Towson University - Biology |
| New Curriculum: Organismal Biology and Ecology Concentration |
| Completion of this concentration provides background for advanced studies in botany, zoology, conservation biology, or ecology and/or career opportunities in environmental education, in government environmental regulatory agencies and in the private sector. Students completing this concentration are encouraged to take both General Botany (BIOL 205) and General Zoology (BIOL 207). Those students taking Biodiversity (BIOL 208) are required to complete an additional elective. Students taking this concentration have the option of choosing to complete a track in either Botany or Zoology, but selection of the track is not required. Students in this concentration are strongly encouraged to participate in a research experience or as an intern (e.g. BIOL 491 - Independent Research in Biology, BIOL 493 - Internship in Biology, BIOL 498 - Honors Research, or BIOL 499 - Senior Thesis in Biology). They should consult with their advisor regarding these opportunities. (Don't have an advisor? Contact the Department of Biological Sciences) |
| Requirements |
| Core Courses
(13 credits) Breadth Courses (10-20 credits)* Elective Courses (7-8 credits) Principles of Ecology Elective; Choose one of the following: BIOL 310 (Conservation Biology) 4 credits BIOL 402 (General Ecology) 4 credits BIOL 406 (Limnology) BIOL 436 (Plant Ecology) 4 credits Diversity Elective; Choose one of the following: BIOL 331 (Plant Morphology) 4 credits BIOL 347 (Marine Biology) 3 credits BIOL 351 (Field and Systematic Vertebrate Zoology) 4 credits BIOL 353 (Invertebrate Zoology) 4 credits BIOL 371 (Animal Behavior) 3 credits BIOL 413 (Evolution) 3 credits BIOL 432 (Vascular Plant Taxonomy) 4 credits BIOL 439 (Plant Anatomy) 4 credits BIOL 455 (Fish Biology) 4 credits BIOL 456 (Ornithology) 4 credits BIOL 458 (Mammalogy) 4 credits BIOL 461 (Entomology) 4 credits BIOL 467 (Herpetology) 4 credits Organismal Elective (3-4 credits) Choose one elective from the list of Principles of Ecology or Diversity above. Students taking Biodiversity (BIOL 208) are required to choose two electives from those listed above. Ancillary Courses (25-30 credits) Chemistry and Physics as required for Biology major including one of the following: MATH 237 (Elementary Biostatistics) 4 credits PSYC 212 (Behavioral Statistics) 4 credits Recommended Courses MATH 273 (Calculus I) 4 credits or MATH 211 (Calculus for Applications) 4 credits CHEM 351 (Biochemistry I) 3 credits CHEM 356 (Biochemistry Laboratory) 2 credits |
| *If Biodiversity (BIOL 208) was selected to satisfy the Organismal Biology and Ecology Concentration, an additional elective must be selected from among the list of Elective Courses for this concentration. |
| Optional Tracks (there are two) and Their Requirements |
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Botany Track** Background acquired with this track will train graduates for positions in botanically related industry or advanced study in botany, horticulture, or forestry. Students in this track are encouraged to participate in a research experience or as an intern (e.g. BIOL 491 Independent Research in Biology; BIOL 493 Internship in Biology; BIOL 498 Honors Research; or BIOL 499 Senior Thesis in Biology). They should consult with their advisor regarding these opportunities. |
| Core Courses
(13 credits) Breadth Courses (10-20 credits) As required for Biology major with the exception that the following is also required: BIOL 436 (Plant Physiology) 4 credits Elective Courses (12 credits) Principles of Ecology Elective BIOL 436 (Plant Ecology) 4 credits Plant Structure Elective BIOL 439 (Plant Anatomy) 4 credits Diversity Elective; Choose one of the following: BIOL 331 (Plant Morphology) 4 credits BIOL 432 (Vascular Plant Taxonomy) 4 credits Ancillary Courses (25-30 credits) Chemistry and Physics required for Biology major including one of the following: MATH 237 (Elementary Biostatistics) 4 credits PSYC 212 (Behavioral Statistics) 4 credits Recommended Courses MATH 273 (Calculus I) 4 credits or MATH 212 (Calculus for Applications) 4 credits CHEM 351 (Biochemistry I) 3 credits CHEM 356 (Biochemistry Laboratory) 2 credits |
|
Zoology Track** This track is recommended for individuals preparing for careers and/or advanced study in vertebrate zoology, invertebrate zoology, entomology, wildlife biology, or fisheries biology. Students in this track are encouraged to participate in a research experience or as an intern (e.g. BIOL 491 Independent Research in Biology; BIOL 493 Internship in Biology; BIOL 498 Honors Research; or BIOL 499 Senior Thesis in Biology). They should consult with their advisor regarding these opportunities. |
| Core Courses
(13 credits) Breadth Courses (10-20 credits) As required for Biology major with the exception that one of the following is also required: BIOL 213 and 214 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II) 4 credits each or BIOL 325 (Animal Physiology) 4 credits Elective Courses Principles of Ecology Elective (4 credits); Choose one of the following: BIOL 310 (Conservation Biology) 4 credits BIOL 402 (General Ecology) 4 credits BIOL 406 (Limnology) 4 credits Diversity Electives (7 credits) Choose one of the following: BIOL 371 (Animal Behavior) 3 credits BIOL 413 (Evolution) 3 credits Choose one of the following: BIOL 351 (Field and Systematic Vertebrate Zoology) 4 credits BIOL 353 (Invertebrate Zoology) 4 credits BIOL 455 (Fish Biology) 4 credits BIOL 456 (Ornithology) 4 credits BIOL 461 (Entomology) 4 credits BIOL 467 (Herpetology) 4 credits Ancillary Courses (25-30 credits) Chemistry and Physics as required for Biology major including one of the following: MATH 237 (Elementary Biostatistics) 4 credits PSYC 212 (Behavioral Statistics) 4 credits Recommended Courses MATH 273 (Calculus I) or MATH 211 (Calculus for Applications) 4 credits CHEM 351 (Biochemistry I) 3 credits CHEM 356 (Biochemistry Laboratory) 2 credits |
| **General Botany (BIOL 205) and General Zoology (BIOL 207) are strongly recommended for these tracks. If Biodiversity (BIOL 208) was selected to satisfy the Breadth courses for the Organismal Biology and Ecology Concentration, an additional elective must be selected from among the Diversity Electives in Botany. |