Degrees and Programs

The biology curriculum is based on the premise that a biologist, regardless of professional goals, must demonstrate a high degree of competence in several areas of biology. These areas include anatomy, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology and taxonomy. In order to achieve maximum benefits from these areas, a thorough knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics is imperative.

Major
Name	Hours	Courses	Checksheet
Biology	45
Science Teaching	44-65

Minor
Name	Hours	Courses	Checksheet
Biology	25
Environmental Biology	25
Science Teaching, Elementary Education	22

Undergraduate Certificate
Name	Hours	Courses	Checksheet
Pre-Medical Sciences Certificate	46-51

Pre-Professional
Name	Hours	Courses	Checksheet
Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medical Laboratory Scientist
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary

Pre-Professional Curricula

Students who aspire to professional careers requiring additional training beyond the bachelor's degree usually major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry, though other majors are possible. Pre-professional curricula (which are not majors) are available in the areas listed below.

Pre-Chiropractic	Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medical Laboratory Sciences	Pre-Medicine
Pre-Optometry	Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy	Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary	Pre-Podiatry

Our Pre-Medical Sciences Certificate offers you a directed curriculum to help you organize your Pre-Medical Training. Available for Undergraduates, Post-Baccalaureates, and Non-Degree Seeking Students, click for more information!

Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Program

The Bachelor of Medicine, B/MD program is a dual program offered through the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana University School of Medicine. Accepted applicants receive full undergraduate tuition to USI and a provisional seat at the IU School of Medicine. Additional prerequisites may be required. (more information)

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Core 39
In addition to the departmental degree requirements, undergraduate students must complete the University Core 39. Our core provides the foundation for all baccalaureate degrees at the University of Southern Indiana. A university education prepares individuals to live wisely in a diverse and global community by helping students acquire both discipline-specific competence and broader knowledge and skills that reach across disciplines. View the classes included in Core 39 or talk to your advisor for more information.

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USI Biology Program Objectives & Outcomes

1. Understand the conceptual foundations, the development of and the knowledge base of biology.

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the most important and fundamental theories and ideas in contemporary biology such as evolution, heredity, levels of organization, unity and diversity, structure and function.
• Link key facts, research findings, and concepts to each other and to the physical, chemical, and biological environments of organisms.

2. Apply the Process of Science

Students will be able to:

• Describe and practice the scientific methods of observation, experimentation, hypothesis formulation, and hypothesis testing.
• Obtain and evaluate information and information resources.
• Exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Distinguish between belief, opinion, fact, hypothesis and theory.
• Apply quantitative skills such as estimation, graphing data, statistical analyses, and analysis of data sets.
• Evaluate and summarize experimental evidence, using laboratory, quantitative, or computational skills.

3. Ability to utilize, communicate with, and collaborate with scientists and other disciplines.

Students will be able to:

• Apply the principles of physical sciences and other disciplines to biological questions.
• Communicate science in multiple forms, including written, oral, and electronic to diverse audiences.