This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Biology - Undergraduate Programs


Academic Advising: 345, 346, 347 and 349 Life Science Bldg. · 817-272-2408

Overview

The Department of Biology curriculum familiarizes students with basic concepts inherent to biological science and allows them to master new, cutting edge areas of biological research. Its degree programs prepare students to enter exciting and challenging careers in the many diverse and rapidly expanding areas of biological employment, including environmental biology, conservation, microbiology, the health sciences, science teaching, pharmacology, biotechnology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and forensics as well as in basic biological research. Superior teaching and faculty involvement with students is a high priority in the department. Many of its faculty have received university-wide awards for teaching excellence. Biology faculty have internationally recognized research programs in which students are actively encouraged to participate through credit for supervised research. Thus, students can prepare for careers in specific areas of biology by being actively engaged in research related to that career area under faculty supervision.

The Department of Biology offers four programs of study leading to an undergraduate degree. These are the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Biology and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Biology, Microbiology or Medical Technology. The Microbiology B.S. degree prepares students to enter careers in the highly diverse field of microbiology, ranging from control of infectious diseases, through public health and environmental microbiology to genetic engineering and molecular biology or to pursue graduate study. The B.S. in Medical Technology combines course work with 16 months of clinical laboratory training in an accredited hospital school of medical technology. This degree prepares students for careers as technicians in medical laboratories, clinics, hospitals and industry. The Biology B.S. program provides students with a strong background in the fundamental tenets of the biological sciences while allowing them to customize their degree plans to meet specific career goals. The Biology B.A. program is suitable for career preparation in a number of biological fields and for teaching certification in Composite Science.

There are two degree plan options through which students can complete their Biology B.S. degree. Option one in General Biology allows students to choose elective courses beyond the biology core that prepare them to enter a specific professional field, such as medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate school for further study and research. Students pursuing health professions careers should contact the Health Professions Advisor for assistance in selecting course electives pertinent to their specific career path.  Students interested in genomics, environmental biology, or other areas of specialization should contact their Biology advisor for assistance with recommended courses.  Option two in Forensics provides students with the training necessary to pursue exciting careers in biological forensics, DNA testing or police department laboratories.

All Biology degrees and degree plan options are supported by providing students with ready access to both academic and career advice provided by full-time undergraduate advisors and faculty members knowledgeable with a student's particular areas of academic and/or career interests. Students are strongly encouraged to interact with departmental and faculty advisors throughout their academic careers, particularly through independent research under faculty supervision, to develop the skills and course work background that will allow them to achieve their future academic/career goals. Detailed information on Biology and degree plan options is provided later in this section.

Beyond the undergraduate B.A. and B.S. degrees, the Department of Biology offers programs leading to graduate degrees, including the Master of Science in Biology (M.S.) which allows students to pursue biological careers requiring a greater knowledge base than provided by an undergraduate B.A. or B.S. degree and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Quantitative Biology (Ph.D.) which allows students to carry out independent dissertation research within a chosen area of biological research leading to a career in research and/or university teaching. The Ph.D. degree in Biology provides students with a strong background in modern mathematical approaches to biological research, including biostatistics, experimental design and mathematical modeling of biological systems. The Graduate Catalog provides details of the Biology M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs.

The Department of Biology takes pride in offering students outstanding degree programs supported by excellent teaching, undergraduate research opportunities and superior academic advising. These programs make graduates highly competitive in the job market or when applying to graduate or professional degree programs. Please visit the Biology Department and speak with one of our advisors. Phone 817-272-2408 to make an appointment.

Applying for Major Status in Biology

Freshmen who have no previous college work must complete the following courses before applying to the Biology Department to become a major:

19 hours from the University core (consisting of courses in English, history, political science, et al. See list of general core curriculum requirements set by the University elsewhere in this catalog) and a minimum of 20 hours from the courses below:

Biology

BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2300BIOSTATISTICS BIOL 2300 not required for BIOL B.A.3
BIOL 3315GENETICS3

MedTech

BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4

MicroBiology

BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
BIOL 3304MICROBIAL GENETICS3
BIOL 4441ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY LAB4

Chemistry

CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4

The applicant for status as a biology major MUST have a GPA of 2.25 or better in all courses taken, and 2.25 or better in biology courses. An application form is available from the undergraduate advisor (Room 345 or 346 LS).

