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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

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Curriculum

Tailor Your Education to Your Interests

Many of the world’s most pressing issues – access to health care, Covid-19, drug addiction, global warming, hunger, and more – have biology at their core. Likewise, many of our most fervent hopes for the future – like for innovative treatments to fight devastating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer – also rest in biology.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of Michigan-Flint, you can tackle these subjects and many more. This degree opens doors to a wide range of professions and additional educational opportunities, and you can tailor your program to your personal interests.

As a biology student, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. UROP allows students at any education level to perform paid or volunteer research with faculty on cutting-edge projects.

In a variety of clubs, you’ll have the chance to meet and learn with students who share your interests and career aspirations. You can choose from the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, the Pre-Physical Therapy Club, the Pre-Med Club, the Pre-Dental Club, the Molecular Biology Club, the Wildlife Biology Club, and the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) Preparedness Club, among others.

We’re also proud that UM-Flint is among a handful of primarily undergraduate institutions in Michigan that have a fully functional cadaver lab. This lab is essential if you’re pursuing a professional degree in health care.

Whether you want to pursue graduate studies after graduation or prefer to apply for an entry-level job in health care, industry, nonprofits, government, public policy, and many other fields, your Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from UM-Flint will prepare you to succeed.

How the Program Works

All students in the BS in Biology program fulfill general education requirements and take seven biology courses, four chemistry courses, one mathematics course, and two physics courses. Then they follow one of seven concentrations based on their career interest:

Biology Curriculum at UM-Flint

Most biology students at UM-Flint choose the Bachelor of Science in Biology program curriculum. However, the Natural Sciences Department also offers other biology programs:

Two minors also are available:

All undergraduate biology students are encouraged to consider adding a minor or a second major in another discipline. You can’t major in more than one biology program, nor can you both major and minor in biology.

Students who wish to continue their studies can pursue UM-Flint’s Biology BS/MS or Master of Science in Biology program.

Scholarships for Biology Majors

Besides being eligible for financial assistance through our Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for UM-Flint scholarships that are specifically for biology students. They include:

  • Fleming A. and Marian E. Barbour Scholarship Fund
  • Emmalyn Ellis Freeman Master of Science in Biology Scholarship
  • Zelpha E. McKinnon Science Scholarship
  • Gary Pace Biology/Ecology Field Study Scholarship
  • Holly Sucic Endowed Memorial Scholarship
  • John Terrill and Lora Dorland Biological Sciences Scholarship Fund

Academic Advising for Biology Majors

As a biology major, you have so many options and opportunities that it’s essential for you to develop a strong relationship with our academic advisors. They can answer your questions about program requirements, assist you in choosing courses, and help you succeed. The dedicated academic advisor for the Biology program is Lyxander Denoyer. You can contact them at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.

If you plan to major in biology, you must consult with the Biology program’s academic advisor before registering for your first-semester classes.

Career Opportunities in Biology

With so many diverse careers available to biology graduates, job prospects vary depending on which path you choose. Consider these examples:

  • Biological technicians: The number of jobs for biological technicians, who help biological and medical scientists conduct lab tests and experiments, should grow 7 percent through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 11,800 jobs should become available annually through 2030, and the latest median salary is $48,140 annually.
  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists: Using their knowledge of the natural sciences, environmental scientists and specialists protect the environment and human health. The BLS projects job growth of 8 percent through 2030, the same as the average rate for all jobs. There should be about 9,400 job openings annually through 2030, and the latest median salary is $76,530.
  • Physician assistants: Job growth for physician assistants, who practice medicine as part of health care teams, should be 31 percent through 2030, the BLS says. That translates into about 12,200 job openings annually through 2030. The latest median pay for PAs is $115,390 annually.
  • Physical therapists: Jobs for physical therapists should grow by 21 percent through 2030, the BLS projects, almost three times the rate for all jobs. Physical therapists earn a median salary of $91,010 annually, and there should be about 15,600 job openings each year through 2030.

More information about careers for biology majors is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get Started on Your Biology Career Today

If you want great preparation for pursuing graduate studies or for landing a solid entry-level job in a wide range of professions, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Biology program today. If you have questions, you can contact the Biology program’s dedicated academic advisor, Lyxander Denoyer at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.