Biology (BS)

Program Overview

The University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program provides a rigorous and comprehensive education that equips students to thrive in various careers, from healthcare to research.

Why Choose This Program?

  • Small Class Sizes
  • Hands-On Experiential Learning
  • Five Flexible Options:
    • Cellular and Molecular Biology
    • Environmental Biology
    • General Biology
    • Prehealth Biology
    • Professional Biology

Curriculum & Coursework

Whether you’re preparing for graduate school, entering a health profession, or stepping into a science-driven career, our curriculum is designed to get you there with confidence. Coursework varies based on your chosen track. 

[View Course Requirements]

Biology Tracks

General Biology

The general biology option is tailored for students seeking to prepare for careers that require a broad understanding of biology. This major includes some chemistry and mathematics coursework and requires a minor in a different discipline. Popular minors among our students include psychology, geography, sociology, sustainability, and business.

Cellular and Molecular Biology

The cellular and molecular biology option is intended for students looking to prepare for entry-level positions in biotechnology, biochemistry, or medical research or to pursue graduate studies in these areas. This option requires additional chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics coursework.

Environmental Biology

The environmental biology option is intended for students pursuing careers in natural resource management, ecological research, and environmental education, or for graduate studies in environmental biology. The coursework is primarily centered on biology, with additional chemistry courses. Students can also select from a block of courses (9 hours) that specifically prepare them for other related responsibilities. This major does not require a minor field of study.

Pre-Health Biology

Our latest addition to this program, the Pre-Health Biology option, prepares students for health professions by covering prerequisite courses for admission to a health profession school while maintaining a comprehensive biology education. This option offers a flexible selection of pre-health electives and an upper-level social science course to address the growing emphasis on psychological and sociological knowledge in healthcare.

Professional Biology

The professional biology option is tailored for students pursuing graduate studies leading to a Master’s degree or Ph.D., and those interested in research and technical fields at the undergraduate level. This option does not require a chemistry minor but additional mathematics coursework, including calculus and physics.

Career Paths & Outcomes

A degree in biology opens the door to countless possibilities. Graduates from our program have successfully pursued careers across a wide range of industries, from healthcare to research.

Common Career Paths:

  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Veterinarian
  • Environmental science
  • Biotechnology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Education
  • Research

Student Experience

As a biology major at UNA, you’ll learn in a supportive environment with opportunities for undergraduate research, Education Away experiences, and programs like CODE, while connecting with other students through organizations such as our honor societies.

Opportunities include:

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Eric Becraft
Associate Professor
ebecraft@una.edu

Dr. Lisa Ann Blankinship
Professor
lblankinship@una.edu

Dr. Chris Cottingham
Associate Professor
ccottingham@una.edu

Dr. Amy Crews
Associate Professor
aecrews@una.edu

Dr. Paul Davison
Professor
pgdavison@una.edu

Dr. Katherine Hovanes
Assistant Professor
khovanes@una.edu

Mr. Jason Jones
Senior Lecturer
jrjones2@una.edu

Dr. Emily Kasl
Associate Professor
ekasl@una.edu

Dr. ByungHoon Brian Kim
Associate Professor
bkim1@una.edu

Dr. Glenn Marvin
Professor
gamarvin@una.edu

Dr. Kara Million
Assistant Professor
kmillion1@una.edu

Dr. Jeffery Ray
Professor
jmray1@una.edu

Ms. Heather Underwood
Senior Administrative Assistant, Biology
hunderwood3@una.edu

Dr. Ping Zhao
Professor
pzhao1@una.edu

Ready to Apply?

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