Students with the Biology Major will complete the Biology Core Requirements (32-34 credits) and one of the following emphases related to the student’s field of interest:
- Botany Emphasis
- Comprehensive Emphasis
- Cytotechnology Emphasis
- Ecology Emphasis
- General Emphasis
- Health Sciences Emphasis
- Molecular/Genetics Emphasis
- Nursing Emphasis
- Secondary Education Emphasis (Non-Licensure)
- Zoology Emphasis
Botany Emphasis
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core | 32 | |
| Required Supporting Core Courses (11 credits) 1,2 | ||
| The second science course cannot be an Astronomy course. | ||
| Advanced Plant-Based Courses | 12 | |
| Select at least 4 courses, 12 credit minimum: | ||
| Plants and Society | ||
| Fungi, Algae and Bryophytes | ||
| Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants | ||
| Plant Communities of Wisconsin | ||
| Forensic Botany | ||
| Plant Pathology | ||
| Principles of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry | ||
| Plant Development and Biotechnology | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
Approved field station course(s) | ||
| Additional Biology Course(s) | 3 | |
| Select at least 1 biology course, 2000-level or above, 3 credit minimum 3 | ||
| Additional Supporting Courses | 5 | |
| Select at least 2 courses, 5 credit minimum 4 | ||
| Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | ||
| General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab | ||
| Restoration Revegetation | ||
| Wetland Ecology, Restoration and Management | ||
| Energy, Environment, and Society | ||
| Woody Landscape Plants | ||
| Herbaceous Plants | ||
| Planet Earth | ||
| Geography of the Driftless Area | ||
| Global Landforms | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Environmental Conservation | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Fire History and Ecology | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Landscapes of North America | ||
| Soils | ||
| Integrated Pest Management | ||
| Weed Science | ||
| Soil and Water Conservation | ||
| Total Credits | 52 | |
- 1
This requirement is more restrictive than other emphases.
- 2
The second science course cannot be an Astronomy course.
- 3
No more than 6 credits total from BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, or BIOLOGY 4920 may be counted toward the major.
- 4
Courses used to meet biology core requirement cannot also be used here, i.e., courses cannot double-count.
Recommended Minors
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Environmental Horticulture
- Renewable Energy
Comprehensive Emphasis
This option is for students who seek a range of biology experiences in many areas.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| General Education | 39-56 | |
| Biology Core | 32 | |
| Students must complete at least ONE biology course from each of the 5 different topic groups below (minimum 13 credits total): | 13 | |
| 1) Cell/Micro/Molecular Biology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Animal Tissue Culture | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Mammalian Histology | ||
| Biotechnology Seminar | ||
| 2) Human Biology 1 | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Advanced Physiology | ||
| Human Gross Anatomy | ||
| 3) Botany | ||
| Plants and Society | ||
| Fungi, Algae and Bryophytes | ||
| Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants | ||
| Plant Communities of Wisconsin | ||
| Forensic Botany | ||
| 4) Zoology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| 5) Ecology & Evolution | ||
| Ecological Methods and Research | ||
| Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Freshwater Biology | ||
| Selected Regional Habitats | ||
| Additional Biology Courses | ||
| An additional minimum of 10 credits of biology courses above 2000 is required to complete the major. 2 | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 94-111 | |
- 1
BIOLOGY 2140/BIOLOGY 2240 and BIOLOGY 2340 cannot both count toward an individual's major.
- 2
No more than 6 credits of any combination from BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3710, BIOLOGY 3720, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, and BIOLOGY 4920 may be counted toward the major.
Cytotechnology Emphasis
A minimum of 90 semester credits must be completed, including all general education competencies and liberal arts areas as well as all biology requirements listed below; in addition, if accepted into an approved cytotechnology program, students will earn their final 30 credits of advanced biology from that professional cytotechnology school. We have an established articulation agreement with UW-Madison. At the end of the fourth year of study, students will earn a bachelor’s from UW-Platteville as well as a certificate in cytotechnology from the professional cytotechnology school. If a student is not accepted into an approved program, then he/she is encouraged to complete the final year at UW-Platteville to earn a bachelor’s in biology; to graduate, the student must fulfill the minimum requirements for the university and the biology program.
