Biology (BA/BS)

Thank you sincerely for your interest in studying Biology at the University of Oregon, a member of the Association of American Universities, that includes 65 Universities (63 in the US and 2 in Canada) recognized throughout the world for their leading research and teaching. We have developed an outstanding major that will prepare you for a multitude of options including graduate schools and careers in biomedicine and research, allied health, private industry, and education. Our nationally and internationally recognized graduates have completed top MD, PhD, MD-PhD, MS programs and internships all over the world. Emphasis Areas for the Biology major include Ecology & Evolution, Human Biology, Marine Biology, Molecular Cellular & Developmental Biology and Neuroscience & Behavior.

Biology faculty who conduct research and teach specialize in cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology and evolution, human biology, marine biology, neuroscience and behavior, and bioinformatics. Our students learn and work alongside scientists making important contributions in their field of expertise. We foster collaboration among students, staff and faculty across Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Physics and Psychology Departments. The interdisciplinary nature of our department creates many opportunities for students post-graduation. Our graduates have secured jobs in a number of fields including:

• Biotechnology companies
• Clinics and hospitals
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Public health departments
• Colleges and universities
• Industry and laboratories
• Inspection agencies and control boards
• Private research institutions
• State and federal government agencies
• Zoos and aquariums

We are excited that you have considered Biology as a major and look forward to meeting with you soon here on campus in Eugene.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Fundamental Concepts: 

• Evolution and biological diversity: all living organisms are genetically related; the diversity of life evolved over time by processes of mutation and selection. 
• Structure and function: Basic units of structure give rise to the function of all living things. 
• Information flow, exchange, and storage: Properties of organisms emerge from the flow, exchange, expression, and storage of genetic information. 
• Pathways and transformations of energy and matter: Biological systems grow and change by processes based on chemical transformation pathways and are governed by the laws of thermodynamics. 
• Systems: Living systems are interconnected and interacting.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements: Biology

Emphasis Areas for the Biology Major

Fulfilling the requirements for an undergraduate degree in biology provides a solid, general foundation in the discipline. Some biology majors choose to concentrate their upper-division course work in one of five emphasis areas:

• ecology and evolution
• human biology
• marine biology
• molecular, cellular, and developmental biology
• neuroscience and behavior

The requirements listed for each emphasis may be fulfilled as the student completes the upper-division course work for the biology major. Though not required, emphasis areas are designed to guide students, based on their specific interests, through upper-division course work. Upon graduation, students who complete the requirements for an emphasis area receive a written recognition from the department.

Visit biology.uoregon.edu/undergraduate-program/requirements for the current requirements for each emphasis area, or contact the Biology Advising Center at 541-346-4525 for more information.

Honors Program in Biology

The honors program requires substantial laboratory or field research supervised by a faculty member. Biology majors who satisfy the following requirements are eligible to graduate with honors:

1. Registration for the honors program through the Biology Advising Center, which includes obtaining an acceptance signature from the faculty research advisor, before beginning research
2. Completion of all requirements for the major in biology
3. Attainment of a minimum 3.30 GPA in all upper-division biology courses (including 300- and 400-level approved courses outside the department; see a biology advisor for a list).  The GPA will be calculated for all courses in this category, regardless of the total number of credits.
4. Completion of a minimum of three terms of intensive research (summer session counts as a term); at least four terms and summer research experience are strongly encouraged
5. Completion of a minimum of 4 credits in Research: [Topic] (BI 401) under the supervision of a single faculty advisor.  Up to 4 credits may be applied towards the 44 upper-division elective Biology credits. (See #7 for Honors College students.)
6. Completion of a thesis, with the following requirements:
   1. Oversight by a thesis committee comprising two faculty members—a primary advisor and one faculty member on the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Committee
   2. A final version of the thesis must be provided to the committee one week prior to the thesis defense
   3. Both committee members must sign the thesis within one week of the thesis defense, and a final signed copy must be submitted to the Biology Advising Center
7. Thesis defense
   1. Thesis committee must attend the thesis defense.
   2. Defense must happen at least one week prior to the end of the term in which the student is graduating.
   3. The thesis defense will be an open seminar.  Other faculty, students, and staff will be encouraged to attend.

The chair of the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Committee will notify students during their senior year with the name of the committee member who will serve as their second thesis committee member. Students should contact both committee members via email sometime during the term before the defense to start working on a range of possible defense dates. For more information, contact the committee chair.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Bachelor of Science in Biology