Department of Biology
The Department of Biology offers major programs in biology and marine biology leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree; minors in general biology, cellular and molecular biology, and marine science. Courses and programs applicable to pre-professional curricula in the medical and related health fields; basic coursework applicable to the general education component for all degree programs; and the subject field for secondary education of biology offered through the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences. The department is a member of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC).
The professional biology option of the biology major is designed for students who wish to prepare for graduate study or positions in research and technical areas at the baccalaureate level. This option prescribes supporting coursework in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
The general biology option is designed for students who wish to prepare for fields requiring a general background in biology. This option requires supporting coursework in chemistry. This option does require a minor in another discipline.
The environmental biology option is designed for students who wish to prepare for positions requiring a more thorough background in biology, with supporting work in chemistry and earth science. Students must choose a block of courses from either earth science or a block that leads to a certificate in environmental GIS. This option should prepare students for positions in natural resource utilization, environmental research, and environmental education; or for graduate work in environmental biology. Students should obtain departmental advisement early in the program.
The cellular and molecular biology option is designed for students who wish to prepare for positions in biotechnology, biochemistry, or medical research at the entry-level or to pursue graduate study in these fields. This option prescribes supporting coursework in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
The prehealth biology option prepares students for health professions careers by covering prerequisite courses for admission to a health profession school while maintaining a comprehensive biology education. This option offers a flexible selection of pre-health electives and an upper-level social science course to address the growing emphasis on psychological and sociological knowledge in healthcare.
The Marine Biology major is designed for students who wish to prepare for positions in marine or aquatic biology or who plan graduate study in these fields. The foundational courses for the major are offered on the main campus in Florence, with the specialized courses being taken at Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Students interested in this major should consult the MESC Liaison at UNA early regarding courses, prerequisites, special arrangements, and costs. Requirements include supporting coursework in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
In all major programs in biology, elective coursework is determined through advisement, and students are encouraged to take additional hours beyond the minimum major requirements in the field.
Students with majors in biology, marine biology, or biology as a teaching field for education certification are required to take an exit examination for graduation. Courses may require field trips.