of Biology: Cells
BIO 335 Genetics
BIO 345 Animal Physiology
BIO 240 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO 366 Ecology
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Major in Biology?

A student may declare a major in biology or marine biology after completing BIO 201 and BIO 202, or equivalent courses, with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better in both courses, and the completion of a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit.

Transfer students wishing to declare a major in biology or marine biology must meet admission requirements, which are:

  • Completion of 24 semester credit hours from an accredited four-year college or university and a 2.00 grade point average in two biology courses with labs, preferably BIO 201 and BIO 202, or equivalents
  • Or, completion of an associate degree from an accredited two-year college and a 2.00 grade point average in two biology courses with labs

Students who apply to the Department of Biology and Marine Biology and do not meet the admission requirements will be considered pre-majors.

All students who desire a degree in biology or marine biology must meet the admissions requirements and declare a major to be eligible to graduate.

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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