Biology, B.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• apply the knowledge gained in each course to succeed in the following courses in the recommended course sequence.
• identify, appreciate, and use features of the scientific method in research, and distinguish it from other ways of knowing and learning.
• obtain relevant information, process and evaluate this information using critical thinking skills, and communicate their ideas to a wider audience using an appropriate format.
• show proficiency in content knowledge in the field of Biology that meet or exceed those of the national average for similar institutions.
• apply technical skills used in advanced laboratory courses and in the workplace.

Contact Information

100 Sarah H. Fleischmann Building, Mailstop: 0314
(775) 784-6188

College of Science Academic Advisors: https://www.unr.edu/science/student-resources/advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno

Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking  at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements

• Total Units | 120
• Cumulative GPA | 2.0
• University GPA | 2.0
• Major GPA | 2.0
• Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
• Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
• Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units

Keys to Success

The University of Nevada, Reno wants students to earn a bachelor’s degree in a timely manner. Students are more likely to remain on track to graduate in four years if they complete the Success Marker courses listed below within the timeframe and with at least the grades listed. Adherence to this timeline is NOT a requirement for graduation, just a research-based suggestion for efficient program completion. 

The following academic support services may help students meet the Success Markers below.

• Math Center
• Tutoring Center
• Writing & Speaking Center

I. Core General Education Requirements (27-33 units)

NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course description.

II. Additional Core Requirements (9 units maximum)

Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV). Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

III. Additional College Requirements (0 units)

IV. Major Requirements (61-64 units)

NOTE:

V. Minor Requirements (0 units)

VI. Electives (14-23 units)

VII. Recommended Schedule

Use the Planner in MyNEVADA to build a custom graduation plan. Review and adjust the plan in each academic advisement session.

Biology With Distinction

In addition to the above requirements, students wishing to be considered for “with distinction” in biology must:

1. have and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 overall and 3.5 in biology.
2. be recommended as a candidate by a member of the biology faculty who will serve as a mentor.
3. successfully complete 3 credits of either BIOL 491  or BIOL 492  during the junior year and 3 credits each semester in BIOL 496  - BIOL 497  during the senior year.
4. Submit a written thesis to your advisor and the program coordinators.
5. Present a short research seminar to the Biology Department.