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    Dec 03, 2024  
2021-2022 UMaine Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2021-2022 UMaine Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology

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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A C or higher is required in BIO 100 and BIO 200.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all courses in Biological Sciences Areas, and chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics combined. 

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 402 or BIO 428 or BIO 431 or BIO 438 or BIO 450 or BIO 463 or HON 498 and HON 499* or BIO 480 and BIO 483. For specific requirements, see the curricula for individual concentrations.

*The thesis topic must be in Biology and the thesis advisor should be in the School of Biology and Ecology.

Contact Information:  Ann Dieffenbacher-Krall, Undergraduate  Program Coordinator, 100 Murray Hall, (207)581-2540, annd@maine.edu

A major in biology allows students to explore various aspects of our natural world. Tremendous advances in biotechnology, medicine, environmental studies, and related areas make biology an important and fascinating field of study. Biology seeks to understand living creatures - from animals and plants to fungi and microbes. Biologists help find cures for diseases, become doctors, save endangered species, and more.  A diverse set of courses allows students to learn evolutionary principles, biodiversity, and how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment. Biology majors are exposed to a variety of research opportunities. Research in the field of biology increases knowledge about living organisms in order to tackle problems we face in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and ecology.

Graduates of our Biology program pursue various careers, depending on their interest, level of educational attainment, and subsequent professional education. Among the more typical career areas are human and veterinary medicine, scientific research and development, teaching at the high-school and college levels, environmental monitoring and regulation at state and federal levels, and private design and consulting.

Biology offers students many choices and allows them to tailor their programs to their interests. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering all major areas of biology including cells and molecules, genetics, evolution, physiology, anatomy, biodiversity, ecology, and behavior. Students enrolled in the Honors College will find the program complementary to their degree studies. Each student works with an academic advisor to develop a curriculum that best meets the student’s goals and allows for exploration or specialization as desired. Students in their third and fourth years of study, who intend to pursue advanced degrees, are strongly encouraged to include independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in their program. Students wishing to spend a semester studying abroad are advised to discuss this option with their advisor early in their program.

The B.S. and B.A. degrees in Biology are offered by the School of Biology and Ecology.  For information about areas of specialization and for an overview of our facilities, cooperative programs, and list of faculty in the School of Biology and Ecology, visit https://sbe.umaine.edu.

Students choosing Biology as a second major are not required to complete a Biology capstone provided the student completes a capstone for their first major.  Biology is not allowable as a second major for students whose first major is Animal & Veterinary Science with Pre-Veterinary concentration because of substantial overlap between requirements.

Students majoring in Biology are not eligible for a minor or second major in Botany or Zoology because of extensive overlap in the requirements for these degrees.

Students majoring in Biology must complete an exit exam in their last semester prior to graduating.

Students majoring in Biology must earn a score of 4 or 5 in order to receive advanced placement credit for BIO 100 and BIO 200.

Students wishing to transfer from other institutions or from another program within the University of Maine must have completed BIO 100: Basic Biology with a grade of C or better, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, and a grade of C or better in MAT 111 or no grade record in MAT 111 and a score of 30 or higher on the Math Placement Exam.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts

The School of Biology and Ecology offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in Biology.  Both degrees provide a strong background in biological sciences.  They have the same requirements in biological sciences and differ only in the level of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and social sciences required. The B.S. requires more in-depth study of chemistry, math, and physics while the B.A. requires more in-depth study of social sciences and humanities. The B.S. provides preparation for the health professions, while the B.A. ensures a broad liberal arts education and allows more flexibility for minors and double majors.

Expertise in Biology is essential to insure that sound science is the foundation for public policy, laws, regulations, business decisions, natural resource management, and communication about scientific ideas and issues.  Educators, artists, writers, lawyers, economists, public policy makers and politicians, and business people in green industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agribusiness greatly benefit from a strong background in science.  Pairing a BA with a second major or minor builds strength for careers in education, communication, policy, law, or business.  In addition, the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills gained through humanities and social sciences courses can significantly contribute to a career in science.

BA students are required to declare a minor or 2nd major in an approved subject outside of botany, biology, or zoology or complete additional General Education requirements as noted below.  BA students are encouraged to explore career options through the University of Maine Career Center and with their academic advisor to select a minor or 2nd major that adds breadth to the academic program by developing skills and knowledge outside of the primary major.

Concentrations in the B.S. and B.A. Degrees in Biology

The Ecology Concentration is open to students in either the B.S. or B.A. degree program.  This concentration is intended for students interested in exposure to ecological principles within the context of a rigorous biological sciences curriculum.

