Biology (BA, BS) - UT Dallas 2021 Undergraduate Catalog (2024)

The Biology Program at UT Dallas emphasizes the unifying molecular and cellular nature of organisms. At the center of the Biology undergraduate curriculum are the biochemical, genetic, and cell biology concepts and tools used to study the genes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, to study the proteins and ribonucleic acids (RNA) encoded by these genes, and to study how the expression of these genes is regulated during the development and lifetimes of organisms. Molecular Biology represents a fusion of the four disciplines of biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, and cell biology. Modern biology requires a background in other disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer sciences. Principles from these disciplines have to be merged to understand and apply new biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques. It is desirable for entering students to have a broad interest and background in the sciences.

Biology (BA, BS)

Both BS and BA degrees are offered in Biology at UT Dallas. The BS degrees are intended as preparation for scientific careers in biology or careers in the health professions. The BA degree is intended as a liberal arts biology major with less emphasis on calculus and more semester credit hours free for coursework in other disciplines. Biology offers a streamlined double major with Business Administration or Criminology. Fast Track BS / MS Biology and Molecular Biology degree programs are available.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology

Degree Requirements (120 semester credit hours)1

View an Example of Degree Requirements by Semester

Faculty

FACG> nsm-biology-ba,nsm-biology-bs

Professors: Rockford K. Draper, Juan E. González, Lawrence J. Reitzer, Stephen Spiro, Li Zhang, Michael Qiwei Zhang

Associate Professors: John G. Burr, Zachary Campbell, Jeff L. DeJong, Nikki Delk, Heng Du, Tae Hoon Kim, Faruck Morcos, Kelli Palmer, Duane D. Winkler, Zhenyu Xuan

Assistant Professors: Nicole De Nisco, Jyoti Misra

Clinical Professor: David Murchison

Research Assistant Professors: Lan Guo, Li Liu

Senior Lecturer: Wen-Ho Yu

Professors Emeriti: Hans Bremer, Lee A. Bulla, Donald M. Gray

Associate Professors Emeriti: Gail A. M. Breen, Dennis L. Miller

Professors of Instruction: Scott A. Rippel, Uma Srikanth

Associate Professors of Instruction: Mehmet Candas, Wen-Ju Lin, Elizabeth Pickett, Ilya Sapozhnikov, Michelle Wilson

Assistant Professors of Instruction: Ida Klang, Meenakshi Maitra, Caitlin Maynard, Iti Mehta, Jing Pan, Ruben D. Ramirez, Eva Sadat, Subha Sarcar, Zhuoru Wu

I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 semester credit hours2

Communication: 6 semester credit hours

COMM 1311 Survey of Oral and Technology-based Communication

RHET 1302 Rhetoric

Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Communication Core courses (see advisor)

Mathematics: 3 semester credit hours

Choose one course from the following:

MATH 2413 Differential Calculus3, 4, 5(BA or BS)

or MATH 2417 Calculus I3, 4, 5

MATH 1325 Applied Calculus I3(BA only)

Or select any 3 semester credit hours from Mathematics Core courses (see advisor)

Life and Physical Sciences: 6 semester credit hours

CHEM 1311 General Chemistry I3

or CHEM 1315 Honors Freshman Chemistry I3

CHEM 1312 General Chemistry II3

or CHEM 1316 Honors Freshman Chemistry II3

Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Life and Physical Sciences Core courses (see advisor)

Language, Philosophy and Culture: 3 semester credit hours

Select any 3 semester credit hours from Language, Philosophy and Culture Core courses (see advisor)

Creative Arts: 3 semester credit hours

Select any 3 semester credit hours Creative Arts Core courses (see advisor)

American History: 6 semester credit hours

Select any 6 semester credit hours from American History Core courses (see advisor)

Government / Political Science: 6 semester credit hours

GOVT 2305 American National Government

GOVT 2306 State and Local Government

Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Government/Political Science Core courses (see advisor)

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 semester credit hours

Select any 3 semester credit hours from Social and Behavioral Sciences Core courses (see advisor)

Component Area Option: 6 semester credit hours

Choose two courses from the following:

BIOL 2311 Introduction to Modern Biology I3, 6

MATH 2414 Integral Calculus3, 4, 5(BA or BS)

or MATH 2419 Calculus II3, 4, 5

or STAT 2332 Introductory Statistics for Life Sciences3(BA only)

Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Component Area Option Core courses (see advisor)

