BA in Biological Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biological Sciences is designed to provide a flexible degree option for students who wish to combine their interests in the biological sciences with those in other specialty areas such as the arts, the liberal arts, business, or biomedical engineering. This degree is appropriate for students on the pre-medical track, as well as multiple other career tracks.
Marketable Skills
- Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings.
- Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues to solve problems and develop informed opinions.
- Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently to stay focused on different tasks.
- Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question.
- Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop critical thinking skills and apply those skills to solve problems of scientific relevance.
- Students will carry out basic experiments in the laboratory, understand experimental controls, and analyze data to make rational conclusions.
- Student identification as scientists and teachers by using methodology and technology to address biological questions in their discipline of study.
Compared to the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Sciences, the BA has both a language and a Minor-track coursework requirement, both completed in programs outside of the College of Science. The degree also has fewer specific courses required for the major. Students in the BA program may thus avail themselves of additional major coursework or choose to pursue additional interdisciplinary instruction outside of the biological sciences.
Requirements for the BA degree in Biological Sciences have the general College of Science requirements plus the following specific requirements:
Major Requirements
Thirty- four semester hours found on the BA in Biological Sciences degree plan.
Language Requirements
Six semester hours drawn from a menu of approved linked language option courses (SPAN, FREN, GERM, LATN, PORT) listed on the BA in Biological Sciences degree plan.
Minor Requirements
Eighteen semester hours, at least nine of which must be in upper-division courses that fulfill the Minor Field requirements in one of the following academic programs/departments: Art/Design, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Communications, Intelligence and National Security Studies, Women's Studies. The requirements for each are specified by the respective units, and may vary slightly. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be achieved for these 18 semester hours.
Other Electives
Twenty-two semester hours, at least ten of which must be in upper-division coursework chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor as appropriate for the student's career/professional goals.
Fast Track
The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs. Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here.
Degree Plan
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This degree plan requires a minor | 18 | |
| This program requires the selection of a minor. | ||
| Biology Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better) | ||
| Required Courses: 1 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Math Sequence: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Calculus II | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Biology Major | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1107 | Topics in Study of Life I C | 1 |
| BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology Laboratory C | 1 |
| BIOL 1305 | General Biology C | 3 |
| BIOL 1306 | Organismal Biology C | 3 |
| BIOL 3192 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| Upper-Division Electives: | ||
| Select seventeen hours from the following: 2 | 17 | |
| Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | ||
| Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Cell Biology | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Genetics | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Plants and People | ||
| Forensic Pathobiology | ||
| Advanced Methods in Biology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Field Biology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| G Protein-Coupled Recept Biol | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Field Biology | ||
| Animal Ecology | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| History/Philosophy-Biology | ||
| Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Biological Practicum | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Comparative Plant Morphology | ||
| Pathogenic Microbiology Lab | ||
| Microbial Physiology Lab | ||
| Pathogenic Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Physiology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Epidemiology | ||
| General Virology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Medical Mycology | ||
| Cellular Neuroscience | ||
| Electives | ||
| Complete twenty-two hours of which nineteen must be upper division. | 22 | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| Complete six hours of foreign language (language must be in a sequence) 3 | 6 | |
| Total | 120 | |
- 1
Although the UTEP choice is larger, these choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major.
- 2
BIOL 3320 Genetics is recommended
- 3
French and Spanish majors must fulfill this requirement in a language other than their major
- C
Course requires a grade of C or better
University Core Curriculum
The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
All courses require a C or better
I. Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
| Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| Writing About Literature | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
| Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
| For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
| Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
| Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
II. American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
| Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| Intro to American Fiction | ||
| Intro to American Drama | ||
| Intro to American Poetry | ||
| Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
| Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
| Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
| Global Feminisms | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
IV. Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus 1,2 | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| 1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
| 2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
| Astronomy Lab I | ||
| Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
| Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
| Introductory Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Study of Life I | ||
| Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Intro to General Chemistry | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
| Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
| Intro to Environment Science 2 | ||
| Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
| Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
| Principles of Earth Science | ||
| The Blue Planet | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Intro to Physical Geology | ||
| Intro to Historical Geol | ||
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
| Wellness Dynamics | ||
| Microorganisms and Disease | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Introductory Mechanics | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
VI. Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Intro to Chicano Studies | ||
| Asian American Studies | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
| Action Research in Classrooms | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Leadership in Action | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
| Introduction to Dance | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
IX. Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice. | ||
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Engineering Design Experience | ||
| Applied Engineering Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan | ||
| Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
| Total Hours | 0 | |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BA Biological Sciences (Starting with Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BA BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (STARTING WITH CALCULUS) | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Lower Division Elective | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 3-4 |
| or MATH 1312 | Calculus II | |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | ||
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 3192 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
BA Biological Sciences (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BA BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (STARTING WITH CALCULUS) | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| MATH 1508 | Precalculus | 5 |
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| Lower Division Elective | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | ||
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 3-4 |
| or MATH 1312 | Calculus II | |
| BIOL 3192 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Biology Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Course in the Minor | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 125-126 | |