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The biological sciences curriculum helps students develop an understanding of principles governing biological processes that span a continuum from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. In addition to conveying fundamental scientific knowledge, our curriculum aims: 1) to provide opportunities for students to understand and use the process of scientific inquiry 2) to promote development of students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills 3) to help students gain the background essential for making informed decisions about issues that relate to science, technology, and the environment.

AREA OF EMPHASIS AT DELAWARE

The University of Delaware offers five degree options for students interested in biology. The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences is the biology degree chosen by most and allows the flexibility to meet the interest and career goals of a diverse group of students. It provides an excellent preparation for advanced study in graduate school or professional programs in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary science, optometry, pharmacy, or physical therapy. The major also qualifies graduates for various entry-level jobs in research laboratories, federal and state agencies, and companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences Education follows a curriculum very similar to the Biological Sciences major, with the addition of more diverse science and education courses. This degree meets requirements for secondary teacher certification. The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a biotechnology concentration emphasizes more laboratory experiences in various aspects of molecular, cellular, and physical biosciences. It is intended for students seeking employment in a laboratory setting after graduation, and for students who wish to continue their education at the graduate level in the biotechnology area. Admission to the Biotechnology Concentration is by application during the latter part of the sophomor year. During the first two years at the University, students interested in biotechnology take nearly the same courses as other biological sciences majors. The B.S. concentrations in Ecology & Organismic Biology and in Cellular & Molecular Biology & Genetics maintain large portions of the traditional B.A. degree while offering the opportunity for highly motivated students to pursue a curriculum in greater depth. These concentrations require more credit hours in the major and there are two additional requirements. First, a student must have a GPA of 3.0 in selected courses for admission to the degree. Students will normally apply in the spring of their sophomore year. Second, a senior thesis based on original research must be completed and defended. The thesis may also be used for the Degree with Distinction and Honors Degree programs. Undergraduates with an interest in marine biology may also take courses in marine ecology and oceanography offered through the graduate program of the University’s College of Marine Studies, located in Lewes, Delaware. There is no degree option in Marine Biology and the completion of an undergraduate degree in Biology is a prerequisite for subsequent graduate study in marine biology. The areas of emphasis within the department coincide with the faculty’s experience and research interests. They include: pharmaceutical sciences, cellular molecular biology, ecology and organismic biology, genetics and development biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and physiology and anatomy. Additional Keywords pre-vet, prevet, pre-veterinary, preveterinary, pre-med, premed, pre med, pre-medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences