Juneau

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology provides students with the opportunity to learn biological principles and skills in lecture, laboratory and field courses. Student research is also emphasized throughout the program. Program faculty are actively involved in a wide range of disciplines, including marine ecology, evolution, marine mammalogy, invertebrate physiology, cryobiology, biological oceanography, aquatic contaminant studies, and marine fisheries. Students have the option to choose a Fisheries Science Emphasis or to pursue General Electives. The location of the University provides students with a “natural laboratory” that includes extensive marine habitat, rainforest, wetlands, and ice fields all within walking distance of the classrooms. A small student-to-professor ratio ensures a more personal approach to learning than is possible at larger universities. The Bachelor of Science program in biology compromises a core curriculum generally found nationwide in bachelor of science biology programs. Additional information about the biology program can be found at https://uas.alaska.edu/arts_sciences/naturalsciences/biology/index.html. Program assessment plans are posted on the Program Assessment website.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be considered for full admission to the B.S. in Biology, and be assigned a faculty advisor, after completion of the following:

¹

 May be met by placement examination.

Candidates must complete the General Education Requirements (GERs), the Alaska Native Knowledge Graduation Requirement, as well as the specific program requirements listed below for a minimum of 120 credit hours. Courses in a degree program may be counted only once. Courses used to fulfill the major requirements cannot be used to fulfill the GERs. Specific recommendations for the GERs in Biology are listed below. Degree must include 44 credit hours of upper-division (300 or above) courses, 24 of which must be completed at UAS.

¹

Prerequisites include MATH S151 and MATH S152

²

Only 4 credits from BIOL S375, 4 credits from BIOL S475, and 2 credits from BIOL S492 may be applied toward the biology electives. Additional credits may be applied toward electives.

³

Up to 6 credits total from BIOL S396, BIOL S398, BIOL S498 may be applied.

⁴

May be applied toward the Biology Electives and General Electives for students not pursuing the emphasis.

FISH courses available from UAF distance or face-to-face at the Lena Point CFOS facility.

1. Gain a broad background in biological sciences.
2. Develop critical thinking skills.
3. Improve oral and written scientific communication skills.
4. Gain practical experiences in basic biological research.