Core Requirements
Students must complete at least 20 credits of undergraduate biology courses, including the required biology core courses, as well as the required cytotechnology core courses (17-18 credits). Students in this emphasis DO NOT have to take the one-credit capstone experience if a similar course is available in the Cytotechnology School curriculum.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core (31-32 credits) 1 | 31-32 | |
| Required Supporting Core Courses (11 credits) 2 | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Cytotechnology Emphasis Core | 17-18 | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
or BIOLOGY 2340 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | |
| Microbiology | ||
| Mammalian Histology | ||
| Cytotechnology Certificate Coursework | 30 | |
30 upper division credits transferred back to complete the Biology major | ||
| Total Credits | 78-80 | |
- 1
No more than 6 credits total from BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, or BIOLOGY 4920 may be counted toward the major.
- 2
This requirement is more restrictive than other emphases.
Ecology Emphasis
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core | 32-34 | |
| Emphasis Requirements (Electives to complete the major) | 28 | |
| Must complete 28 credits from courses listed. | ||
| Advanced Ecology Electives | ||
| Choose at least two Advanced Ecology-relevant courses. | ||
| Ecological Methods and Research | ||
| Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Plant Communities of Wisconsin | ||
| Freshwater Biology | ||
| Selected Regional Habitats | ||
| Wetland Ecology, Restoration and Management | ||
| Other Ecology Emphasis Electives 2,3 | ||
| Fungi, Algae and Bryophytes | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Independent Research | ||
| Ornithology 2 | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants | ||
| Personalized Learning Experience | ||
| Workshop in Biology 2 | ||
| Forensic Botany | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Biology Internship Experience 1 | ||
| Advanced Independent Research in Biology 2 | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Remote Sensing of the Environment 3 | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Other suggested courses for students pursuing Ecology-Related Careers or Post-Graduate Opportunities | ||
| These courses do not count toward Biology Major requirements. | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Chemistry for Engineers | ||
| Environmental Chemistry Lab | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry I Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Restoration Revegetation | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Global Landforms | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Environmental Conservation | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Fire History and Ecology | ||
| Advanced Remote Sensing | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Principles of Physics | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Total Credits | 60-62 | |
- 1
Electives must include at least 2 advanced ecology-relevant courses.
- 2
No more than 6 credits of any combination of BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, BIOLOGY 4920 may apply toward the major.
- 3
No more than 6 credits of any combination of GEOGRPHY 3230, GEOGRPHY 3520, and GEOGRPHY 4330 may apply to the major.
NOTE: Any of the courses above may also be taken at an accredited field station with departmental approval.
Recommended Minors
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
General Emphasis
This option is for students who seek a major with a flexible set of various biology electives.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| General Education | 39-56 | |
| Biology Core | 32 | |
| Additional Biology Courses | 24 | |
| Minimum of 24 credits of biology courses above 2000. 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 95-112 | |
- 1
No more than 6 credits of any combination from BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3710, BIOLOGY 3720, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, and BIOLOGY 4920 may be counted toward the major.
Health Sciences Emphasis
This emphasis is intended for students pursuing graduate school (human anatomy or human physiology) or professional school in healthcare (chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, etc.).
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core 1 | 32 | |
| Required Supporting Core Courses (11 credits) 2 | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Health Sciences Emphasis Core Courses (19 credits) | 19 | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Health Sciences Additional Required Supporting Courses | 8-11 | |
| Choose all of the courses in one of the options: | ||
| Option A | ||
| Organic Chemistry I Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry Lab | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Option B | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Option C | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Option D | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Human Behavior in the Social Environment | ||
| Life Span Developmental Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Option E | ||
| Physiology of Exercise | ||
| Biomechanical Kinesiology | ||
| Human Nutrition | ||
| Electives to Complete the Emphasis | 3-6 | |
| Students may select any biology course above the 2000 level (except BIOLOGY 2340 or BIOLOGY 4010). The goal is to reach at least 65 credits. | ||
| Relevant suggested classes: | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Epidemiology: Host, Agent, and Environment | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Advanced Physiology | ||
| Mammalian Histology | ||
| Human Gross Anatomy | ||
| Introductory Human Pathology | ||
| Total Credits | 65 | |
- 1
No more than 6 credits of any combination of BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, BIOLOGY 4920 may apply toward the major.