II. Major Requirements: 53 - 62 semester credit hours beyond Core Curriculum (53-56 for BA; 59-62 for BS)

Major Preparatory Courses: 18-21 semester credit hours beyond Core Curriculum

CHEM 1311 General Chemistry I3

or CHEM 1315 Honors Freshman Chemistry I3

CHEM 1111 General Chemistry Laboratory I

or CHEM 1115 Honors Freshman Chemistry Laboratory I

CHEM 1312 General Chemistry II3

or CHEM 1316 Honors Freshman Chemistry II3

CHEM 1112 General Chemistry Laboratory II

or CHEM 1116 Honors Freshman Chemistry Laboratory II

CHEM 2323 Introductory Organic Chemistry I6

CHEM 2123 Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory I6

CHEM 2325 Introductory Organic Chemistry II6

CHEM 2125 Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory II6

MATH 2413 Differential Calculus and MATH 2414 Integral Calculus3, 4, 5(BA or BS)

or MATH 2417 Calculus I and MATH 2419 Calculus II3, 4, 5(BA or BS)

or MATH 1325 Applied Calculus I and STAT 2332 Introductory Statistics for Life Sciences3, 4

PHYS 2325 Mechanics and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I

or PHYS 2421 Honors Physics I - Mechanics and Heat7

or PHYS 1301 College Physics I and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I

PHYS 2326 Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II

or PHYS 2422 Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II

or PHYS 1302 College Physics II and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II

Major Core Courses: 26-29 semester credit hours beyond Core Curriculum

BIOL 2281 Introductory Biology Laboratory6

BIOL 2111 Introduction to Modern Biology Workshop I6

BIOL 2112 Introduction to Modern Biology Workshop II6

BIOL 2311 Introduction to Modern Biology I3, 6

BIOL 2312 Introduction to Modern Biology II6

BIOL 3101 Classical and Molecular Genetics Workshop

BIOL 3102 Eukaryotic Molecular and Cell Biology Workshop

BIOL 3161 Biochemistry Workshop I

BIOL 3162 Biochemistry Workshop II

BIOL 3301 Classical and Molecular Genetics

BIOL 3302 Eukaryotic Molecular and Cell Biology

BIOL 3361 Biochemistry I

BIOL 3362 Biochemistry II

or BIOL 3335 Microbial Physiology

BIOL 3380 Biochemistry Laboratory

BIOL 4380 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory(BS only)

Major Related Courses: 9-12 semester credit hours8

9 semester credit hours of upper-division BIOL electives(BA only)

12 semester credit hours of upper-division BIOL electives(BS only)

III. Elective Requirements: 16-25 semester credit hours (22-25 for BA; 16-19 for BS)

The plan must include sufficient upper-division courses to total 51 upper-division semester credit hours.

UTeach Option

The UTeach option may be added to either the BA or BS degree. UTeach Dallas Option degree plans are streamlined to allow students to complete both a rigorous Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree and all coursework for middle or high school teacher certification in four years. Teaching Option degrees require deep content knowledge combined with courses grounded in the latest research on math and science education. While most graduates go on to classroom teaching, UTeach alums are also prepared to enter graduate school and to work in a discipline related industry.

Fast Track Baccalaureate/Master's Degrees

UT Dallas undergraduate students with strong academic records, including at least 15 semester credit hours of upper-division Biology core courses, who intend to pursue graduate work in Biology at UT Dallas, may apply for the Fast Track which involves taking selected graduate courses as an upper-division student. After Fast Track admission to the graduate program, 15 semester credit hours of graduate courses with an earned grade of B or better can be used toward completion of the BS and to satisfy requirements for those courses at the graduate level. Graduate courses must be approved by the graduate advisor. This program provides an opportunity to obtain the BS degree in Biology after 120 semester credit hours of work and an MS degree in Molecular and Cell Biology after an additional 21 semester credit hours of graduate course and research work. Interested students should contact the Biology undergraduate advisor well in advance of the senior year to prepare a degree plan taking maximal advantage of this Fast Track program.

Degree Planning

Upper-division biology courses taken at other institutions may be included as part of the degree plan subject to the provisions of the section on Transfer Admissions.

Major-related courses may not include more than 9 semester credit hours (BS) or 6 semester credit hours (BA) of upper-division transfer credit and not more than 3 semester credit hours (Biology major) or 6 semester credit hours (Molecular Biology major) of individual instruction (e.g., BIOL 3V90, BIOL 3V91, BIOL 3V96, BIOL 4302, BIOL 4390, BIOL 4391, BIOL 4399, or BIOL 4V99).

Students planning a career in a particular allied health profession should consult the school they expect to attend to apprise themselves of the course requirements for admission.

Admission standards for medical and dental schools are set by the individual professional school, whose specific requirements should be reviewed with the help of the UT Dallas Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC). Most professional schools prefer that admission applications be channeled through the HPAC.

1. Incoming freshmen must enroll and complete requirements of UNIV 1010 and the corresponding school-related freshman seminar course. Students, including transfer students, who complete their core curriculum at UT Dallas must take UNIV 2020.

2. Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from institutions of higher education. The courses listed are recommended as the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.