A suggested course sequence for entering freshmen students for the first two years is:

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
MATH 14214MATH 14264
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
 15 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2181
4CHEM 2322
CHEM 2182
4
Lang/Phil/Cult3BIOL 33153
POLS 23113BIOL 3427 or 34544
BIOL 23003POLS 23123
BIOL 24444 
 17 14
Total Hours: 61

Transfer students interested in one of the degree programs in biology will, after admission to UT Arlington, be placed into pre-major status: BIOL intended, MEDT intended, or MICR intended major. To apply for status as a major in biology, microbiology, or medical technology, these students must have a minimum of 39 hours which include:

  • At least 28 hours in the University core curriculum including eight hours of freshman chemistry, with lab (credit by transfer or earned at UT Arlington).
  • At least 11 hours in biology courses taken at UT Arlington that apply to one of the three programs awarded by the department.

At the time of application for major status in biology, the student must have a GPA of 2.25 or better in courses taken at UT Arlington (both overall and in biology courses). An application form for requesting major status is available from the Department Advisor (Room 346 LS). Transfer students will be evaluated for major status only after completing 11 hours in biology in residence at UT Arlington.

Maintaining Major Status

  • Students who are accepted as majors in biology, microbiology, or medical technology must thereafter maintain a GPA of 2.25 or better in all courses and in biology courses. Any student whose GPA falls below 2.25 in either of these categories will be returned to undeclared status at the end of the semester in which the deficiency occurs.
  • Students who fall into academic difficulty will be required to meet with their Advisor and/or Academic Dean in order to discuss academic consequences and their future status in the College of Science. Please refer to the College of Science section of the catalog, "Academic Policies for College of Science Majors".
  • Students who have lost status as a major must have departmental permission to enroll in any junior or senior course in biology at UT Arlington.
  • Students in the medical technology program should have a 2.8 GPA or higher after completing three years of course work to be competitive when applying for the final year of training in medical technology.

General Information

  • In order to receive a B.A. degree in Biology or a B.S. degree in Biology or Microbiology from UT Arlington, transfer students must complete a minimum of 18 hours of junior or senior level courses (12 of the 18 hours in Biology) at UT Arlington. Transfer students who are approved for admission to the medical technology program must complete at least 13 hours of junior or senior level courses in biology at UT Arlington to qualify for a B.S. Degree in Medical Technology from UT Arlington.
  • No student working toward a B.A. degree in Biology or a B.S. degree in Biology, Medical Technology or Microbiology may take any biology course on a Pass/Fail basis.
  • Students are not allowed to receive credit for biology courses at the sophomore level or above by special examination.
  • Exceptions to the core course prerequisites for advanced courses will be made only for specialized degree programs such as Medical Technology, Nursing, and Physical Education, and for selected non-majors with special needs.

UNIV 1101 Career Preparation and Student Success

All transfer students are required to enroll in a 1 hour career preparation course, UNIV 1101.

UNIV 1131 Issues in College Adjustment

All entering freshmen are required to enroll in a 1 hour college adjustment course, UNIV 1131. 

Computer and Oral Communication Competency Requirement

Students majoring in Biology, Microbiology, or Medical Technology are required to demonstrate computer use and oral communication competencies.

The University requirement of competency in computer proficiency is satisfied by completion of the BIOL 1441 or 1442 labs.

Oral communication competency can be demonstrated by completion of COMS 1301, COMS 2302,  or an approved substitute.

Teacher Certification

A student interested in earning a degree with a major in biology with secondary teacher certification, should refer to the “Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology – Life Science Certification” and the “Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology – Composite Science Certification” degree plans for teacher certification requirements and for biology courses recommended for each teaching field option.


Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology is suitable for career preparation in a number of biological career fields and for students who desire teaching certification with a teaching field in biology or composite science. Students choosing this program are required to consult with the Department of Biology's undergraduate advisor to develop an acceptable degree plan. Students seeking teaching certification with a teaching field in biology or composite science are required to consult with the Department of Biology certification advisor in order to develop an acceptable teaching certification degree program.

