Biology (CALS)
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers a biology major that allows students to develop a broad, integrative background in the biological sciences.
About This Major
- College: Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Hours for the Degree: 120
- Specializations: Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Natural Science, Preprofessional
- Website: major.biology.ufl.edu/CALS_tracks.html
Overview
Each specialization develops fundamental knowledge of animals, plants and microorganisms and then allows students to select courses to enhance their knowledge in specific areas.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.
Critical Tracking for all Specializations and Recommended Semester Plans
Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students
Semester 1:
- 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
- 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework for semesters 1-5
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L or MAC 2311
Semester 2:
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L and MAC 2311
Semester 3:
- Complete CHM 2046/2046L, BSC 2010/2010L
Semester 4:
- Complete BSC 2011/2011L
Semester 5:
- Complete all critical tracking courses, including labs
Specialization: Applied Biology
Specialization: Biotechnology
Specialization: Natural Science
Specialization: Preprofessional
Applied Biology
For students who are interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving problems. This specialization provides exposure to the major issues facing sustainability of human populations and natural resources. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.
Recommended semester plan
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C) | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4]) (GE-S) | 3-4 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) | 4 |
| STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) | 3-4 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication | 3 |
| BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) or BOT 2011C Plant Diversity (4) | 4 |
| CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or CHM 2200 and 2200L Organic Chemistry (3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) | 3-4 |
| Applied biology course ** | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total | 16-17 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory * | 5 |
| PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory | 1 |
| Applied biology courses ** | 6 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| BCH 3025 or BCH 4024 Biochemistry | 4 |
| PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory | 1 |
| Applied biology courses ** | 6 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4]) | 3-4 |
| Applied biology courses ** | 6 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total | 16-17 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) | 3 |
| Applied biology courses ** | 9 |
| Physiology (ANS 3319C [4], BOT 3503 [3] or HOS 4304 [3]) | 3-4 |
| Total | 15-16 |
* Not required if CHM 2200 and CHM 2200L were taken.
** See adviser for approved list of courses.
Biotechnology
For students preparing for a career where knowledge of molecular biology and genetic engineering are important. Students will have the opportunity to learn various techniques and scientific procedures in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, cell and tissue culture, microscopy, and bioinformatics. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.
Recommended semester plan
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Economics (AEB 2014 [3] or AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4], ECO 2023 [4]) (GE-S) | 3-4 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 (3) or CHM 3217 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 1 (4) | 3-4 |
| STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) | 3-4 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15-17 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) | 4 |
| CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry 2 (3) or CHM 3218 Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 2 (4) | 3-4 |
| CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 2 |
| Electives | 7 |
| Total | 16-17 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication | 3 |
| BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology * | 4 |
| CHM 3120 and CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry (3) and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory | 1 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) | 3 |
| PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function | 3 |
| PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory | 1 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4]) | 3-4 |
| Total | 15-17 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| MCB 3020 and MCB 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| PCB 4674 Evolution | 4 |
| Biotechnology course ** | 3 |
| Electives | 4 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| MCB 4304 Genetics of Microorganisms or PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| Biotechnology course ** | 3 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Total | 15 |
* Not required if CHM 3218 was taken.
** See adviser for approved list of courses.
Natural Science
This specialization is for students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on field biology. The specialization provides exposure to the major forms of flora and fauna, and integrates some of the major elements that influence flora and fauna, namely soil/water relations and human activities. This specialization prepares students for graduate study in the biological sciences.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.
Recommended semester plan
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4]) (GE-S) | 3-4 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) | 3-4 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) | 4 |
| CHM 2200 and 2200L Organic Chemistry (3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| Electives | 8 |
| Total | 16 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication | 3 |
| PHY 2004 Applied Physics 1 (3) or PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2004L Applied Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory | 1 |
| Elective | 1 |
| Genetics (AGR 3303 [3] or PCB 3063 [4]) | 3-4 |
| Natural science course ** | 3 |
| Total | 14-16 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) | 3 |
| PCB 4674 Evolution | 4 |
| PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 (3) or PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2005L Applied Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory | 1 |
| Natural science course ** | 3 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| Electives | 8 |
| Natural science courses ** | 8 |
| Total | 16 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| Electives | 9 |
| Natural science courses ** | 7 |
| Total | 16 |
** See adviser for approved list of courses.
Preprofessional
For biology majors seeking admission to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school. This specialization is also excellent preparation for graduate study.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.
Recommended semester plan
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Economics (AEB 2014 [3], AEB 3103 [4], ECO 2013 [4] or ECO 2023 [4]) (GE-S) | 3-4 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) | 4 |
| CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (3) or MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) | 3-4 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Humanities (GE-H) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) | 4 |
| CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry 2 (3) and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory (2) | 5 |
| Electives | 7 |
| Total | 16 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| AEC 3030C Effective Oral Communication | 3 |
| BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| PHY 2053 Physics 1 (4) or PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory or PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total | 14-15 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| AEC 3033C Research and Business Writing in Agricultural and Life Sciences (WR) | 3 |
| MCB 3020 and 3020L Basic Biology of Microorganisms (3) and Basic Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1) or PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2054 Physics 2 (4) or PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (3) | 3-4 |
| PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory or PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory | 1 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Total | 15-17 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| Electives | 6 |
| Genetics (AGR 3303 [3], PCB 3063 [4] or PCB 4522 [3]) | 3-4 |
| Life science courses ** | 6 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals | 5 |
| Life science courses ** | 6 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Total | 16 |
** See adviser for approved list of courses.