UMD Biology Diploma Specialization Requirements

The Biological Sciences major at the University of Maryland (UMD) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of modern experimental disciplines within biology. This program prepares them for diverse careers in various fields, including healthcare, research, policy, teaching, and academia. The curriculum is designed with upper-level courses organized into specialization areas, aligning with major research areas in modern biology, from molecular and cellular studies to ecosystem studies.

Core Components of the Biological Sciences Curriculum

Students pursuing a Biological Sciences major at UMD will engage with several academic components:

Basic Program: All Biological Sciences majors complete a common sequence of introductory and supporting courses, forming the foundation of their biological knowledge. This includes courses such as:
- BSCI170 & BSCI171: Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology Laboratory (4 credits)
- BSCI160 & BSCI161: Principles of Ecology and Evolution and Principles of Ecology and Evolution Lab (4 credits)
- BSCI207: Principles of Biology III - Organismal Biology (3 credits)
- BSCI222: Principles of Genetics (4 credits)
Supporting Courses: These courses provide the necessary background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics to understand biological concepts.
- Mathematics: Students can choose between Discrete Mathematics for Life Sciences (MATH135) and Calculus for Life Sciences (MATH136) or Calculus I (MATH140) and Calculus II (MATH141). Alternatively, Calculus I (MATH140) and Discrete Mathematics for Life Sciences (MATH135) can be taken (8 credits).
- Chemistry: Chemistry I - Fundamentals of General Chemistry (CHEM131) and General Chemistry I Laboratory (CHEM132), Organic Chemistry I (CHEM231) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (CHEM232), Organic Chemistry II (CHEM241) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (CHEM242), and General Chemistry and Energetics (CHEM271) and General Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM272) are required (4 credits each).
- Physics: Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences I (PHYS131) and Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences II (PHYS132) or Principles of Physics I (PHYS141) and Principles of Physics II (PHYS142) (4 credits each).
Advanced Program: This component allows students to specialize in a specific area of biology. Students must complete a minimum of 27 credits of Advanced Program study.

It is important to note that enrollment in BSCI160 & BSCI161 and BSCI170 & BSCI171 requires eligibility to take MATH120 or MATH140, which can be achieved through direct placement by the Math Placement Exam or completion of MATH113 or MATH115.

Essential Skills and Competencies

The Biological Sciences program emphasizes the development of crucial skills and competencies. Students are expected to:

Master critical knowledge at each level of the curriculum to progress to the next level.
Demonstrate the ability to use and apply quantitative methods, including interpreting graphical or tabular data, expressing biological processes mathematically, and solving equations.
Exhibit proficiency in key experimental techniques used in the chemical and life sciences.
Understand how to formulate questions as hypotheses, design tests for hypotheses, and gather and analyze data.
Integrate and apply basic knowledge to evaluate scientific studies and design studies to test specific hypotheses.

Advanced Program Requirements and Specialization Areas

All Biological Sciences majors must complete an Advanced Program within one of the following specialization areas. A minimum of 27 credits of Advanced Program study must be completed. Each specialization area has specific course requirements and recommendations.

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General Requirements for Advanced Programs:

At least two courses designated as labs at the 300 or 400 level must be taken as part of the Advanced Program. Stand-alone lab courses require a C- or better in the pre / co-requisite lecture to count as the upper-level Lab requirement.
Independent study or research credits, including H and L versions, are acceptable up to a maximum of 3 credits overall in the Advanced Program. Multiple semesters in research courses can possibly count for one of the two required lab courses. Students should consult their advisor for details.
One credit of the Departmental Honors Seminar can count toward the Advanced Program major credits. Additional Departmental Honors Seminar credits can count as electives toward the 120 credits required for graduation.
Special topics courses are approved for specific specialization areas. Students should check testudo.umd.edu to determine if a particular special topics course is approved for their specialization area.
All specialization areas except General Biology have an Enrichment category, allowing students to include a maximum of 3 credits from any 300-level or 400-level BSCI, CHEM, or BCHM course in their Advanced Program. Courses from other departments can be used with the permission of an advisor. Courses listed in the Advanced Program can be used if they are not used to satisfy any specific Advance program category. Courses counted as Enrichment do not satisfy the requirement to take two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses.

1. Cell Biology & Genetics (CEBG)

This specialization focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying life processes and heredity.