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Language, Philosophy & Culture 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Creative Arts 13
Social & Behavioral Sciences 13
Foundational Component Elective 13
MATH 1302COLLEGE ALGEBRA 23
MATH 1303TRIGONOMETRY 23
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
Select one of the following for oral communication competency:3
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Or other approved communication course
Advanced elective courses (3000/4000 level courses)12
Any level electives 16
Professional Courses
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1101 CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Major
Core Curriculum
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
Diversity Courses
BIOL 3427PLANT SCIENCE4
BIOL 3454GENERAL ZOOLOGY4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
Select 7 hours of advanced core courses from the following:7
CELL PHYSIOLOGY
SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
HUMAN ANATOMY
GENERAL ECOLOGY
Advanced BIOL elective course - approved by advisor6
Total: 120 Hours (must have minimum of 36 hours 3000/4000 level)

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
MATH 13023MATH 13033
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
Social/Behavioral Science3CHEM 14414
UNIV 1131 or 11011 
 14 14
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
POLS 23113POLS 23123
BIOL 33153BIOL 24444
CHEM 14424CHEM 23213
Language, Philosophy and Culture3Advanced Biology Elective3
 Any Level Elective3
 13 16
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14414PHYS 14424
BIOL 34274BIOL 34544
Foundational Component Area Elective3BIOL 3301 or 33393
HIST 13013COMS 23023
 Creative Arts3
 14 17
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Advanced Elective6Advanced Biology Elective3
BIOL 3442 or 34464Advanced General Elective6
Any Level Elective7HIST 13023
 Any level elective3
 17 15
Total Hours: 120

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology -- Life Science Teacher Certification

This program is suitable preparation for students who desire secondary teacher certification in biology. Interested students should meet with the UTeach advisor.

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1101 CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
MATH 1421PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
Language, Philosophy & Culture3
Social & Behavioral Science3
Creative Arts3
Foundational Component Elective3
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
Education - Teacher Preparation Courses
SCIE 1201STEP 1: INQUIRY APPROACHES TO TEACHING2
SCIE 1202STEP 2: INQUIRY-BASED LESSON DESIGN2
PHIL 2314PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS3
SCIE 4107CLINICAL TEACHING SEMINAR1
SCIE 4607CLINICAL TEACHING FOR SECONDARY GRADES6
EDUC 4331KNOWING AND LEARNING IN MATH AND SCIENCE (satisfies computer literacy requirement)3
EDUC 4332CLASSROOM INTERACTIONS3
EDUC 4333MULTIPLE TEACHING PRACTICES IN MATH AND SCIENCE3
Professional Courses
Major
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2300BIOSTATISTICS3
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
BIOL 4343RESEARCH METHODS - UTEACH3
BIOL 3427PLANT SCIENCE4
BIOL 3454GENERAL ZOOLOGY4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
Select 7 hours from the following:7
BIOL 3312IMMUNOLOGY3
BIOL 3301CELL PHYSIOLOGY3
BIOL 3339INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION3
BIOL 3442HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY4
BIOL 3446HUMAN ANATOMY4
BIOL 3457GENERAL ECOLOGY4
Advanced BIOL elective courses approved by the UTeach biology advisor6
Total: 125 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
MATH 14214SCIE 12022
SCIE 12012MATH 14264
UNIV 1131 or 11011 
 18 17
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
CHEM 23213BIOL 34274
BIOL 24444BIOL 33153
CHEM 21811EDUC 43323
POLS 23113CHEM 23223
EDUC 43313CHEM 21821
Language, Philosophy and Culture3POLS 23123
 17 17
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 23003BIOL 33013
BIOL 34544BIOL 43433
PHYS 14414PHYS 14424
PHIL 23143Social / Behavioral Science3
HIST 13013HIST 13023
 17 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
EDUC 43333SCIE 46076
BIOL 34424SCIE 41071
Biology Advanced Electives6 
Creative Arts3 
 16 7
Total Hours: 125

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology - Composite Science Teacher Certification

This program is suitable preparation for students who desire secondary teacher certification in composite science. Interested students should meet with the UTeach advisor.