The Pre-medical Studies Concentration is open to students in the B.S. degree program only, not the B.A.  This concentration is intended for students preparing for a career in medicine or one of the other health professions (dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician assistant, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related fields). Students completing this concentration will be fully prepared for advanced studies in these fields. In addition to the required science and mathematics courses, the concentration also includes general education courses that are desired by many medical schools. The concentration allows for considerable choice in courses and provides valuable guidance to students and their advisors with regard to course selection in their major and in general education requirements.

Biology Club

Students majoring in Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Medical Laboratory Sciences (Medical Technology) are encouraged to join the Biology Club, a student organization that promotes an interest in the biological sciences and in biological research with invited speakers, panel discussions, debates, trips, social functions, and service projects. The club also supports a local chapter of the national honor society, Beta Beta Beta.

Accelerated and Special Programs

The University of Maine, New England College of Optometry (NECO) and Logan College of Chiropractic (LCC) cooperate in providing accelerated undergraduate curricula leading to consideration for early admission to the cooperating colleges. Students complete three years at the University of Maine and are awarded the B.S. in Biology upon the successful completion of the first year curriculum at NECO or LCC. Contact the Career Center’s Health Professions Career Counselor (207) 581-2587 for complete program details and a curriculum for the first three years.

Tufts additionally offers a “Maine Track” MD program, in partnership with Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland Maine, for applicants who are interested in a unique, innovative curriculum that will offer clinical training experiences in Maine and expose medical students to the unique aspects of rural practice as well as training in a major tertiary medical center.

Combined B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany, Entomology, or Zoology

“Double Up” programs allow highly dedicated students to earn both the B.S. and the M.S. degrees in five to six years. This allows the student to save time and reduces the cost of the M.S. degree. See our web site for details, https://sbe.umaine.edu, or the Graduate School webpage, http://umaine/edu/graduate/.

Bachelor of Science Core Requirements

1. Basic Biology:

  and   (Minimum grade of C required in each.) 

2. General Chemistry: 

 ,  ,  , and    

3. Organic Chemistry I: 

  and  ; or   and     

4. Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry: 

  and  ; or BMB 322  and     

5. Physics I: 

  or    

6. Physics II: 

  or    

7. Calculus: 

   or    or    

8. Statistics: 

  or   or PSY 241   

9. Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 24 credits including courses from the areas as noted for each area.  At least four lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO Area courses, and at least one animal course (A) and one plant course (P).  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine

10. Required Course: 

   

11. Satisfy general education requirements: To fill the general education capstone requirement, Biology B.S. students must take one of the following:

 ,  ,  , BIO 428 ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , or both   and  . 

12. Minimum average GPA 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-9 above and capstone. 

Bachelor of Arts Core Requirements

1. Basic Biology:

  and   (Minimum grade of C required in each.) 

2. General Chemistry: 

 ,  ,  , and    

3. Organic Chemistry:

  and  ; or    and   

4. Physics: 

 ,   or    

5. Mathematics: 

   or    or   or   or   or PSY 241  

6. Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 24 credits including courses from the areas as noted for each area.  At least four lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO Area courses, and at least one animal course (A) and one plant course (P).  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine.

7. Required Course: 

   

8. Minimum average GPA 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-6 above and the capstone. 

9. Satisfy General Education requirements.   Be aware that a total of 6 credits are required in Quantitative Analysis.  To fill the general education capstone requirement, Biology B.A. students must take one of: 

 ,  ,  , BIO 428 ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , or both   and  . 

10.  International Perspectives or a Minor or Second Major:

 a1. Students must complete an academic minor or a second academic major outside of their primary discipline.  The following minors or second majors fill this requirement. Other minors or majors may be acceptable with prior approval of the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. Minors: Accounting, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Administration, Child Development and Family Relations, Climate Studies, Computer Science, The Constitution and American Law, Creative Writing, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Ethics, Ethics and Political Philosophy, French, History, Graphic Design, International Affairs, Journalism, Leadership Studies, Legal Studies, Management, Marketing, Marxist and Socialist Studies, Mathematics, Media Studies, New Media, Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Political Theory, Professional Writing, Renewable Energy Science and Technology, Resources and Agribusiness Management, Sociology, Spanish, Statistics, Studio Art, Theatre. Second Majors: Computer Science, Mathematics, Secondary Education, Studio Art.

OR

a2.  Alternatively, a student may complete, within their program of study, 27 credits in courses meeting the human values and social context general education criteria of the university. At least 12 credits of these must be at the 200 level or above.  Student must satisfy International Perspectives by either 1) Establishing intermediate level proficiency in a foreign language, or 2) at least one semester in a UMaine approved foreign exchange program, or 3) 9 credits in Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives, which may overlap with the 27 human values and social context credits noted above.

