The General Biology Track is the most general of the Biology Tracks and only has the core Biology courses as required courses. The remaining 22 hours are chosen from any of the upper division restricted electives, with a requirement that students take at least two lab courses and one class that focuses on plants and a second class that focuses on animals. This track is appropriate for all professions that require a major in biology and will prepare students for post-graduate education in professional or graduate school. Moreover, the classroom and laboratory courses will prepare students directly for the workforce in jobs associated with government field offices (such as Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission or Florida Department of Environmental Protection) or industry as a laboratory technician. If you are unsure what you want to do with your major and/or want to choose from the variety of upper division electives that are part of the Biology curriculum, then staying in the General Biology Track may be appropriate for you. The Plant Science Track is designed to give students a diverse understanding of the plant world and their impact on human lives and environment. Plant Kingdom, Plant Anatomy, Plant Physiology and Plant Taxonomy courses will position students to find jobs in biotechnology labs, state parks and as field technicians as well as teaching in high schools or obtaining internships in other botanical institutions. Culinary Botany focuses on health and nutrition derived from plants and Medical Botany prepares students towards a career in naturopathy, allopathy and Pharmacy programs. The Marine and Aquatic Biology Track provides students with the opportunity to focus on the study of living organisms in freshwater, coastal, and oceanic environments. This track is designed to give students a strong foundation in basic biological principles with a special focus on organisms that live in aquatic environments. Students who successfully complete the Marine and Aquatic Biology Track will be well-versed in the issues of marine and/or aquatic ecosystems with an emphasis on conservation, restoration, and biological diversity. The track also allows opportunities for study abroad and independent research working with professors and their graduate students in both laboratory and field settings. Rigorous coursework and research experiences gained through this track will provide students with a competitive advantage in their graduate school applications. This track can also help students seeking immediate employment with local, state and federal agencies or private companies and non-profit organizations specializing in resource management, fisheries, marine conservation, coastal restoration and aquarium husbandry. The Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation Biology (EECB) track is designed for students to learn about biological systems ranging from the smaller scale processes that occur within cells up to, and including, larger scale processes that result in the diversity and dynamics of ecological communities. This track emphasizes courses in genetics, taxonomic diversity, structural biology, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Courses such as Conservation Biology, Population Genetics, Biogeography, and Evolutionary Biology introduce students to a solid understanding of the natural world. Other courses such as Disease Ecology & Eco-immunology, specialized lab courses and experiential learning opportunities broaden the experience that students receive. This track allows for significant opportunities for independent research working with professors and their graduate students in both laboratory and field settings. The EECB track prepares students for graduate study at any major university or immediate employment with local, state and federal agencies, with the private sector (e.g., environmental assessment firms), and/or privately-funded environmental and conservation organizations. The Pre- Health Professional Biology Track is designed for students seeking entrance into professional health programs including medicine (MD or DO), veterinary medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Students in this track will also be well prepared if they decide to apply to graduate school. In addition to core Biology courses in Genetics and Molecular & Cellular Biology, this track emphasizes courses in development, physiology, and anatomy. Moreover, electives like Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Evolution & Medicine as well as lab courses in Anatomy, Genetics and Genomics will give students the background needed to excel in professional school entrance exams (e.g. the MCAT) as well as courses offered in those professional schools. The Zoology and Pre-veterinary Track is designed for students seeking entrance into a veterinary medical program or graduate school in an animal biology related field. In addition to core Biology courses in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, this track emphasizes courses in Physiology, Animal Behavior and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Additional courses in Mammalogy, Ornithology, Herpetology and Ichthyology will broaden the student’s experience. Moreover, electives such as Vertebrate Evolution and Ecology, and Zoo & Aquarium Management as well as lab courses in Anatomy, and Embryology/Development will prepare students to succeed in veterinary school or any graduate program in animal biology. Students can also acquire hands-on experience and earn independent study credit through established connections with organizations such as the Central Florida Zoo, Back To Nature, and the Birds of Prey Center of Maitland.
GENERAL BIOLOGY TRACK
Plant Science Track
Marine and Aquatic Biology Track
Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation Biology
Pre- Health Professional Biology Track
Zoology and Pre-veterinary Track