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
MATH 1302COLLEGE ALGEBRA3
MATH 1303TRIGONOMETRY3
ASTR 1345INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY I3
GEOL 1301EARTH SYSTEMS3
Language, Philosophy & Culture3
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1101 CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Creative Arts3
Social & Behavioral Science3
Foundational Component Elective3
Any level elective2
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Education - Teacher Preparation Courses
SCIE 1201STEP 1: INQUIRY APPROACHES TO TEACHING2
SCIE 1202STEP 2: INQUIRY-BASED LESSON DESIGN2
PHIL 2314PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS3
SCIE 4107CLINICAL TEACHING SEMINAR1
SCIE 4607CLINICAL TEACHING FOR SECONDARY GRADES6
EDUC 4331KNOWING AND LEARNING IN MATH AND SCIENCE (satisfies computer literacy requirement)3
EDUC 4332CLASSROOM INTERACTIONS3
EDUC 4333MULTIPLE TEACHING PRACTICES IN MATH AND SCIENCE3
Professional Courses
Major
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
BIOL 3427PLANT SCIENCE4
BIOL 3454GENERAL ZOOLOGY4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
BIOL 4343RESEARCH METHODS - UTEACH3
Select 7 hours from the following:7
BIOL 3301CELL PHYSIOLOGY3
BIOL 3312IMMUNOLOGY3
BIOL 3339INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION3
BIOL 3442HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY4
BIOL 3446HUMAN ANATOMY4
BIOL 3457GENERAL ECOLOGY4
Advanced BIOL elective chosen with advisor3
Total: 120 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
MATH 13023MATH 13033
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
SCIE 12012SCIE 12022
UNIV 1131 or 11011 
 17 16
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 33153BIOL 24444
CHEM 23213BIOL 33013
PHYS 14414PHYS 14424
HIST 13013EDUC 43323
EDUC 43313Any level elective2
 16 16
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 34274BIOL 34544
Advanced Biology Elective3GEOL 13013
HIST 13023POLS 23113
Language, Philosophy and Culture3Social and Behavioral Science3
PHIL 23143BIOL 43433
 16 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 34424SCIE 46076
ASTR 13453SCIE 41071
POLS 23123 
EDUC 43333 
Creative Arts3 
 16 7
Total Hours: 120

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology

The requirements to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology can be achieved through degree plans under either of two options (i.e., General Biology, and Forensics Biology) detailed in this section. Before choosing a B.S. degree program under one of these options, please consult with a biology undergraduate advisor and biology faculty associated with the chosen option.

Option 1: General Biology

The General Biology Option is intended for students studying basic aspects of the biological sciences. Students developing degree plans under the General Biology Option choose elective courses in Biology, other sciences, and nonscience areas to develop either a broad knowledge-base in Biology or to focus their studies in a particular area of Biology (a list of potential areas of study in Biology and the faculty who can assist students in developing degree plan programs in these areas is available from the undergraduate biology advisors). The General Biology Option will prepare students for careers in a variety of the Biological Sciences (including Health Professions, Genomics, Ecology/Environmental Studies, etc.) or for graduate study in Biology at the Master's or Ph.D. levels.

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Language, Philosophy & Culture 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Creative Arts 13
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1101 CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Social & Behavioral Sciences 13
Foundational Component Area Elective 13
MATH 1421PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I 24
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
Select one of the following in oral communication:3
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Or other approved communication course
Any level electives 6
Advanced elective courses (3000/4000 level)9
Professional Courses
Major
Core Curriculum
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2300BIOSTATISTICS (or approved substitute)3
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
Select two of the following diversity courses:8
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
PLANT SCIENCE
GENERAL ZOOLOGY
GENERAL ECOLOGY
Select two of the following advanced core courses:6
CELL PHYSIOLOGY
IMMUNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
HUMAN ANATOMY
Advanced BIOL elective courses - approved by advisor10
Total: 120 Hours (must have minimum of 36 hours 3000/4000 level)

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
MATH 14214MATH 14264
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
UNIV 1131 or 11011 
 16 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2181
4CHEM 2322
CHEM 2182
4
BIOL 23003BIOL 33153
Language, Philosophy & Culture3BIOL 34544
BIOL 24444POLS 23123
POLS 23113 
 17 14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 3427 or 34574BIOL 3301 or 33393
PHYS 14414BIOL 3442 or 34464
Foundational Core Area Elective3PHYS 14424
HIST 13013COMS 23023
 Creative Art3
 14 17
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL Advanced Electives3BIOL Advanced Electives6
Social and Behavioral Science3Advanced General Electives9
HIST 13023 
Any Level Electives3 
 12 15
Total Hours: 120