Required Courses (16 credits):
- BCHM461: Biochemistry I (3 credits)
- BCHM462: Biochemistry II (3 credits)
- BSCI330: Cell Biology and Physiology (Lab) (4 credits)
- BSCI410: Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
- BSCI420: Cell Biology Lectures (3 credits)
CEBG Area Courses (8 credits): One course from the Cell Biology group and one course from the Genetics group must be taken. Other credits can be taken from any group.
- Cell Biology Courses:
  - BSCI353: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3 credits)
  - BSCI404: Cell Biology from a Biophysical Perspective (3 credits)
  - BSCI406: Membranes and Biological Interfaces (3 credits)
  - BSCI417: Microbial Pathogenesis (3 credits)
  - BSCI422: Principles of Immunology (3 credits)
  - BSCI423: Immunology Laboratory (2 credits)
  - BSCI430: Developmental Biology (3 credits)
  - BSCI432: Systems View of Cell Biology (3 credits)
  - BSCI433: Biology of Cancer (3 credits)
  - BSCI442: Plant Physiology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI443: Microbial Physiology (3 credits)
  - BSCI454: Neurobiology Laboratory (3 credits)
- Genetics Courses:
  - BSCI402 (3 credits)
  - BSCI405: Population and Evolutionary Genetics (Lab) (3 credits)
  - BSCI406: Membranes and Biological Interfaces (3 credits)
  - BSCI407: Behavioral Genetics (3 credits)
  - BSCI411: Bioinformatics and Integrated Genomics (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI412: Microbial Genetics (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI414: Recombinant DNA Laboratory (3 credits)
  - BSCI415: Molecular Genetics Laboratory (3 credits)
  - BSCI416: Human Genetics (3 credits)
  - BCHM465: Biochemistry III (3 credits)
- Additional CEBG Courses:
  - BSCI223: General Microbiology (4 credits)
  - BSCI283: Principles of Microbiology (4 credits)
  - BSCI374: Mathematical Modeling in Biology (4 credits)
  - BSCI425: Advanced Cell Biology Lab Practices (2 credits)
  - BSCI427 (2 credits)
  - BSCI437: General Virology (3 credits)
  - BCHM464: Biochemistry Laboratory (3 credits)
  - BIOM301: Introduction to Biometrics (3 credits)
  - STAT400: Applied Probability and Statistics I (3 credits)
  - STAT464: Introduction to Biostatistics (3 credits)
Special Topics Courses:
- BSCI328: Special Topics in Entomology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI338: Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI339: Selected Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI348: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (1-4 credits)
Departmental Honors Seminar:
- BSCI378H: Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
- BSCI398H: Biology Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
Enrichment (Minimum 3 credits): Any 300-level or 400-level BSCI, CHEM, or BCHM course.

Note: Credit will be given for either BSCI223 OR BSCI283. Credit cannot be granted for both courses. BSCI223/283 may count in the CEBG Area credits but NOT as an upper level lab.

2. Ecology & Evolution (EE)

This specialization explores the interactions between organisms and their environment, as well as the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity.

Required Courses (10 credits):
- BSCI361: Principles of Ecology (4 credits)
- BSCI370: Principles of Evolution (3 credits)
- Select one of the following Statistics Courses (3 credits):
  - BIOM301: Introduction to Biometrics
  - STAT400: Applied Probability and Statistics I
  - STAT464: Introduction to Biostatistics
Ecology and Evolution Area Courses (14 credits):
- 300-Level Courses:
  - BSCI330: Cell Biology and Physiology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI333: Principles of Paleontology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI334: Mammalogy (3 credits)
  - BSCI335: Mammalogy Laboratory (1 credit)
  - BSCI337: Biology of Insects (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI360: Principles of Animal Behavior (3 credits)
  - BSCI363: The Biology of Conservation and Extinction (3 credits)
  - BSCI364 (1 credit)
  - BSCI373: Natural History of the Chesapeake Bay (3 credits)
  - BSCI374: Mathematical Modeling in Biology (4 credits)
  - BSCI392: Biology of Extinct Animals (3 credits)
  - BSCI393: Biology of Extinct Animals Laboratory (1 credit)
- 400-Level Courses: At least two 400-level courses must be taken.
  - BSCI401: Animal Communication (3 credits)
  - BSCI403: Biology of Vision (3 credits)
  - BSCI405: Population and Evolutionary Genetics (Lab) (3 credits)
  - BSCI407: Behavioral Genetics (3 credits)
  - BSCI410: Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
  - BSCI430: Developmental Biology (3 credits)
  - BSCI460 (3 credits)
  - BSCI462: Population Ecology (3 credits)
  - BSCI464: Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
  - BSCI465 (3 credits)
  - BSCI467: Freshwater Biology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI471: Molecular Evolution (3 credits)
  - BSCI473: Marine Ecology (3 credits)
  - BSCI475: Sexual Selection in Nature (3 credits)
  - BSCI480: Arthropod Form and Function (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI481: Insect Diversity and Classification (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI483: Insects, Pathogens, and Public Health (3 credits)
  - BSCI494: Animal-Plant Interactions (3 credits)
Special Topics Courses:
- BSCI328: Special Topics in Entomology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI338: Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI339: Selected Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI348: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (1-4 credits)
Department Honors Seminar:
- BSCI378H: Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
- BSCI398H: Biology Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
Enrichment (3 credits): Minimum 3 credits from any 300-level or 400-level BSCI, CHEM, or BCHM course.

