Because the Biology Major is shared between the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) students have access to a large variety of life science courses and specializations.
Pre-Professional (CALS and CLAS)
Most flexible track aligning well with requirements for entry into health-related professional programs including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy as well as graduate school. This track emphasizes courses in genetics, physiology, microbiology, and cell biology. The Pre-Professional track is shared by CLAS and CALS and requires identical foundation and core courses. General Education requirements and approved life science electives (see links below) differ between the two colleges. The “Which college should I choose?” under the “Advising” tab above details these differences.
Approved CALS Preprofessional Biology electives
Approved CLAS Preprofessional Biology electives
Applied Biology (CALS)
Designed for students interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving natural resources problems. Students may pursue private sector, government employment, or attend graduate school.
Approved CALS Applied Biology Electives
Biotechnology (CALS)
Designed for students preparing for a career which emphasizes advanced knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering techniques. Students completing this track are poised to enter analytical and research laboratories in medical, pharmaceutical, dental, veterinary, animal, plant, microbial, and food sciences, or pursue graduate work in molecular biology.
Approved CALS Biotechnology Electives
Natural Science (CALS)
Designed for students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on natural science as practiced in the environment. This track educates students about the types of animals and plants common to various ecological niches and integrates environmental elements, like soil and water conditions and human activities, that influence their distribution. Students within this track may pursue private sector or government employment or attend graduate school.
Approved CALS Natural Science Electives
Bachelor of Arts in Biology (CLAS)
Designed for biology majors interested in careers in education, allied health professions, and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism, and bioscience management. The degree is not appropriate for biology majors seeking admission into professional medical schools.
The BIO BA is also offered through the University of Florida Online program (UFO).
Model Semester Plan and Courses for UF Online Biology BA
Integrative Biology (CLAS)
Designed for students seeking a broad and flexible coverage of the life sciences. This track emphasizes courses in genetics, taxonomic diversity, structural biology, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Students may enter private sector, government employment, or attend graduate school.