Option 2: Forensics

The option in forensics is intended to prepare students for a career in biological forensics by emphasizing relevant courses in biology and related disciplines. This option is designed for students who wish to seek employment in a forensics, DNA testing, or a police department laboratory upon graduation, and, as such, an internship (BIOL 3349) is recommended when possible. Students pursuing this option are encouraged to seek advice from the faculty forensics advisor.

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Language, Philosophy & Culture 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Creative Arts 13
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1101 CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Social & Behavioral Science 13
Foundational Component Core Elective 13
MATH 1421PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I 24
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
CHEM 4311BIOCHEMISTRY I3
Select one of the following in oral communication:3
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Or other approved communication course
Select a minimum of 9 hours in forensic electives:9
HUMAN OSTEOLOGY
PROBLEMS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSICS
FORENSIC DEATH INVESTIGATION
FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF IMPRESSION EVIDENCE
FORENSIC HAIR AND FIBER IDENTIFICATION
Professional Courses
Major
Core Curriculum
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2300BIOSTATISTICS (or approved substitute)3
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
Advanced Forensic courses
BIOL 3352INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC LAB SCIENCE 33
BIOL 4352FORENSIC BIOLOGY3
BIOL 4355METHODS IN FORENSIC BIOLOGY 33
Select 19 hours of advanced biology electives from the following:19
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY
GENOMICS
INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION
TOXICOLOGY
PLANT SCIENCE 3
INTRODUCTION TO VIROLOGY
GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS
HUMAN GENETICS
GENETICS METHODS LAB
Total: 120 Hours (must have minimum of 36 hours 3000/4000 level)

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
MATH 14214MATH 14264
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
UNIV 1131 or 11011 
 16 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2181
4CHEM 2322
CHEM 2182
4
BIOL 23003BIOL 33153
BIOL 24444BIOL 33523
POLS 23113Social and Behavioral Science3
 POLS 23123
 14 16
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 43523BIOL Advanced Electives from Approved List7
BIOL 43553Creative Arts3
CHEM 43113PHYS 14414
Foundational Core Area Elective3 
HIST 13013 
 15 14
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL Advanced Electives from approved List5BIOL Advanced Electives from approved list3
PHYS 14424Advanced General Forensics Elective6
COMS 23023Language/Philosophy/Culture3
General Advanced Forensic Elective3HIST 13023
 15 15
Total Hours: 120

Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology

A student who completes the special degree plan given below plus 16 months of clinical laboratory training in an accredited hospital school of medical technology may receive the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, which will be conferred by The University of Texas at Arlington. Graduates may become certified in medical technology by passing the examination of the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Language, Philosophy & Culture 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Creative Arts 13
Social & Behavioral Science 13
Foundational Component Core Elective 13
MATH 1302COLLEGE ALGEBRA3
MATH 1303TRIGONOMETRY3
or MATH 1308 ELEMENTARY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 4311BIOCHEMISTRY I3
Select one of the following in oral communication:3
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Or other approved communication course
Elective credit from any discipline1
Professional Courses
Major
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2457HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I4
BIOL 2458HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
BIOL 3312IMMUNOLOGY3
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
BIOL 4317BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS3
BIOL 4312INTRODUCTION TO VIROLOGY3
3000/4000-level of biology electives selected with the advice of the undergraduate advisor4
Total: 103 Hours

Note: This option is a total of 103 hours, of which 16 must be 3000/4000 level, in addition to 16 months training in a school of medical technology approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) in conjunction with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

