Undergraduate Program

College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Biology Undergraduate Admission Requirements

A minimum of 26 credit hours; 23 credit hours must be in courses acceptable toward graduation.

A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on all work.

Transfer students must have a 2.00 transfer GPA.
Continuing UNM students must have a 2.00 institutional GPA.

Demonstrated academic achievement by satisfying the following:

Completion of General Education Curriculum: Communication.
Completion of General Education Curriculum: Mathematics and Statistics.
Completion of General Education Curriculum: Second Language.

Completion of Department of Biology admission coursework with grades of "C" or better:

BIOL 2110C.
CHEM 1215.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Biology (B.A.)
Concentration: Conservation Biology.
Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.)
Concentrations: Biotechnology; Conservation Biology; Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.

Major Study Requirements

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology

1. A minimum of 32 credit hours earned in biology courses. These courses must include:
• BIOL 2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L.
The remainder of the total required credit hours is to be earned in elective biology courses. The elective courses must include two upper-division courses (300- or 400-level) each of which carries at least 3 credit hours and is exclusive of BIOL 400, 402, and 499 (BIOC *423 may be included).

2. Required Supportive Courses:
A total of seven semesters of math, physics, and chemistry courses must be completed from the following four sets of courses:
•  two semesters of math courses: (BCIS 1110 or MATH 1350 or 1440 or 1522) and (MATH 1430 or 1512);
•  two semesters of physics courses: (GEOL 1110 and PHYS 1115) or (PHYS 1230 and 1240) or (PHYS 1310 and 1320);
•  two semesters of general chemistry courses: ((CHEM 1215 or 131) and 1215L) and ((CHEM 1225 or 132) and 1225L);
•  one semester of organic chemistry: CHEM 2120 or (**301 and 303L).

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology

1. A minimum of 37 credit hours earned in biology courses. These courses must include:
• BIOL 2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L; at least one of the following: **351 and **352L, 360L, *371L, 386L.
The remaining credit hours are to be earned in elective biology courses (BIOC *423 may be included).

2. Upper-Division Breadth Requirement:
Each student must complete at least four 400-level courses that are spread across three of the following five categories:
1) Cell/Molecular (CM); 2) Physiology (PH); 3) Organismal (OR); 4) Ecology/Evolution (EE); 5) Interdisciplinary Science (ID).
Note: the category to which each eligible course belongs is listed in parentheses (CM, PH, OR, EE, or ID), and completing three of these courses from only one or two categories does NOT satisfy the breadth requirement.

3. Required Supportive Courses:
•  (MATH 1430 and 1440) or (MATH 1512 and 1522);
•  (PHYS 1230 and 1240) or (PHYS 1310 and 1320);
•  ((CHEM 1215 or 131) and 1215L) and ((CHEM 1225 or 132) and 1225L) and (CHEM 2120 or (**301 and 303L)).
For those interested in microbiology, molecular/cellular biology, physiology or medicine, CHEM **301-303L and **302-304L are recommended.

No minor study is required for the B.S. in Biology.

Additional Information

For both the B.A. and B.S., a grade of "C" or better is required for:
•  the Biology core (2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L);
•  all required supporting courses in Computer Science, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics;
•  all elective courses in Biology.

BIOL 1110, 1110L, 1140, 1140L and 2305 are not allowed for credit for the B.A. in Biology or the B.S. in Biology.

No credit toward the major is given for courses completed with a grade of "C-" or below. Transfer students must obtain 16 Biology credit hours at UNM for the B.A., or 19 Biology credit hours at UNM for the B.S. Only Biology courses completed within the previous ten years may apply.

Credit Conflicts: Content on specific courses overlaps enough to necessitate restricting credit of both courses toward a student’s degree. These courses are not considered equivalent and the completion of the second course in a pair will not affect a student’s earned hours on the transcript. Students should consult their advisor if they feel the incorrect course is applied for credit on their degree audit.

Students will be allowed to apply only one of the following courses in each pair for credit towards a degree:
• BIOL 1110 -or- BIOL 1140
• BIOL 2305 -or- BIOL **351/**352L

Areas of Study

The courses offered by the Biology Department can be used to pursue specialized programs in the following areas: Botany, Computational Biology, Evolution/Ecology, Microbiology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Physiology, Systematics, and Zoology. Departmental advisement is recommended for students who wish to complete one of these informal specializations. Formal concentrations in Biotechnology, Conservation Biology, and Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology are also offered (see below).

Concentration in Biotechnology

Students who complete the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Biotechnology and Biotechnology Certificate at CNM may receive a B.S. degree in Biology at UNM with a concentration in Biotechnology. The concentration in Biotechnology provides students with specific laboratory skills required for employment in biological and health professions, and make graduates more competitive and successful candidates for admission into graduate programs around the country. The concentration is based on existing CNM Biotechnology coursework and the curriculum is designed to meet competencies common to biotechnology programs around the nation and to be responsive to industry needs.