- 2
This is part of Biology Core but it is more restrictive than other emphases.
Recommended Minors
- Applied Statistics
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Ethnic Studies
- World Languages (French, German, Spanish)
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Students planning to pursue graduate or professional school may need to complete additional coursework beyond the requirements of the major to make their application competitive. It is well worth the time and effort to investigate the prerequisites at 2 or 3 schools you are considering. Additionally, be aware that graduate and professional schools often have G.P.A. requirements and expectations that you gain educational experiences beyond the classroom. Your advisor will be able to help you as you plan your future.
Molecular/Genetics Emphasis
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core 1 | 32 | |
| Required Supporting Core Coures | ||
| This is more restrictive than other emphases. | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Emphasis requirements | ||
| Molecular/Genetics Core Courses | 14 | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Advanced Molecular/Genetics Electives | 8 | |
| Select 8 credits of the following: | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Animal Tissue Culture | ||
| Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Mammalian Endocrinology | ||
| Forensic Botany | ||
| Advanced Physiology | ||
| Mammalian Histology | ||
| Biotechnology Seminar | ||
| Plant Pathology | ||
| Genetics of Livestock Improvement | ||
| Biotechnology in Animal Science | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | ||
| Biochemistry Topics | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry | ||
| Plant Development and Biotechnology | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Additional Required Supporting Courses | 9 | |
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | ||
| General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Electives to complete the emphasis. 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 66 | |
- 1
No more than 6 credits of any combination of BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, BIOLOGY 4920 may apply toward the major.
- 2
Students may select any biology course above the 2000 level (except BIOLOGY 4010).
Recommended Minors
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Investigation
Nursing Emphasis
This emphasis will allow a student to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UW-Platteville and a Bachelor of Science of Nursing from UW-Oshkosh in four years. It will require participation in the 3 + 1 Dual Degree Program (Articulation agreement with UW-Oshkosh and their Online Accelerated Nursing Program).
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| General Education | 39-56 | |
| Biology Core | 32 | |
| Biology Core-Required Supporting Core Courses 1 | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Health Sciences Supporting Coursework | 31 | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Life Span Developmental Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Speech Communication for Professionals | ||
| Nursing Coursework | 30 | |
| Nursing coursework is completed with UW-Oshkosh, students should check current UW-Oshkosh nursing admission criteria at: https://uwosh.edu/con/undergraduate/accelerated-bsn/admissions/ | ||
| Total Credits | 132-149 | |
- 1
This requirement is more restrictive than other emphases.
Secondary Education Emphasis (Non-Licensure)*
Note: Biology-secondary education majors must earn a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 in the major coursework.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core (32 credits) 1 | 32 | |
| Required Supporting Core Courses (11 credits) 2 | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Secondary Education Emphasis | ||
| Required Biology Courses | 9 | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Required Anatomy & Physiology Courses (Select one of the following options) | 4-10 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Advanced Plant Course | 3 | |
| Select a minimum of 3 credits of the following: | ||
| Plants and Society | ||
| Fungi, Algae and Bryophytes | ||
| Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants | ||
| Plant Communities of Wisconsin | ||
| Forensic Botany | ||
| Plant Pathology | ||
| Principles of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry | ||
An approved course at a field station | ||
| Advanced Animal Course | 3 | |
| Select a minimum of 3 credits of the following: | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Advanced Physiology | ||
| Mammalian Histology | ||
An approved course at a field station | ||
| Advanced Broad-Based Biology Course | 2 | |
| Select a minimum of 2 credits of the following: | ||
| Independent Research (approval required) | ||
| Ecological Methods and Research | ||
| Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Freshwater Biology | ||
| Personalized Learning Experience (approval required) | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Topics in Biology (approval required) | ||
| Selected Regional Habitats | ||
| Advanced Independent Research in Biology (approval required) | ||
| Total Credits | 53-59 | |
- 1
No more than 6 credits of any combination of BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, BIOLOGY 4920 may apply toward the major.