Senior Year

Sixteen-month program in a school of medical technology which has been certified by the Committee of Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) in conjunction with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BS IN MICROBIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Language, Philosophy & Culture 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Creative Arts 13
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1101 CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Social & Behavioral Science 13
Foundational Component Core Elective 13
MATH 1421PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I 24
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 4311BIOCHEMISTRY I3
Select one of the following in oral communication:3
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Or other approved communication course
Electives at any level10
Professional Courses
Major
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
BIOL 3304MICROBIAL GENETICS3
BIOL 3306BACTERIAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANTIBIOTICS3
BIOL 4441ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY LAB4
Select 24 additional hours from the following:24
CELL PHYSIOLOGY
SELECTED TOPICS IN MICROBIOLOGY
IMMUNOLOGY
LIMNOLOGY
MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
INTRODUCTION TO VIROLOGY
BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES IN MICROBIOLOGY
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES IN MICROBIOLOGY LEADER
RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY
Total: 120 Hours (must have minimum of 36 hours 3000/4000 level)

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
MATH 14214MATH 14264
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
BIOL 14414BIOL 24444
UNIV 1131 or 11011 
 16 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 33123BIOL 33043
POLS 23113BIOL 43123
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2181
4CHEM 2322
CHEM 2182
4
Any Level Elective3Social & Behavioral Science3
 13 13
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 33063BIOL 43173
CHEM 43113BIOL 33013
Foundational Component Area Elective3BIOL 43903
HIST 13013PHYS 14414
POLS 23123Creative Art3
 15 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 44414BIOL 33113
BIOL 33083BIOL 43923
PHYS 14424COMS 23023
Any Level Elective6Language/Philosophy/Culture3
 HIST 13023
 17 15
Total Hours: 120

Dual Degree Plan: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

This curriculum prepares students for careers in the fast growing biotechnology and biomedical engineering industries. The curriculum also prepares students for medical school and advanced study. Students are required to take courses from engineering, life sciences and liberal arts, culminating in a five-year Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. The curriculum is offered jointly by the College of Engineering and the College of Science. In this program, two areas of emphasis are offered:

  1. Bioimaging and
  2. Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering.

Description

Biomedical engineers use quantitative methods and innovation to analyze and solve problems in biology and medicine. Students choose the biomedical engineering field to be of service to people, to partake in the excitement of working with living systems, and to apply advanced technology to the complex problems of medical care.

Through this program, students learn the essentials of life science, engineering theory, and the analytical and practical tools that enable them to be successful in the biotechnology and biomedical engineering industries. The program includes course work in the basic sciences, core engineering, biomedical engineering, and advanced biotechnology disciplines. Both didactic classroom lectures and hands-on laboratory experience are emphasized. Additionally, students are required to take general educational courses in literature, fine arts, history, political science, and social science.

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students as biomedical engineers for careers in industry, in hospitals, in research facilities of educational and medical institutions, and in government regulatory agencies. It also provides a solid foundation for those wishing to continue for advanced degrees. For those planning to pursue a medical degree, this cross-disciplinary curriculum offers a solid foundation in engineering, which is an advantage in preparing for a medical career.

Requirements

Regardless whether a student chooses Bioimaging or Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering emphasis, after completion of 120 semester credit hours of the undergraduate courses from the list for the emphasis (below) and prior to taking any graduate course, the student must apply to the UT Arlington Graduate School for admission to the Bioengineering Department. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the 120 semester credit hours as well as a minimum average of 3.0 in the required English courses (ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302) and a minimum average of 3.0 in the required Mathematics courses (MATH 1426, MATH 2425, MATH 2326 and MATH 3319) is required for admission to the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program. The student should also submit two letters of recommendation, one from a faculty member and one from the Biology undergraduate advisor.

For course listings and suggested course sequences, please see Biomedical Engineering in the Engineering section of this catalog.

Fast Track Degree Plan: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biology

The Fast Track program will enable outstanding senior undergraduate Biology students to satisfy degree requirements leading to a master's degree in Biology while completing their undergraduate studies. 

Description

Undergraduate Biology students will apply when they are within 30 hours of completing their bachelor’s degrees. They must have completed at least 30 hours at UTA, achieving a GPA of at least 3.3 in those courses, have an overall GPA of 3.3 or better in all department courses, and have a GPA of at least 3.3 in all biology courses taken at UTA. Additionally, they must have completed 13 hours of specified undergraduate Fast Track foundation courses at UTA that are listed below with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in these courses. If one of these courses is transferred from another school it will not be included, and an equivalent course determined by the undergraduate advisor will be used as a Fast Track foundation course.

