The Biology Department has a broad, flexible curriculum. Courses focusing on human biology introduce scientific principles to non-science majors. If, however, you are a future biologist, you can enhance the core major with one or more of the following optional concentrations: environmental biology, pre-health professions, or molecular biology. Future teachers can receive a degree in biology teaching. Biology students in any program are eligible for election to Beta Beta Beta, the national honorary biology fraternity.

Biology course descriptions can be found using the link at left. Other course descriptions may by found by consulting the St. Ambrose University Course Catalog.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology Teaching: Complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology as listed above plus one additional course from BIOL 202, 211, 221, 231, or 241; and BIOL 310 or 321. Students completing this degree are strongly encouraged to pursue endorsements in General Science, Chemistry or other science disciplines. Some of these endorsements may only require one additional course. Pre-teaching students must also fulfill requirements in the St. Ambrose Teacher Education Program.

Optional Concentrations
Courses below are taken in addition to the major requirements, unless indicated otherwise.

Environmental Biology Concentration: BIOL 241 (also meets major requirement); BIOL 211 or 221 or 231; 310 or 321; 399, or 401 and 402; CHEM 333. Recommended: PHIL 311.

Molecular Biology Concentration: BIOL 211 (also meets major requirement), 330; BIOL 401 and 402, or CHEM 428 and 429; MATH 191; PHYS 203, 204 or PHYS 251, 253, 254; CHEM 208, 210, 319. Recommended: PHIL 207 or 310.

Pre-Health Professions Concentration: Eight hours from among the following: BIOL 202, 204, 211, 302, 304, 314, or 316; BIOL 399, or 401 and 402; CHEM 208 and 210, or 319; MATH 191; PHYS 203 and 204, or 251 and 253 and 254.

Teaching Minor in Biology: 24 semester credits of biology including BIOL 103, 104, 348; at least two courses from BIOL 202, 211, 221, 231, 241; and enough 200- or higher-level electives in biology to complete the required 24 semester credits; CHEM 105; MATH 151.

Non-teaching minor in Biology: 15 semester credits in biology.