UG
BISC 3060: Virology
3 credits
This course covers the fundamental biology and biochemistry of bacterial, animal, and plant viruses. (3 lecture hours).
Undergraduate
Biological Science, B.S.
Engage in the scientific study of living systems and all their complexities.
"UM won my heart; not only is the campus absolutely gorgeous, but the community is a welcoming place with top-of-the-line opportunities for students."
Kaitlyn Skeen ('24)
B.S. in Biological Science
About this Program
The Department of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.S. in Biological Science. By using modern scientific methods to understand and predict natural phenomena, biology majors can become part of the solution to the most important problems currently facing society. They gain a broad understanding of the natural world around them and possess an array of skills such as the ability to design and conduct experiments, operate sophisticated instruments, interpret data, and think critically.
UM students have a diversity of courses and a great variety of habitats in North Mississippi for both laboratory and field studies, including a 740-acre field station, a national forest, and flood-control reservoirs. Our students can participate in mentored scientific research and work in the laboratory with a faculty member.
Students may choose between several optional emphasis areas:
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Integrative Biology
- Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
- Organismal Biology
- Pre-Health Biological Sciences
There is an Accelerated Master's degree program that allows biological science majors to earn both the undergraduate and master's degree in 5 instead of 6 years.
B.S. vs B.A.
Students choose between the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science.
- The B.S. degree requires additional mathematics and science courses, and provides more in-depth training in biology.
- The B.A. degree has a deeper and wider general education foundation and allows greater compatibility with other areas of study. B.A. students choose a minor field of study or double major.
The Value of a Biology Degree
Biology majors achieve an understanding of living systems and develop the ability to design and conduct experiments, operate sophisticated instruments, think critically, interpret data, and communicate complex ideas.
Related careers in biology include healthcare, education, research and development, conservation organization, business, government, environmental law, urban planning, science or technical writing, and more.
On this Page…
Program Information
Degree
B.S. in Biological Science
Emphases
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ;
Integrative Biology ;
Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology ;
Organismal Biology ;
Pre-Health Biological Sciences
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
Minor
Program Location
School
Duration
4 Years
What are some courses you will take to earn a Biological Science Degree with an emphasis in Molecular, Cellular, & Microbiology?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Science in Biological Science. See all Biological Science courses.
UG
BISC 4360: Human and Vertebrate Genetics
3 credits
In this course students will study the genetics of human and vertebrate species using classical, molecular, genomic, and evolutionary comparative approaches. Bioethics and genetic counseling will also be covered. (3 lecture hours).
UG
BISC 5007: Cell Biology of Cancer
3 credits
Students taking this course will explore the genetic and molecular basis ofcancer, with emphasis on cellular events that are dysregulated in cancer,including gene regulation, genome maintenance, cell cycle control, programmedcell death, differentiation, and growth. Students will also learn about recentadvances in cancer diagnosis and therapy. (3 lecture hours) 3 Credits
What are some courses you will take to earn a Biological Science Degree with an emphasis in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Science in Biological Science. See all Biological Science courses.
UG
BISC 3010: Evolution
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of evolutionary biology, including genetic drift, fitness, natural selection, speciation, the origin of variation, biodiversity, biogeography and genomic evolution. (3 lecture hours).
UG
BISC 3210: Introductory Aquatic Biology
3 credits
In this course, students will explore the principles of freshwater biology, withemphasis on factors affecting ecology and populations in diverse aquaticenvironments. Skills developed in lab will be used by students to evaluatefundamental ecological questions related to how physical and biologicalprocesses affect aquatic populations or communities and interpret how humanactivities influence aquatic environments (4 lecture, 4 lab hours).
UG
BISC 3450: Symbiosis: From Parasitism to Mutualism
3 credits
In this course students will study the ecology and evolution of symbiosis. (3 lecture hours).
What are some courses you will take to earn a Biological Science Degree with an emphasis in Organismal Biology?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Science in Biological Science. See all Biological Science courses.
UG
BISC 3290: Biology of Fishes
4 credits
This course examines the systematics, ecology, and morphology of fishes. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).
UG
BISC 3340: Ornithology
4 credits
In this course students will study the taxonomy, ecology, and biology of birds. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours).
UG
BISC 5016: Plant Physiology
4 credits
In this course, students will examine not only traditional plant physiologytopics such as water relations, mineral nutrition, transport, photosynthesis,and respiration, but also the latest advances in plant developmental biology.(3 lecture, 2 lab hours).
What are some courses you will take to earn a Biological Science Degree with an emphasis in Pre-Health Biological Sciences?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Science in Biological Science. See all Biological Science courses.
UG
BISC 3100: Human Anatomy
4 credits
This course is an examination of the gross anatomy of the human body. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).
UG
BISC 3270: Introductory Neuroscience
3 credits
This course is an introduction to how nerve cells work singly and in concert to guide animal behavior. It is a comparative approach to understand how brains have evolved to allow animals to perceive stimuli, maintain cycles of arousal, adopt particular mating strategies, learn and guide behavior and communicate. (3 lecture hours).
UG
BISC 4170: Evolution and Medicine
3 credits
In this course students will study the basic principles of evolution and their application to topics in medicine, including evolution of human populations and disease-causing agents in humans. (3 lecture hours).
Department Opportunities
What are the resources for success at the university? How do you get involved in the department community? How do you best prepare for life after graduation?
Watch the Video
Alumni Examples
- Research Scientist, Proctor & Gamble
- Chief Medical Officer, UM Medical Center
- President and CEO, MS Health Partners
- Vice President, Merrill Lynch
- Principal, Holly Springs School District
- Rehabilitation Specialist, Sea Turtle Hospital
- Nurse, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
- City Planner, City of Portland
- Senior Environment Analyst, MS Department of Environmental Quality
- Team Physician, Carolina Panthers
- Editor, Environmental Management Journal
- Psychiatrist, National Institutes of Health
- Cardiologist, Jackson Heart Clinic
- Microbiologist, Indiana University Medical School
- Dentist, Gulf Coast Pediatric Dentistry
- Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?