Biology: Organismal Biology Emphasis Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Arizona

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biology: Organismal Biology Emphasis at the University of Arizona is ideal for students who are curious about how living organisms function, evolve, interact with one another, and respond to their environments. The program combines a strong foundation in biological sciences with deeper study of areas such as animal behavior, genetics, ecology, and evolution, preparing students for careers in biology, conservation, research, education, and related fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in biological and scientific concepts through courses such as MCB 181R Introduction to Biology 1 and MCB 181L Introduction to Biology 1 Lab. They also begin ECOL 182R Introduction to Biology 2 and ECOL 182L Introductory Biology 2 Lab, while completing introductory chemistry, mathematics, and other university requirements.

Year 2: Students develop their understanding of the physical and chemical principles that support biological systems, with coursework including CHEM 241A Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 243A Organic Chemistry I Lab. They continue building their biology and mathematics knowledge while preparing for more advanced study in genetics, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.

Year 3: Students move into more specialized areas of biological science through courses such as ECOL 320 Genetics and ECOL 335 Evolutionary Biology. Genetics explores inheritance and genetic variation, while Evolutionary Biology helps students understand natural selection, adaptation, speciation, and the processes that have shaped biological diversity.

Year 4: In their final year, students bring together their knowledge through advanced courses such as ECOL 302 Ecology and BIOC 384 Foundations of Biochemistry, along with upper-level biology electives. Ecology explores relationships between organisms and their environments, including populations, communities, competition, predation, and other ecological interactions, while electives allow students to explore areas that match their academic and career interests.

Focus Areas

Organismal biology, animal behavior, genetics, ecology, evolution, biodiversity, population biology, environmental interactions, conservation biology, biological systems

Learning Outcomes

Understand biological systems and organismal diversity, explain principles of genetics and evolution, analyze relationships between organisms and their environments, understand ecological and evolutionary processes, interpret biological information and scientific evidence, apply scientific methods to biological questions, develop research and laboratory skills, evaluate biological data, communicate scientific concepts effectively, prepare for careers or further study in biology and related disciplines

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Arizona does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the B.S. Biology: Organismal Biology Emphasis. The program provides a broad scientific education that supports careers in biological research, conservation, education, environmental science, and other biology-related fields, as well as preparation for graduate and professional study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Arizona highlights its Biology programs as providing opportunities for students to engage with research and explore real-world biological questions. The university also reports strong national recognition for its online bachelor's programs and overall academic standing, giving students access to a well-established research university and a wide range of academic and career resources.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biology: Organismal Biology Emphasis at the University of Arizona gives students opportunities to take biology beyond the classroom through laboratory activities, field-based learning, research projects, and faculty-mentored experiences. Students can explore real biological questions involving organisms, ecosystems, evolution, genetics, and behaviour while developing practical research skills and learning how biological data is collected, analyzed, and communicated. The program also encourages students to take part in undergraduate research, giving them the opportunity to work with faculty and gain experience in laboratory or field research settings.

Students can develop practical experience through opportunities such as:

Laboratory and field-based learning: Biology coursework includes practical laboratory and field activities that help students apply concepts related to organisms, ecology, evolution, and biological diversity.
ECOL 182L – Introductory Biology II Lab: Students participate in hands-on laboratory activities and research-based exercises that explore how organisms interact with their environments and how biological systems change over time.
Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs): Students can participate in authentic research projects as part of their coursework. Some biology CUREs combine laboratory, field, and bioinformatics techniques, allowing students to contribute to genuine research projects.
Independent faculty research: Students are strongly encouraged to conduct independent research with faculty members. Depending on the research area, students may gain experience working with organisms, collecting biological data, conducting experiments, or studying ecological and evolutionary processes.
Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP): Students can participate in faculty-mentored biological research through a full-time summer research experience and may continue research during the academic year. This provides practical experience with the scientific method and gives students an opportunity to present their research findings.
Research across disciplines: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology faculty collaborate with nearly 60 units across the University of Arizona, giving students opportunities to explore research connected to areas such as medicine, agriculture, environmental science, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
Bioinformatics and computational techniques: Certain research experiences allow students to work with bioinformatics approaches alongside laboratory and field methods, helping them understand how biological information can be analyzed using computational techniques.
Upper-division research opportunities: Students can use major electives to explore advanced areas such as organismal biology, ecology, evolution and behaviour, genetics, physiology, and related biological sciences, allowing them to tailor their academic and research experience to their interests.

Facilities and research resources: Students benefit from the University of Arizona's faculty research laboratories, field-based research opportunities, undergraduate research programs, and wider university research facilities connected to ecology, evolution, biology, environmental science, and related disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biology: Organismal Biology Emphasis gives graduates a flexible foundation for careers involving wildlife, conservation, research, environmental science, education, and other areas of biology. Students can also use the degree as a strong starting point for graduate and professional education, particularly if they want to build a career in advanced biological research or a related professional field.

Typical job roles: Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist, Conservation Specialist, Forensic Science Professional, Research Technician

Students can strengthen their career prospects through the following University of Arizona opportunities:

Career coaching: The College of Science provides career support for Biology students, including guidance on career exploration, resume and cover-letter preparation, interview skills, and finding relevant employment opportunities.
Handshake: Students can use Handshake to explore internships, part-time and full-time jobs, career events, workshops, and opportunities with employers looking to recruit University of Arizona students.
Graduate and professional placement: The University of Arizona reports that graduates from its undergraduate EEB and Biology programs have higher placement rates than graduates of similar programs nationwide and are 26% more likely to enter graduate or health professional programs.
Employment and salary information: The university provides graduate outcome information covering areas such as post-graduation plans and salaries through its career outcome resources. Specific salary figures for the Organismal Biology emphasis are not published, so program-specific salary claims should not be assumed.
University and employer connections: The university supports connections between students, researchers, and external organizations through career and research partnerships. These connections can provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience and explore potential career paths.
Research experience: Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with faculty members or through undergraduate research programs. This experience can help students develop scientific research skills and strengthen their applications for employment, graduate school, or professional programs.
Long-term professional value: The broad biological foundation of the degree can support careers in areas such as wildlife biology, zoology, conservation, forensic science, research, environmental work, and science communication. The degree can also provide a strong academic base for students who decide to specialize further through postgraduate study.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can move directly into biology-related careers or continue their education. University of Arizona information highlights graduate pathways and career destinations that include biological research, zoology and wildlife biology, conservation, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, education, and other related fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue their education through graduate or professional programs that match their interests. Potential pathways include PhD programs in biology and related sciences, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, education, law, and master's or doctoral programs in areas such as ecology, conservation, genetics, environmental science, evolutionary biology, and organismal biology.