3. A required Major course that also fulfills a Core Curriculum requirement. Semester credit hours are counted in Core Curriculum.

4. Six semester credit hours of Calculus are counted under Mathematics Core and Component Area Option and 2 semester credit hours of Calculus are counted as Major Preparatory Courses.

5. Students may substitute MATH 2413 and MATH 2414 by taking MATH 2417 and MATH 2419.

6. Indicates a prerequisite class to be completed before enrolling for upper-division classes.

7. Students who complete PHYS 2421 do not need to complete PHYS 2125

8. Up to 3 semester credit hours of individual instruction may be used in fulfilling this requirement for BA degree. Up to 6 semester credit hours of individual instruction may be used in fulfilling this requirement for BS degree.

Biology (BA, BS) - UT Dallas 2021 Undergraduate Catalog (2024)

FAQs

Is biology BA or BS harder? ›

Pursuing a biology degree with a BS will require more math and science courses, allowing you to really hone in on classes related to your major. A BA will allow you to participate in a wider variety of courses in the arts while still focusing on your biology degree.

Does UTD have a good biology program? ›

University of Dallas

#5 Best Colleges for Biology in Texas.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS at utd? ›

The BS degrees are intended as preparation for scientific careers in biology or in the health professions. The BA degree is a liberal arts biology major with less emphasis on calculus and more free hours for coursework in other disciplines.

Where can I find my degree plan in UTD? ›

You may find your degree plan listed in the undergraduate catalog. For your suggested sequence of classes, please consult your academic advisor. Average 30 semester credit hours annually. Maintain a 2.000 cumulative GPA.

What is the hardest class in biology degree? ›

This is in line with the research carried out by Fauzi & Fariantika (2018) that the causal factors of genetics are considered the most difficult branch of biology because it has abstract concepts, difficult to understand, the material has been studied too much and contains many foreign terms that are difficult to ...

What is the hardest BS degree? ›

20 Hardest Majors: The Ultimate Guide
  • Biochemistry.
  • Biology. ...
  • Neuroscience. ...
  • Mathematics. ...
  • Nursing. ...
  • Geological Engineering. ...
  • 19 . Electrical Engineering. ...
  • Fine Arts. Yes, Fine Arts is one of the hardest majors you can pursue! ...

Is UT or A&M better for biology? ›

In some fields, like engineering, the difference between UT and A&M is miniscule. In biology, however, UT ranks quite a bit higher than A&M at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

What degree is Utd known for? ›

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS (UTD) is booming in size and impact. As one of the top research universities in Texas, UTD offers lauded business, engineering, and science programs, while also providing a breadth of highly distinctive educational paths across seven schools.

What is UT ranked for in biology? ›

Explore This School's Science School
  • #25. in Biological Sciences (tie)
  • #8. in Ecology / Evolutionary Biology.

Do employers prefer a BS over a BA? ›

Both options present pros and cons. Fortunately, most employers do not prefer one degree type over the other. Learners should focus on earning a good GPA to impress employers. Students who find math and science easier than other subjects may perform better in a BS program.

What is a good GPA at Utd? ›

Average GPA: 3.71

With a GPA of 3.71, UT Dallas requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's.

What is utd undergraduate business school ranked? ›

The University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal) 2024 Rankings

The University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal) is ranked No. 38 (tie) out of 124 in Best Business Schools and No. 13 (tie) out of 269 in Part-time MBA. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

What is the 24 30 rule for UTD? ›

Students should also see their advisor because if they are in their last 30 hours at UT Dallas they can only take 6 hours off campus. It is called the 24/30 rule, and it is required in order to graduate from UT Dallas.

How to get free tuition at UTD? ›

Eligible students with a family income of $65,000 or less will have their full tuition covered through a combination of the Comet Promise funding, scholarships, grants and other tuition exemption programs.

Can I get into UTD with a 2.5 GPA? ›

Freshmen or sophomore transfer applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00, and Junior and senior transfer applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

Is a BA harder than a BS? ›

BS programs tend to have more required core and major courses than BA programs, and may take more time to complete.

Is a BA or BS in biology better for medical school? ›

BA students usually still go on to med school, but some prefer to go into other fields like teaching or software engineering. BS students typically take fewer general education requirements and more science and math courses. Additionally, BS students have the option to specialize.

Is BS in biology hard? ›

Biology is a challenging field, and the rigors of a biology degree might prove too much for individuals who only feel lukewarm about the subject. However, for those who begin their studies with a plan for how they want to use their education, it can be one of the most rewarding degrees available.

Is a BA in biology worth it? ›

Is biology a useful degree? Biology is applicable in a wide selection of industries, making this a versatile and useful degree. A biology degree can lead to lucrative career paths as well; biochemists, for example, take home a median salary of $103,810 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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