Departmental advisement is required for students who wish to complete the concentration in Biotechnology.

Requirements (B.S.)

1. A minimum of 45 credit hours earned in biology courses. These courses must include:
• BIOL 2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L; at least one of the following: **351 and **352L, *371L, 386L.

2. At CNM the curriculum includes 11 credit hours encompassed within three laboratory-based classes. The three classes are taught in sequential order, starting in the summer semester (Term 1 - BIOT 1020: Biotechnology Lab Techniques I), continuing in the fall semester (Term 2 – BIOT 2110: Biotechnology Lab Techniques II) and culminating the following spring semester (Term 3 – BIOT 2210: Biotechnology Lab Techniques III). These courses transfer to UNM as BIOL 2XX (4 credit hours), 2XY (4 credit hours), and 2XZ (3 credit hours).

3. Upper-Division Breadth Requirement:
Each student must complete at least four 400-level courses that are spread across three of the following five categories:
1) Cell/Molecular (CM); 2) Physiology (PH); 3) Organismal (OR); 4) Ecology/Evolution (EE); 5) Interdisciplinary Science (ID).
Note: The category to which each eligible course belongs is listed in parentheses (CM, PH, OR, EE, or ID), and completing three of these courses from only one or two categories does NOT satisfy the breadth requirement.

4. Required Supportive Courses:
•  (MATH 1430 and 1440) or (MATH 1512 and 1522);
•  (PHYS 1230 and 1240) or (PHYS 1310 and 1320);
•  ((CHEM 1215 or 131) and 1215L) and ((CHEM 1225 or 132) and 1225L) and (CHEM 2120 or (**301 and 303L)).
For those interested in microbiology, molecular/cellular biology, physiology or medicine, CHEM **301-303L and **302-304L are recommended.

A minimum of 6 credit hours to be taken from a list of complementary interdisciplinary electives available from the department advisor.

Notes:

A course fulfilling one requirement cannot be used towards another (e.g., no double-dipping); although each BIOL 419 section is considered a different course if it has a different instructor/title.
Student must verify that coursework meets requirements for a B.S. in Biology.
Grade of "C" or better required in all of the above courses.
Transfer students must complete at least 19 credit hours of biology coursework at UNM.

Concentration in Conservation Biology

Students may receive either the B.A. or B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Conservation Biology. The concentration provides students with a strong background in biology as well as the complementary interdisciplinary skills critical to understanding and addressing contemporary conservation questions. The concentration in conservation provides additional specialization in the importance of biological diversity from ecological, aesthetic, economic and political viewpoints; extinction as a past, present and future process; and the roles of genetics, levels of biological organization, nature reserves, and laws in the protection and recovery of endangered organisms. Possible career pathways include conservation scientist, biological technician, wildlife biologist and other careers managing natural resources and endangered species.

Departmental advisement is required for students who wish to complete the concentration in Conservation Biology.

Requirements (B.A.)

1. A minimum of 37 credit hours earned in biology courses. These courses must include:
• BIOL 2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L, 360L, 379, 409 (Topic: Principles of Ecology); at least one of the following: **351 and **352L, *371L, 386L.
• A minimum of 3 credit hours must be from BIOL 402 T: Conservation Biology Seminar. A minimum of two 400-level course must be successfully completed.

2. Required Supportive Courses:
A total of seven semesters of math, physics, and chemistry courses must be completed from the following four sets of courses:
•  two semesters of math courses: (MATH 1430 or 1512) and (BCIS 1110 or MATH 1350 or 1440 or 1522)
•  two semesters of physics courses: (GEOL 1110 and PHYS 1115) or (PHYS 1230 and 1240) or (PHYS 1310 and 1320);
•  two semesters of general chemistry courses: ((CHEM 1215 or 131) and 1215L) and ((CHEM 1225 or 132) and 1225L);
•  one semester of organic chemistry: CHEM 2120 or (**301 and 303L).

Requirements (B.S.)

1. A minimum of 45 credit hours earned in biology courses. These courses must include:
• BIOL 2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L, 360L, 379, 409 (Topic: Principles of Ecology); at least one of the following: **351 and **352L, *371L, 386L.
• A minimum of 3 credit hours must be from BIOL 402 T: Conservation Biology Seminar.