Note: BSCI460 and BSCI461 count as one required 400-level course. They do not satisfy the two 400-level courses requirement alone.

3. General Biology (GENB)

This specialization offers a broad overview of biological disciplines, allowing students to explore various areas of interest.

Required Courses:
- Biochemistry (3 credits):
  - BCHM461: Biochemistry I
  - or BCHM463: Biochemistry of Physiology
- Select one of the following Quantitative Courses (3-4 credits):
  - BIOM301: Introduction to Biometrics (3 credits)
  - BSCI374: Mathematical Modeling in Biology (4 credits)
  - STAT400: Applied Probability and Statistics I (3 credits)
  - STAT464: Introduction to Biostatistics (3 credits)
  - MATH240: Introduction to Linear Algebra (4 credits)
General Biology Area Courses (20-21 credits): At least one course from each area:
- Genetics and Evolution:
  - BCHM465: Biochemistry III (3 credits)
  - BSCI370: Principles of Evolution (3 credits)
  - BSCI402 (3 credits)
  - BSCI405: Population and Evolutionary Genetics (Lab) (3 credits)
  - BSCI407: Behavioral Genetics (3 credits)
  - BSCI410: Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
  - BSCI411: Bioinformatics and Integrated Genomics (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI412: Microbial Genetics (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI414: Recombinant DNA Laboratory (3 credits)
  - BSCI415: Molecular Genetics Laboratory (3 credits)
  - BSCI416: Human Genetics (3 credits)
  - BSCI471: Molecular Evolution (3 credits)
- Cell Biology, Development, and Physiology:
  - BCHM462: Biochemistry II (3 credits)
  - BCHM464: Biochemistry Laboratory (3 credits)
  - BSCI330: Cell Biology and Physiology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI342: Biology of Reproduction (3 credits)
  - BSCI348: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (BSCI348C: Cell Biology Lab) (1-4 credits)
  - BSCI353: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3 credits)
  - BSCI404: Cell Biology from a Biophysical Perspective (3 credits)
  - BSCI406: Membranes and Biological Interfaces (3 credits)
  - BSCI417: Microbial Pathogenesis (3 credits)
  - BSCI420: Cell Biology Lectures (3 credits)
  - BSCI422: Principles of Immunology (3 credits)
  - BSCI423: Immunology Laboratory (2 credits)
  - BSCI424: Pathogenic Microbiology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI425: Advanced Cell Biology Lab Practices (2 credits)
  - BSCI413: Recombinant DNA (3 credits)
  - BSCI430: Developmental Biology (3 credits)
  - BSCI432: Systems View of Cell Biology (3 credits)
  - BSCI433: Biology of Cancer (3 credits)
  - BSCI437: General Virology (3 credits)
  - BSCI442: Plant Physiology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI443: Microbial Physiology (3 credits)
  - BSCI446: Advanced Systems Neuroscience (3 credits)
  - BSCI447: General Endocrinology (3 credits)
  - BSCI450: Mammalian Systems Physiology (3 credits)
  - BSCI451: Mammalian Systems Physiology Laboratory (2 credits)
  - BSCI452: Diseases of the Nervous System (3 credits)
  - BSCI454: Neurobiology Laboratory (1 credit)
- Ecology, Behavior, and Organismal:
  - BSCI333: Principles of Paleontology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI334: Mammalogy (3 credits)
  - BSCI335: Mammalogy Laboratory (1 credit)
  - BSCI337: Biology of Insects (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI360: Principles of Animal Behavior (3 credits)
  - BSCI361: Principles of Ecology (4 credits)
  - BSCI363: The Biology of Conservation and Extinction (3 credits)
  - BSCI364 (1 credit)
  - BSCI373: Natural History of the Chesapeake Bay (3 credits)
  - BSCI392: Biology of Extinct Animals (3 credits)
  - BSCI393: Biology of Extinct Animals Laboratory (1 credit)
  - BSCI401: Animal Communication (3 credits)
  - BSCI403: Biology of Vision (3 credits)
  - BSCI460 (3 credits)
  - BSCI462: Population Ecology (3 credits)
  - BSCI464: Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
  - BSCI465 (3 credits)
  - BSCI467: Freshwater Biology (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI473: Marine Ecology (3 credits)
  - BSCI480: Arthropod Form and Function (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI481: Insect Diversity and Classification (Lab) (4 credits)
  - BSCI483: Insects, Pathogens, and Public Health (3 credits)
  - BSCI494: Animal-Plant Interactions (3 credits)
Additional Courses (Optional):
- BSCI223: General Microbiology (4 credits)
- or BSCI283: Principles of Microbiology
Departmental Honors Seminars:
- BSCI378H: Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
- BSCI398H: Biology Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
Special Topics Courses:
- BSCI328: Special Topics in Entomology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI338: Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI339: Selected Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI348: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (1-4 credits)
Department Research Credit:
- BSCI379: Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Research (1-3 credits)
- BSCI389: Entomology Department Research (1-2 credits)
- BSCI399: Biology Department Research (1-3 credits)