- 2
This requirement is more restrictive than other emphases.
*In order to be licensed to teach science, students must complete the Broad Field Science Major. This major requires students to acquire depth in a science discipline via completion of a 2nd major or minor, such as the Biology Major-Secondary Education Emphasis or the Biology Teaching Minor. This will improve marketability. Finally, students will also need to complete Middle-Secondary Education emphasis through School of Education to acquire necessary professional education training.
For licensure in WI: Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the major in order to student teach and be licensed. If you earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your major then you will not have to take the Praxis II content exam.
The UW-Platteville School of Education program is designed to meet all of the educational requirements for the initial licensing in the State of Wisconsin. The program may not meet requirements of other states and we are unable to make a determination about whether the program meets requirements of other states. If you are interested in certification outside of the state of Wisconsin, we encourage you to contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements before beginning a program, as well as during your program of study. See Professional Licensure Directory by State.
Zoology Emphasis
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology core 1 | 32-34 | |
| Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology Courses (choose one pairing) | 9-10 | |
Recommended Options | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology and Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals and Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
Alternative Options | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | ||
| Zoology Electives | 10 | |
| Select a minimum of 10 credits of the following: | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Animal Tissue Culture | ||
| Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Mammalian Endocrinology | ||
| Advanced Physiology | ||
| Mammalian Histology | ||
| Additional Biology Courses 1 | 11 | |
| Select a minimum of 11 credits of the following: | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Fungi, Algae and Bryophytes | ||
| Independent Research | ||
| Special Topics in Biology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Ecological Methods and Research | ||
| Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants | ||
| Plant Communities of Wisconsin | ||
| Exotic Animal Care and Outreach I | ||
| Exotic Animal Care and Outreach II | ||
| Freshwater Biology | ||
| Personalized Learning Experience | ||
| Workshop in Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Forensic Botany | ||
| Topics in Biology 2 | ||
| Biotechnology Seminar | ||
| Plant Pathology | ||
| Introductory Human Pathology | ||
| Biology Internship Experience 2 | ||
| Selected Regional Habitats 2 | ||
| Advanced Independent Research in Biology 2 | ||
| Additional Required Courses (8 credits) 2 | 8 | |
| Introduction to Animal Science | ||
| Topics in Animal Health & Welfare | ||
| Feeds and Feeding | ||
| Animal Nutrition | ||
| Reproductive Physiology of Domestic Animals | ||
| Ruminant Nutrition | ||
| The Animal Rights and Animal Welfare Social Movements | ||
| Small Ruminant and Equine Management | ||
| Companion Animal Care and Management | ||
| Introduction to Ecological Restoration and Resource Management | ||
| Current Topics in Ecological Restoration and Resource Management | ||
| Restoration Revegetation | ||
| Wetland Ecology, Restoration and Management | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Ecological Restoration and Resource Management Field Trip | ||
| Planet Earth | ||
| Geography of the Driftless Area | ||
| Global Landforms | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Environmental Conservation | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Fire History and Ecology | ||
| Advanced Remote Sensing | ||
| Field Geography of the Western United States | ||
| Geography of the National Parks | ||
| Python for GIS | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Total Credits | 70-73 | |
- 1
No more than 6 credits of any combination of BIOLOGY 2920, BIOLOGY 3920, BIOLOGY 4010, BIOLOGY 4660, BIOLOGY 4920 may apply toward the major.
- 2
Courses used to meet Biology Core Requirements cannot also be used in the Additional Required Courses area, i.e., courses cannot double count.
Recommended Minors
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science