2. Upper-Division Breadth Requirement:
Each student must complete at least three 400-level courses that are spread across three of the following five categories:
1) Cell/Molecular (CM); 2) Physiology (PH); 3) Organismal (OR); 4) Ecology/Evolution (EE); 5) Interdisciplinary Science (ID).
Note: the category to which each eligible course belongs is listed in parentheses (CM, PH, OR, EE, or ID), and completing three of these courses from only one or two categories does NOT satisfy the breadth requirement.

3. Required Supportive Courses:
•  (MATH 1512 and 1522) and (MATH 1430 and 1440);
•  (PHYS 1230 and 1240) or (PHYS 1310 and 1320);
•  ((CHEM 1215 or 131) and 1215L) and ((CHEM 1225 or 132) and 1225L) and (CHEM 2120 or (**301 and 303L)).
For those interested in microbiology, molecular/cellular biology, physiology or medicine, CHEM **301-303L and **302-304L are recommended.

Candidates for both the B.A. and the B.S. with a concentration in Conservation Biology must take a minimum of 6 credit hours to be taken from a list of complementary interdisciplinary electives available from the department advisor.

Note:

Grade of "C" or better required in all of the above courses.

Concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Climate change and other pressing environmental problems have led to the increased importance of a solid understanding of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB). The concentration provides a depth of understanding at multiple hierarchies of biological organization and exposes students to the techniques, methodologies and approaches used by these sub-disciplines. Students develop expertise in the biology of a group of organisms, familiarity with methodologies used in study, expertise in the systematics of classification, and significant hands-on experience in the field or research laboratory. The concentration is designed to provide a comprehensive background for students planning to pursue graduate school or seek a career in a governmental agency.

Completion of a minor is not required for students in this concentration.

Requirements

			Credit Hours
1.		Successful completion of the four-course introductory sequence:
	BIOL 2110C	Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Lecture and Laboratory	4
	BIOL 2410C	Principles of Biology: Genetics Lecture and Laboratory	4
	BIOL 303 -and- BIOL 303L	Ecology and Evolution Ecology and Evolution Laboratory	4
	BIOL 304 -and- BIOL 304L	Plant and Animal Form and Function Plant and Animal Form and Function Laboratory	4
		Subtotal	16
2.		*Successful completion of upper-division courses in both* Ecology and Evolution:**
	BIOL 300	Evolution	3
	BIOL 310	Principles of Ecology	3
		Subtotal	6-7
3.		Successful completion of at least one taxonomic based course from the following:
	BIOL *450	General Virology	3
	BIOL *463L	Flora of New Mexico	4
	BIOL 484	Biology of Fungi	3
	BIOL *486L	Ornithology	4
	BIOL *487L	Ichthyology	4
	BIOL *488L	Herpetology	4
	BIOL *489L	Mammalogy	4
		Subtotal	3-4
4.		Successful completion of at least one synthetic/comparative taxonomic based course and lab from the following:
	BIOL **351	General Microbiology	3
	BIOL 360L	General Botany	4
	BIOL *371L	Invertebrate Biology	4
	BIOL 386L	General Vertebrate Zoology	4
		Subtotal	4
5.		Successful completion of at least one statistics course from the following:
	MATH 1350	Introduction to Statistics	3
	PSYC 2510	Statistical Principles for Psychology	3
	STAT **345	Elements of Mathematical Statistics and Probability Theory	3
	STAT 427	Advanced Data Analysis I	3
		Or other course with prior approval from EEOB faculty advisory committee
		Subtotal	3
6.		Successful completion of at least one course from each of the following clusters:
	A.	Individual (Genes/Physiology) Cluster
	BIOL *401	T: Microbial Genetics	3
	BIOL *435	Animal Physiology	4
	BIOL 471	Plant Physiological Ecology	3
		Or other course with prior approval from EEOB faculty advisory committee
	B.	Population (Behavior/Population Biology) Cluster
	BIOL 409	T: Conservation Genetics	3
	BIOL 409	T: Sexual Systems in Animals: Diversity and Evolution	3
	BIOL *455	Ethology: Animal Behavior	3
	BIOL 491	Population Genetics	3
	ANTH 360	Human Behavioral Ecology	3
	ANTH 363	Primate Social Behavior	3
	ANTH 491	Population Genetics	3
		Or other course with prior approval from EEOB faculty advisory committee
	C.	Community/Ecosystem Cluster
	BIOL 405	Ecosystem Dynamics	3
	BIOL 409	T: Ecology of Plant Microbe Symbiosis	3
	BIOL 419	T: Global Change Biology	3
	BIOL *451	Microbial Ecology	3
	BIOL 475	Community Ecology	3
	BIOL *495	Limnology	3
	BIOL 511	Macroecology	3
	BIOL 514	Ecosystem Studies	3
	BIOL 535	Freshwater Ecosystems	3
		Or other course with prior approval from EEOB faculty advisory committee
		500-level courses need Graduate Studies approval for undergraduate enrollment.
		Subtotal	9-12
7.		Demonstration of significant hands-on experience in the field or research laboratory. Choose one:
	BIOL 400	Senior Honors Thesis	varies
	BIOL 408L	Bosque Internship	4
	BIOL 409	T: Ornithological Field Expedition	3
	BIOL 461L	Introduction to Tropical Biology	4
	BIOL *463L	Flora of New Mexico	4
	BIOL *496L	Limnology Laboratory	1
	BIOL 499	Undergraduate Problems	1-4
	PSY 465L	Gorilla Observation Laboratory	3
		Successful completion of an approved field course offered at UNM or at another accredited institution
		Participation in a NSF REU program at UNM or elsewhere
		Other field experience with prior approval from EEOB faculty advisory committee
		Subtotal	0-4
8.		Successful completion of at least one interdisciplinary synthetic course:
	BIOL 324L	Natural History of the Southwest	4
	BIOL 379	Conservation Biology	3
	BIOL 419	Topics in Interdisciplinary Science	3
	BIOL 445	Biology of Toxins	3
	BIOL *490	Biology of Infectious Organisms	3
	BIOL 492	Introductory Mathematical Biology	3
	BIOL *494	Biogeography	3
	BIOL *495	Limnology	3
	BIOL 535	Freshwater Ecosystems	3
	ANTH *350	Human Biology	3
	ANTH 357	Human Evolution	3
	BIOC *423	Introductory Biochemistry	3
	EPS 352	Global Climate Change	3
	EPS *439	Paleoclimatology	3
		Or other course with prior approval from EEOB faculty advisory committee
		500-level courses need Graduate Studies approval for undergraduate enrollment.
		Subtotal	3-4
9.		Successful completion of at least one semester of the "Brown Bag" seminar:
	BIOL 402	T: Brown Bag	1
		Subtotal	1-2
10.		Successful completion of additional Biology courses so that the total number of Biology credit hours is greater than or equal to 48.
11.		Successful completion of supporting courses in Math, Physics, and Chemistry:
		Math: (MATH 1430 and 1440) or (MATH 1512 and 1522)
		Physics: (PHYS 1230 and 1240) or (PHYS 1310 and 1320)
		Chemistry: ((CHEM 1215 or 131) and 1215L) and ((CHEM 1225 or 132) and 1225L)
		Organic chemistry: CHEM 2120 or (**301 and 303L).
		Subtotal	24-27