 Foundation Courses Required for Admission into the Fast Track program:

 1. BIOL 2300 Biostatistics (3-0) 

 2. BIOL 3315 Genetics (3-0)

 3. BIOL 3301 Cell Physiology (3-0)

 4. BIOL 2444 General Microbiology (4-0)

BIOL students pursuing the Fast Track master's degree will be allowed to take BIOL 5309, 5314 and 5304 in place of advanced undergraduate biology electives.

Course Requirements

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Language, Philosophy & Culture 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Creative Arts 13
Social & Behavioral Science 3
Foundational Component Core Elective (Satisfied by COMS 2302 below) 1
Any level elective3
Advanced Electives9
UNIV 1101CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS1
or UNIV 1131 STUDENT SUCCESS
MATH 1421PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
Program Requirements
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
Oral Communication Competency (Also counts as Foundational Component Area)3
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Professional Courses
Major
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 2300BIOSTATISTICS3
BIOL 2444GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY4
BIOL 3315GENETICS3
BIOL 3301CELL PHYSIOLOGY3
BIOL 3454GENERAL ZOOLOGY4
or BIOL 3427 PLANT SCIENCE
BIOL 3442HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY4
or BIOL 3446 HUMAN ANATOMY
BIOL 3310SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY3
BIOL 3101CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOLOGY1
Graduate Program
Graduate Courses30
BIOL 5304VIROLOGY3
BIOL 5309IMMUNOLOGY3
BIOL 5311EVOLUTION3
BIOL 5314BIOMETRY3
BIOL 5317BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS3
BIOL 5319HUMAN GENETICS3
BIOL 5335ESSENTIALS OF GENOMICS3
BIOL 5340BIOINFORMATICS3
BIOL 5354LIMNOLOGY3
BIOL 5310SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY3

Note:  This program consists of 111 undergraduate credit hours, plus 30 graduate credit hours.  A grand total of 141 credit hours.
 

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 14414BIOL 14424
CHEM 14414CHEM 14424
UNIV 1131 or 11011ENGL 13023
ENGL 13013POLS 23123
POLS 23113 
 15 14
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 23003BIOL 24444
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2181
4CHEM 2322
CHEM 2182
4
HIST 13013MATH 14264
MATH 14214HIST 13023
COMS 23023 
 17 15
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 33153BIOL 33013
BIOL 3454 or 34274BIOL 3442 or 34464
BIOL 31011PHYS 14424
PHYS 14414Social Science3
Language, Phil and Culture3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 53093BIOL 53043
BIOL 53143BIOL 33103
Creative Arts3Any level Elective3
Foundational Component Core Elective3Advanced Electives6
Advanced Elective3 
 15 15
Fifth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
BIOL 53403BIOL 53113
BIOL 53103BIOL 53173
BIOL 53543BIOL 53193
 BIOL 53353
 9 12
Total Hours: 141

Requirements for a Minor in Biology

A minor in biology will consist of a minimum of 18 credit hours of approved biology classes that would be applicable toward a major in Biology. Non-majors' courses will not apply toward a minor in biology, such as:

BIOL 1301NUTRITION3
BIOL 1333DISCOVERING BIOLOGY: MOLECULES, CELLS AND DISEASE3
BIOL 1334LIFE ON EARTH: EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY AND GLOBAL CHANGE3
BIOL 1345BIOLOGY I FOR NURSING STUDENTS3
BIOL 2317BASIC CONCEPTS IN HUMAN SEXUALITY3
BIOL 2457HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I4
BIOL 2458HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II4
BIOL 2460NURSING MICROBIOLOGY4
BIOL 3303DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR3
NURS 3309MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS3

Non-lecture courses such as research, directed study, co-op, or lab TA credit may not be used toward a minor in Biology. A minimum of six of the 18 credit hours required for the minor must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. BIOL 1441 and BIOL 1442, or equivalent, are required for the minor. The remaining 10 hours must be chosen with and approved by a Biology Advisor.

A 2.0 Biology Grade Point Average must be maintained to earn the minor. Transfer students must complete at least nine hours toward the minor at UT Arlington, and six of the nine hours must be 3000 or 4000 level.