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 as indicated in the following seven tracks. Click on a track below to learn more.
Pre-Professional (CALS or CLAS)
This track is designed for students seeking entrance into a professional school in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Students within this track can also apply to graduate school. This track emphasizes courses in genetics, physiology, microbiology and cell biology. The Pre-Professional track is shared by both colleges and students take identical required courses, however there are differences in General Education requirements and approved life science electives between the two colleges. Please click the “What college should I choose” under the “Advising” tab above to learn more about these differences. For a list of approved CALS BLY- Preprofessional electives, click here and select ‘Biology’ on the left. For a list of approved CLAS BIO- Preprofessional electives click here and scroll past the model semester plan.
Applied Biology (CALS)
This track is designed for students who are interested in learning how fundamental biology is applied to solving natural resources problems. Students may enter private sector or government employment, or attend graduate school. To find the list of approved electives, click here and select ‘Biology’ on the left.
Biotechnology (CALS)
This track is designed for students preparing for a career where knowledge of molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques are important. Students within this track enter analytical and research laboratories in medical, pharmaceutical, dental, veterinary, animal, plant, microbial, and food sciences, or pursue graduate work in molecular biology. To find the list of approved electives, click here and select ‘Biology’ on the left.
Natural Science (CALS)
This track is designed for students interested in descriptive and interpretive biology, with an emphasis on natural science as practiced in the environment. This track educates students regarding the types of animals and plants common to different ecological areas, and integrates some of the major elements that influence their distribution, for example soil and water relations and human activities. Students within this track may enter private sector or government employment, or attend graduate school. To find the list of approved electives, click here and select ‘Biology’ on the left.
Bachelor of Arts in Biology (CLAS)
This specialization is designed for biology majors interested in a career in education, the allied health professions, and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism, and bioscience management. The degree is not meant for biology majors seeking admission into professional medical schools. Please click here and select the “Academic Learning Compact” tab for a recommended semester schedule. In addition to being offered face-to-face, the BIO BA is also offered through the University of Florida Online program (UFO). For a list of the Bachelor of Arts UFO offered courses click here. For further information regarding the online Biology Bachelor of Arts degree please click here.
Integrative Biology (CLAS)
This track is designed for students seeking an academic program providing a broad and flexible coverage of the life sciences. Students may enter private sector or government employment, or attend graduate school. This track emphasizes courses in genetics, taxonomic diversity, structural biology, ecology, evolution and physiology. Please click here and select the “Academic Learning Compact” tab for a recommended semester schedule.
Headcount Data Per Year:
Headcount (number of students fall semesters)
| Year | BIO (CLAS) | BLY (CALS) | Total |
| 2011 | 1312 | 614 | 1926 |
| 2012 | 1255 | 601 | 1856 |
| 2013 | 1234 | 580 | 1814 |
| 2014 | 1299 | 551 | 1850 |
| 2015 | 1481 | 565 | 2046 |
| 2016 | 1550 | 656 | 2206 |