AND

b.  Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits outside their major. (If a particular major requires courses in another discipline, either within the same department or in another department, those credits may still count toward the 60 credits.) Depending on the particular program, the degree will require from 120 or 121 total credits for graduation. In addition, each student must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 over all courses taken. Some programs may also require minimum grade point averages for courses within the major. Students should consult individual program sections about specific details concerning a particular major.

Ecology Concentration Requirements

1.  Satisfy the core requirements of either the B.S. or B.A. degree program.

2.  Statistics requirement: Take the following course to satisfy the requirement: 

   Note for B.A. students,   requires either  ,  , or   as a prerequisite.

3. For BIO Area V: Take the following courses: 

   or   and at least 3 additional credits chosen from  , BIO 309 ,   , BIO 411  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , SMS 308 , WLE 200  , or  . 

4.  Environmental Influences: At least one of the following courses:

 ,  ,  ,  ,  or   

5. Field Experience: At least one of the following courses:

 ,  , BIO 430 ,  , BIO 463 ,  , or  . This course can also count toward BIO area credits for the major.

6. General Education requirement: To fill the general education capstone requirement, students in the Ecology Concentration must take one of the following:

 ,  ,  ,   or   

7. Writing Intensive: ENG 315  or ENG 317  

Pre-medical Studies Concentration Requirements

1. Satisfy the core requirements for the B.S.

2. Fill the B.S. Organic Chemistry requirements with: 

 ,  ,  , and   

3. At least one of the BIO area I choices must come from this list:

 ,  , BMB 280 , or   

4. At least one of the BIO area III course choices must come from this list:

 ,  , or   

5. From BIO area IV, students must take either: 

  and  ; or      

6. To fill the general education capstone requirements, students in the Pre-medical Studies Concentration must take one of the following list:

  (highly recommended),   ,  ,  ,   (topic in Biology with an SBE faculty advisor), or both BIO 480  and BIO 483 .

7. Biochemistry:

  and    

If, and only if, CHY251, CHY 252, CHY 253, and CHY 254 are also taken, BMB 323 may count as one of the four required BIO area labs.

8. Writing Intensive (take one of the following):

 ,  , or  . Optional for students completing the Honors Program.

9. Other requirements:

 ,  ,  , and  one of PHI 235  (recommended), PHI 100 , PHI 230 , PHI 231 , PHI 233 . (BIO 302 is optional for students completing the Honors Program).  

10. Recommended courses: INT 107  and INT 207   are highly recommended, but not required.

Pre-medical Studies Notes

a.    Inclusion of BIO 480, Cell Biology, is highly recommended. This course can only count in one area.

b.    Physician assistant, pharmacy, optometry, and physical therapy schools require two semesters of anatomy and physiology (8 credits). This requirement can be met by combining BIO 335, Human Anatomy, and BIO 377 & 378 Medical Physiology and lab (recommended);  or by combining BIO 208, Anatomy and Physiology, and BIO 377 & 378 Medical Physiology and lab. Note that BIO 208 does not count toward the Biology or Zoology degree requirements.  Students should research admission requirements of specific schools and are strongly encouraged to work with the Health Professions Career Counselor in the Career Center.

c.    Students pursuing this concentration may want to consider a minor in Neuroscience, Chemistry, Psychology, or Business.

d.    Pre-medical studies students are strongly encouraged to work with the Career Center’s Health Professions Career Counselor throughout their entire undergraduate program.

Bachelor of Science Core Requirments-New England College of Optometry 3+

Students in the UM-NECO 3+ program complete 90 credits at UMaine over three years, moving on to NECO in their fourth year.  Upon completion of the first year at NECO, 30 credits are transferred back to UMaine and students are awarded their BS degree.

1.  Basic Biology:

BIO 100  BIO 200  

(Minimum grade of C required in each)

2.  General Chemistry:

CHY 121 , CHY 122 , CHY 123 ,and CHY 124  

3.  Organic Chemistry I:

CHY 251  and CHY 253  

4.  Biochemistry:

BMB 322  and BMB 323  

5.  Physics I:

PHY 111   or PHY 121  

6.  Physics II:

PHY 112  or PHY 122  

7.  Calculus:

MAT 116  or MAT 126  or MAT 136  

8.  Statistics:

STS 232  

9.  Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 17 credits including courses fromBiological Science Areas as noted for each area. At least three lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO area courses.  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine.  For area I, students take BMB 300 to completely fill the area. At least one animal course (A) and one plant (P) from the BIO areas must be taken.

