Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology, CLAS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Florida

Program Overview

The Biology BA/BS at the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences gives students a broad understanding of life and living systems, from cells and molecules to plants, animals and ecosystems. It is a flexible choice for students interested in biological research, environmental science, biotechnology, healthcare or further study, with options to follow the BA, BS in Integrative Biology or BS in Preprofessional Biology pathway.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and mathematics through courses such as Integrated Principles of Biology 1, General Chemistry 1, and Algebra and Trigonometry. Alongside these science subjects, students complete general education courses that help develop broader academic and communication skills.

Year 2: Students continue their core science preparation with Integrated Principles of Biology 2, General Chemistry 2, and Introduction to Statistics 1. These courses strengthen their understanding of biological systems while developing the quantitative skills needed to interpret and analyze scientific information.

Year 3: Students move into more advanced areas of biology while completing courses such as Applied Physics 1 and Applied Physics 2. Biology distribution courses allow students to explore areas such as Genetics, Human Physiology, Microbiology, General Ecology, Plant Diversity and Animal Behavior, depending on their interests and chosen pathway.

Year 4: In the final year, students focus on advanced biology courses and complete BSC 4936 Critical Analysis of Biological Research, which helps them develop the ability to evaluate and communicate scientific research. Students can also choose specialized subjects such as Introduction to Bioinformatics, Computational Tools for Research in Biology, AI in Biology, Molecular Genetics, Cancer Biology, The Microbiome and General Virology.

Focus Areas

Molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, microbiology, biodiversity, bioinformatics, computational biology, environmental biology, biotechnology, biological research and preprofessional health sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of fundamental biological concepts and scientific methods, learn to analyze biological information and develop evidence-based solutions, understand ethical practices in scientific research, and communicate biological ideas and scientific reasoning effectively in written and oral formats.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biology BA/BS provides a flexible foundation for a wide range of careers and further education rather than preparing students for only one profession. Depending on the pathway they choose, students can prepare for areas such as biotechnology, environmental work, science communication, education, bioscience management, biological research or professional schools including medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Florida is a major public research university with extensive opportunities for students to learn alongside researchers working across different areas of biology. The Biology program covers biological systems ranging from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems, giving students a broad academic foundation that can support both employment and further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology BA/BS at the University of Florida gives students opportunities to gain practical experience through undergraduate research and work closely with faculty researchers. Students can explore biological research in bench, field, clinical and computer laboratory environments, while opportunities such as supervised research, the University Scholars Program and research internships allow them to apply classroom knowledge to real scientific projects. Students can also connect with researchers across areas such as genetics, ecology, evolution, marine biology, genomics and computational biology.

Students can build hands-on experience through a range of research programs, laboratories and specialized facilities:

Mentored research: Students can begin with BSC 3911 Entering Research in Biology, then progress to BSC 4910 Individual Mentored Research in Biology and BSC 4912 Advanced Mentored Research in Biology. These courses allow students to work with faculty mentors, develop research projects and gain experience carrying out and communicating scientific research.
Laboratory and field research: Students can gain practical experience in bench, field, clinical and computer laboratories, depending on their research interests and the projects available with faculty.
Research laboratories and groups: Students can explore research with groups working in areas such as genomics, comparative evolutionary genetics, ecological science, evolutionary genomics and statistical ecology.
Marine biology research: Students interested in aquatic and marine life can explore opportunities connected with the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and the Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory.
Bioinformatics and computational research: Students interested in biological data can develop computational skills through UF's bioinformatics research environment, which uses approaches such as statistical analysis, software development, big-data analysis and high-performance computing.
University Scholars Program: Selected students can work closely with a faculty mentor on an independent research project. Students can develop their research over an extended period and may have opportunities to present their findings at academic conferences or contribute to undergraduate research publications.
Science for Life: This program gives undergraduate students opportunities to become involved in research early in their studies and potentially participate in multi-year research projects.
Specialized research facilities: Students can connect with facilities and research centers such as the UF Genetics Institute, Emerging Pathogens Institute, Florida Museum of Natural History, UF Water Institute, Arthur R. Marshall Jr. Ecological Sciences Laboratory and other biological research facilities.
Off-campus research: With appropriate approval, students may have opportunities to conduct research with biological researchers at other universities or organizations in the United States and internationally.
Research communication: Students gain experience presenting and communicating scientific work through research reports, presentations, conferences and other scholarly activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology BA/BS at the University of Florida gives students a strong and flexible foundation for careers across biological sciences, education, healthcare, environmental fields and biotechnology. Depending on the pathway they choose, graduates can move directly into employment or use the degree as preparation for graduate school and professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine.

Typical career directions include biologist, biological research assistant, laboratory researcher and environmental specialist:

Career support: UF’s Career Connections Center helps students prepare for employment through career planning, résumé support, interview preparation, career fairs and connections with employers.
Research and practical experience: Biology students are encouraged to gain hands-on research experience by working with faculty in laboratory, field, clinical and computer-based research environments. Students can participate in supervised research, University Scholars and other research opportunities, helping them build practical skills and strengthen their CV.
Career flexibility: The Biology BA can support careers in education, allied health, environmental or biotechnology law, science journalism and bioscience management. The Integrative Biology BS provides preparation for private-sector and government careers as well as graduate study, while the Preprofessional Biology BS is designed for students planning to enter professional schools.
Employment and salary information: UF provides graduate outcome information through its Graduation Survey, including employment, further education and salary information that can be explored by major, degree and occupation. UF’s university-wide outcomes also provide insight into employment and postgraduate-study destinations, although these figures are not specific to Biology graduates.
Research and professional connections: Students can work alongside UF researchers in areas such as genetics, ecology, evolution, molecular biology, marine biology, genomics and computational biology. These experiences allow students to apply what they learn in class to real scientific projects and explore potential career areas before graduation.
Transferable skills: The program develops skills in scientific research, biological analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and scientific communication. These skills can be valuable across research, healthcare, environmental, biotechnology, education and other science-related careers.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter the workforce in biological and related fields, pursue government or private-sector opportunities, or continue into advanced study. The broad structure of the Biology program also allows students to shape their studies around their longer-term career or academic goals.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Biology BA/BS, students can continue into graduate programs in biology and related specializations such as ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, physiology and systematics. Students following the Preprofessional Biology pathway can also progress to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary and other professional schools. Those interested in teaching can also explore the UFTeach pathway, which provides preparation for a career in science education.