Note: Credit will be given for either BSCI223 OR BSCI283. BSCI223/283 is a pre-requisite for some upper level BSCI courses. BSCI223/283 may count in the GENB Area credits but NOT as an upper-level lab

4. Microbiology

This specialization delves into the world of microorganisms, including their genetics, physiology, and roles in disease and ecology.

Required Courses:
- BSCI283: Principles of Microbiology (4 credits)
- BSCI412: Microbial Genetics (Lab) (4 credits)
- BSCI443: Microbial Physiology (3 credits)
Biochemistry Courses (6 credits):
- BCHM461 & BCHM462: Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II
- or BCHM463 & BCHM465: Biochemistry of Physiology and Biochemistry III
Microbiology Area Courses (7 credits):
- BSCI411: Bioinformatics and Integrated Genomics (Lab) (4 credits)
- BSCI417: Microbial Pathogenesis (3 credits)
- BSCI422: Principles of Immunology (3 credits)
- BSCI423: Immunology Laboratory (2 credits)
- BSCI424: Pathogenic Microbiology (Lab) (4 credits)
- BSCI437: General Virology (3 credits)
- BSCI464: Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
Special Topics Courses:
- BSCI338: Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI339: Selected Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
- BSCI348: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (1-4 credits)
Departmental Honors Seminars:
- BSCI378H: Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)
- BSCI398H: Biology Department Honors Seminar (1 credit)

Additional Opportunities

The Department of Biology at UMD offers a variety of additional opportunities for undergraduate students:

Undergraduate Research: Students can participate in research with a biology department faculty member, earning credit through BSCI399, BSCI399L, or BSCI399H, or on a volunteer basis. The Department of Biology offers a wealth of undergraduate research opportunities. Students doing undergraduate research with a biology department faculty member serving as advisor or co-advisor may sign up for credit under BSCI399, BSCI399L, or BSCI399H or may do research on a volunteer basis.
Department of Biology Honors Program: This program provides highly motivated and academically qualified students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor on an original, independent, research project. Students are required to participate in the program for at least three semesters and need not to have been previously admitted to the Honors College to participate. Successful completion of the program requires a public presentation of your research and defending a written thesis to a committee of faculty experts.
Universities at Shady Grove: The Biological Sciences Program at the University of Maryland offers a degree program at Universities at Shady Grove. The Biological Sciences Program at Shady Grove offers the Advanced Program courses normally taken in the junior and senior years.
Individualized Studies specialization (BIVS): Note that the Individualized Studies specialization (BIVS) requires the permission Biological Sciences Director and involves an approved proposal to do coursework in the college and in other disciplines.

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