10.  Required Course:

NFA 117  

11.  Satisfy general education requirements.

Capstone and Writing Intensive within major are satisfied by the NECO course credits.  Students must take PSY 100  (fills Social Contexts) and either ENG 315   or ENG 317  (fills Writing Intensive)

12.  Courses recommended but not required: INT 107  , 

  

13.  Minimum average GPA: 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-9 above to complete UMaine degree.  NECO requires an overall GPA of 3.3 and a within-major GPA of 3.1.

14.  Upon completion of the first year at NECO, the student must have NECO send a transcript to UMaine.  Successful transfer of 30 credits (minimum grade of C-) from NECO to UMaine is required to complete the UMaine Biology degree. The degree will be awarded at the end of the semester in which the NECO first year transcript is received by UM Office of Student Records.

Biological Sciences Areas for the B.S. or B.A

If BIO 431, BIO 438, BIO 450, or BIO 463  is taken as a capstone, it can go toward satisfying the area in which it is listed and can count as a laboratory course (if labeled L), but cannot count towards the 24 credits required in Areas I-V.  BIO 480 can count as a capstone if, and only if, BIO 483 is also taken.  In this case, BIO 480 can go toward satisfying one of the BIO areas, but the credits do not count towards the 24 BIO area credits;  the two credits from BIO 483 can be counted toward the 24 BIO area credits.

Area I. Cell and Molecular Biology

Students must take BMB 280 or BIO 480 or 6 total credits from the area.

Area II. Genetics and Evolution

Both courses are required.

Area III. Physiology

Students must take 3 credits from the area.

Area IV. Biodiversity

Students must take 3 credits from the area

Area V. Ecology and Behavior

Students must take BIO 319 or SMS 300  or 6 total credits from the area.

Alternate Area

Courses within the Alternate Area can be included in the 24 total area minimum credits, but do not count toward any specific area except by prior arrangement with the program coordinator.  A total of three credits from BIO 387 or BIO 391 can be counted toward the 24 credit total.

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Biology

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Third Year - First Semester

Third Year - Second Semester

Fourth Year - First Semester

  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 12

Fourth Year- Second Semester

  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area I, if not previously filled, with lab)
  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 8

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Biology with Ecology Concentration

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Third Year - First Semester

Third Year - Second Semester

Fourth Year - First Semester

  • Credits: 4

  • or other BIO area plant course with lab

  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in fall semester include BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 463 or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 8

Fourth Year- Second Semester

  • Capstone or BIO Area Credits: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in spring semester include BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 431 or HON 499.)
  • Environmental Influences Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 9

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Biology with Pre-medical Studies Concentration

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Third Year - First Semester

Third Year - Second Semester

Fourth Year - First Semester

Fourth Year- Second Semester

  • Credits: 3 (if Area I has not yet been filled.  This course is recommended for all pre-med students.)  
  • Credits: 2

  •  (If both BIO 480 and 483 are taken, BIO 480 counts as a capstone unless another capstone course is completed. BIO 483 will count as a BIO Area lab and as 2 BIO Area credits.)

  • Capstone (Acceptable spring capstone courses include BIO 388 or BIO 431 or BIO 438 or BIO 450 or HON 499 or BIO 480 & 483)
  • Remaining General Education Requirements or elective credits: 7

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.A. in Biology

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Third Year - First Semester

  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area III with lab, plant or animal)
  • General Education Requirement or course for minor Credits: 8
  • General Education Requirement Credits - Writing Intensive Credits: 3

Third Year - Second Semester

Fourth Year - First Semester

  • Capstone or elective Credits: 3 (Acceptable fall semester capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 402, BIO 463, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirement or course for minor or electives Credits: 12

Fourth Year- Second Semester

  • BIO Area Credits with lab: 4
  • Capstone or elective Credits: 3 (Acceptable spring capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 428, BIO 431, BIO 438, BIO 450, BIO 480 & 483, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 8

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.A. in Biology with Ecology Concentration

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Third Year - First Semester

  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area III with lab, plant or animal)
  • General Education Requirements or courses for minor Credits: 6
  • Elective Credits: 2

Third Year - Second Semester

Fourth Year - First Semester

  • Credits: 4

  • or other BIO Area Credits

  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in fall semester include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 463, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or courses for minor Credits: 6
  • Elective Credits: 2

Fourth Year- Second Semester

  • Capstone or BIO Area Credits: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in spring semester include BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 431 or HON 499.)
  • Environmental Influences Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or courses for minor Credits: 8

Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Biology, NECO 3+

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year -First Semester

Second Year -Second Semester

Third Year - First Semester

Third Year - Second Semester

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