Navigating the Biology Major at UCF: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Department of Biology offers a robust Bachelor of Science in Biology, alongside a minor in Biology, designed to equip students with a strong foundation in biological sciences and prepare them for diverse career paths and advanced studies. This article provides a detailed overview of the biology major at UCF, covering the core curriculum, specialized tracks, degree requirements, and opportunities for research and academic support.

Core Curriculum: Building a Foundation

The biology major at UCF begins with a core curriculum that establishes a broad foundation in various scientific disciplines. This core provides a background in chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences, as well as broad preparation in the biological sciences. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying biological processes.

Specialized Tracks: Tailoring Your Education

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program at UCF allows students to choose coursework in general biology or select a track in one of five areas. Through electives selected with the help of your faculty advisor, you’ll have the opportunity to work in subspecialties, including molecular biology, conservation biology and marine biology. This flexibility enables students to tailor their education to align with their specific interests and career goals. The available tracks are:

General Biology Track

The General Biology Track is the most general of the Biology Tracks and only has the core Biology courses as required courses. The remaining 22 hours are chosen from any of the upper division restricted electives, with a requirement that students take at least two lab courses and one class that focuses on plants and a second class that focuses on animals. This track is appropriate for all professions that require a major in biology and will prepare students for post-graduate education in professional or graduate school. Moreover, the classroom and laboratory courses will prepare students directly for the workforce in jobs associated with government field offices or industry as a laboratory technician. If you are unsure what you want to do with your major and/or want to choose from the variety of upper division electives that are part of the Biology curriculum, then staying in the General Biology Track may be appropriate for you.

Plant Science Track

The Plant Science Track is designed to give students a diverse understanding of the plant world and their impact on human lives and environment. Plant Kingdom, Plant Anatomy, Plant Physiology and Plant Taxonomy courses will position students to find jobs in biotechnology labs, state parks and as field technicians as well as teaching in high schools or obtaining internships in other botanical institutions.

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Marine and Aquatic Biology Track

The Marine and Aquatic Biology Track provides students with the opportunity to focus on the study of living organisms in freshwater, coastal, and oceanic environments. This track is designed to give students a strong foundation in basic biological principles with a special focus on organisms that live in aquatic environments. Students who successfully complete the Marine and Aquatic Biology Track will be well-versed in the issues of marine and/or aquatic ecosystems with an emphasis on conservation, restoration, and biological diversity. The track also allows opportunities for study abroad and independent research working with professors and their graduate students in both laboratory and field settings. Rigorous coursework and research experiences gained through this track will provide students with a competitive advantage in their graduate school applications.

Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation Biology (EECB) Track

The Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation Biology (EECB) track is designed for students to learn about biological systems ranging from the smaller scale processes that occur within cells up to, and including, larger scale processes that result in the diversity and dynamics of ecological communities. This track emphasizes courses in genetics, taxonomic diversity, structural biology, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Courses such as Conservation Biology, Population Genetics, Biogeography, and Evolutionary Biology introduce students to a solid understanding of the natural world. Other courses such as Disease Ecology & Eco-immunology, specialized lab courses and experiential learning opportunities broaden the experience that students receive. This track allows for significant opportunities for independent research working with professors and their graduate students in both laboratory and field settings.

Pre-Health Professional Biology Track

The Pre-Health Professional Biology Track is designed for students seeking entrance into professional health programs including medicine (MD or DO), veterinary medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Students in this track will also be well prepared if they decide to apply to graduate school. In addition to core Biology courses in Genetics and Molecular & Cellular Biology, this track emphasizes courses in development, physiology, and anatomy. Moreover, electives like Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Evolution & Medicine as well as lab courses in Anatomy, Genetics and Genomics will give students the background needed to excel in professional school entrance exams (e.g. the MCAT) as well as courses offered in those professional schools.

Degree Requirements: A Structured Path to Graduation

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology at UCF, students must fulfill specific degree requirements. These requirements ensure that students receive a well-rounded education in biology and related fields.

Core and Track Requirements

Major Requires 13 credits of the Biology Core and 22 credits of the Biology Track for a total of 35 upper-level credits. All tracks within the Biology Major must complete two (2) upper-level labs from those listed below (A Lab and B Lab). All tracks within the Biology Major must complete at least one (1) Plant Class and one (1) Animal Class. To fulfill the department Residency requirement, students must complete a total of 23 hours of upper-level courses taught by the Biology department. Students seeking a double major must satisfy the requirements for both majors and must take no fewer than 40 semester hours of upper division restricted elective course work appropriate to the combined areas of specialization in the two majors. Courses designated in Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.

Course Prerequisites and GPA

A "C" (2.0) or better is required in all BSC or PCB prefix courses meeting Biology Core Requirements. All prerequisites of courses taught within the College of Sciences will be enforced.

Independent Study and Research

No more than 4 semester hours of Independent Study, Directed Research, Thesis, and Internship credit, may be applied toward major requirements. Upon reaching junior standing (60 hours), Biology majors are expected to have completed the following courses and associated laboratories. These classes are prerequisites for advanced science classes and students entering the major without these classes will be unable to register for most of the advanced courses.

Important Considerations

Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog. Co-op credit cannot be used in this major.

Learning Environment: Face-to-Face Instruction

The UCF Department of Biology primarily offers face-to-face learning experiences. Face-to-face learning is an instructional method where course content and learning material are taught in person to a group of students. This allows for a live interaction between a learner and an instructor. It is the most traditional type of learning instruction. Learners benefit from a greater level of interaction with their fellow students as well. In face-to-face learning, students are held accountable for their progress at the class’s specific meeting date and time.

Research Opportunities: Hands-on Experience

The University of Central Florida offers numerous opportunities for undergraduates to pursue research in various disciplines under the direction of a faculty member. This intensive research opportunity enhances the academic experience and challenges students to strengthen their critical, analytical, and writing skills. Research experience and exposure to specialized topics not taught through formal courses may be gained through independent study contracts.

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Academic Support: Guidance and Assistance

UCF students are assigned an Academic Success Coach to help them with their biology major. The College of Sciences has walk-in hours, available both in person and via zoom.

Skills Development: Beyond the Classroom

Program coursework helps you develop critical thinking skills and exposes you to a wide variety of scientific knowledge from various biology subdisciplines. You’ll learn skills related to the conduct of science, including hypothesis testing, experimental design, accessing and understanding scientific literature, analyzing data, as well as laboratory and field skills specific to certain scientific areas. Gain insight on the cellular and chemical basis of life, genetics and the theory of evolution. Expand on what you learned in General Biology 1. You’ll explore organismal anatomy and physiology as it relates to biodiversity, ecology and evolution.

Transferring to UCF: Degree Pathways

Degree pathways are designed for the student who plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida as a junior to complete a Bachelor’s degree after completing an Associate in Arts degree at Valencia. You are encouraged to develop an education plan that includes the courses required for your A.A. In order to be eligible for and calculated in your enrollment status for financial aid, courses for which you are enrolled must count toward your Associate in Arts degree (36 credits of general education and 24 credits of electives).

Career Prospects: A World of Opportunities

The background and training that you’ll receive through the biology program opens the door to numerous opportunities after completing your degree - from human health to environmental science to conservation. Graduates are well prepared to further their education in professional or graduate schools.

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