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Biology, BS - Area 1: General Biology

Biology Bachelor of Science

Are you fascinated by insects or plants? Do you like looking at organisms under a microscope? Would you like to run the family farm and want more scientific knowledge to do so? The University of Central Missouri’s Biology Bachelor of Science program in General Biology covers a full breadth of biological topics, ranging from animal and plant diseases and parasitology to ecology, evolution, genetics and medicine. 

The General Biology major at UCM is designed so you can let your curiosity lead the way to help you discover what you want to do in your career. Choose from a wide variety of elective courses to explore specialized areas. 

Transfer credits for General Biology majors

If you’re a transfer student, the General Biology area of UCM’s Biology BS allows you to transfer in a significant number of credits to earn your undergraduate degree faster or complete prerequisites for advanced electives.

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Contact

Dr. Scott Lankford
Chair, School of Natural Sciences
W.C. Morris Science Building, Room 306A
Warrensburg, MO
Tel: 660-543-4933
lankford@ucmo.edu

College of Health, Science and Technology

Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences


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Belize Barrier Reef research project

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300-acre Pertle Springs Nature Preserve

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Ph.D. faculty supervise labs & research

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3K-sq-ft animal/aquatic research center

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Renovated specialty labs and facilities

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17:1 student-to-faculty ratio

What you will study

UCM’s Bachelor of Science degree program curriculum in General Biology offers a breadth of coursework, labs and research projects in a variety of scientific fields. 

The full array of elective courses in specialty areas offers opportunities to study everything from cellular and molecular functions to big picture topics such as environmental studies and ecology. Learning multiple areas of biological studies will prepare you for a strong entry into the job market.

Lab work is key to your General Biology bachelor’s degree

Conduct research and use the latest scientific tools in lab-based classes taught by Ph.D.-level faculty who are experts in their respective fields. 

You’ll also learn to use scientific research methods with your peers in labs and teamwork-centered projects at our renovated Warrensburg facilities. This allows you to hone in on the structures, functions and classification systems for the organisms that interest you most.

Some courses you may take in UCM’s General Biology bachelor’s degree program include:

  • Dendrology (woody plants)
  • Human Physiology
  • Parasitology
  • Animal Biology

 

Excellence in Biology

  • Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)

 

Unique learning opportunities in general biology

At the University of Central Missouri, lab-based classes and fieldwork are the centerpiece of the General Biology Bachelor of Science program. You’ll focus on developing the skills and hands-on experience needed to be a strong candidate for Biology BS jobs.

  • Internships and research projects: UCM Biology program faculty have long-standing relationships with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Department of Natural Resources, corporations and nonprofits, among others. Internships and research projects with these potential employers can help you build professional relationships that may lead to Biology bachelor’s degree jobs after graduation.
  • Belize Barrier Reef project: UCM’s collaborative projects with a marine lab in Belize allow undergraduate students working toward their General Biology Bachelor of Science degree to develop and implement an independent research proposal. Following two weeks of study in Belize at the Tropical Research and Education Center supervised by UCM program faculty, your final project summary can form the basis for further research or lead to advanced studies and a career in marine biology. 
  • Fieldwork and research facilities: Our on-campus facilities include a 300-acre outdoor classroom (Pertle Springs Nature Preserve); 3,000-sq-ft animal and aquatic research center and state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for active learning. You’ll study plants, animals, fish, snakes, birds and invertebrates native to Missouri in their natural habitats.

 

What can you do with a General Biology Bachelor of Science degree from UCM?

General Biology majors from the University of Central Missouri are well-prepared for a wide variety of Biology bachelor’s degree jobs. 

UCM Biology students enter careers that run the gamut, from counteracting climate change and conducting research studies to taking on important roles in health care, teaching and conservation. 

Biology bachelor’s degree jobs are varied and exciting

This undergraduate degree path offers the potential to work at a regional, state or federal agency such as the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other employers with a scientific focus.

With the hands-on experience, research skills and knowledge you’ll gain from completing UCM’s General Biology BS, you could be a trainer at a government agency, work in a research lab or become a public educator working for a nonprofit or health care organization. 

Many graduates with a General Biology bachelor’s degree choose to continue their studies at UCM to earn a master’s degree or certification to teach biology at the K–12 level.

Explore the interactive tool below to learn more about Biology bachelor’s degree jobs and potential salaries after graduating from the University of Central Missouri.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Biology BS degree

The University of Central Missouri offers several ways to finance your education,  including general university awards, scholarships and other financial aid. 

Beyond these resources, numerous scholarships are available specifically for Biology BS students, including those enrolled in the General Biology degree program. You may be eligible for opportunities such as these: 

  • Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
  • Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship
  • Steven H. Mills and Stephen W. Wilson Research Award
  • John Hess Health Professions Scholarship
  • Honors Project Research Fund
  • McNair Scholars Program

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Take your degree further.

If you want to further specialize your General Biology BS, you may want to continue your studies at UCM in a related master’s degree program. 

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Make yourself more marketable.

Add an undergraduate certificate to your studies at UCM and make yourself more competitive for Biology bachelor’s degree jobs.

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Explore programs related to biology.

If your career goals include a focus on medicine, nutrition or farming, you may also want to consider these UCM undergraduate programs.

 

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