As a biology student at UWM, you will receive a strong foundation in all areas of biology and the natural sciences to prepare you for a career or graduate school. To earn the major, students take required courses and engage in laboratory and/or field research in cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Students also engage in independent research projects and internships with external groups. After the core courses, students take upper-level electives in areas including Molecular Genetics, Neurobiology, Ecology and Evolution, Microbiology, Marine and Freshwater Biology.
Following the successful completion of Bio Sci 150, students declare their Major in Biological Sciences:
- Students wishing to explore diverse interests in Biological Sciences can choose the General Biology Option.
- Students interested in studying the structure and function of organisms and biological processes at the level of cells and macromolecules can choose the Cellular and Molecular Biology Option (CMB).
- Students interested in exploring the mechanisms governing interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment can choose the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology Option (EEB).
- The Department also offers a Major in Microbiology.
A degree in Biological Sciences provides excellent preparation for a variety of careers and post-graduate degree programs including:
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- Professional graduate programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Genetic Counseling, Physician’s Assistant, and Pharmacy
- MS and PhD programs in a variety of disciplines
- Economically important Wisconsin industries including brewing, dairy industry, and agricultural biotechnology
- Positions in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, academic research
- Positions in conservation biology and restoration ecology, environmental management
- Positions in consulting firms and government regulatory agencies.
In order to complete your declaration, you will need to complete Foundations in Biological Sciences I (Bio Sci 150), and pass with a C or better. To initiate your declaration of a Biological Science major, fill out and submit the…
You will be contacted by the Departmental Coordinator who will assist you in the process of completing your Declaration of Major/Minor and connecting you with a faculty advisor in your specific area of interest within the Biological Sciences.
Honors in the Major
Students majoring in Biological Sciences who meet all of the following criteria are awarded honors in the major upon graduation:
- A 3.5 cumulative GPA in all UWM graded credits;
- A 3.75 GPA in UWM courses counting toward the Biological Sciences major; and
- The completion of laboratory or field research, independent study (Bio Sci 697, 698, or 699) or internship (Bio Sci 489).
Students who believe they may qualify for honors should apply to the Department during their last semester of study.