Notes:

A course fulfilling one requirement cannot be used towards another (e.g., no double-dipping); BIOL 419 is considered a different course if it has a different instructor/title.
Upper-Division Breadth Requirement: This concentration fulfills the Ecology/Evolution (EE) and Organismal (OR) categories. To ensure that the requirements for the B.S. in Biology are met, students should consult with their Arts and Sciences advisor to select at least one 400-level course from one of the remaining three categories: Cell/Molecular (CM); Interdisciplinary Science (ID), and Physiology (PH).

Minor Study Requirements

BIOL 2110C, 2410C, 303 and 303L, 304 and 304L, plus 6 additional credit hours of biology. BIOL 1110, 1110L, 1140, 1140L, 2305, and 499 are not allowed for credit for the minor in Biology.

Grades of "C" or better are required in all courses counted for the minor. Transfer students must obtain 6 Biology credit hours at UNM.

Departmental Honors

Students interested in the Biology Honors program must complete and submit the application form to the Biology Program Coordinator. Upon entering the honors program, the student’s research must be approved by both members of the honors committee. Students ideally should apply for this program in their junior year.

1. Students pursuing Biology honors must form their honors committee consisting of two faculty members, a research advisor, and a reader, as described below:

- - One committee member must be a member of the Biology core faculty. Students must register in the section of BIOL 400 taught by this faculty member.
  - The other committee member may also be selected from the Biology core faculty, or may be an adjunct, research, or regular faculty member at UNM with approval of the Biology Department Honors Program Chair.

2. One of the two honors committee members must be designated as the research advisor, usually the committee member with whom the student conducts the majority of their research project.

- - The student works with the research advisor to develop a program of independent research that results in the preparation and submission of an honors thesis and a formal presentation.
  - Students must submit their final thesis, approved by their honors committee, to the Biology Department Honors Program Coordinator by the end of the 5th week in the semester in which they intend to graduate.

3. The formal presentations can be an oral or poster presentation at the Biology Research Day or at an approved scientific venue. Presentations must also be submitted to the Biology Department Honors Program Coordinator by the 5th week in the semester in which they intend to graduate. Students may present up to the end of their graduating semester.

4. Enrollment in BIOL 400 is required for two semesters while in the Biology Department Honors program. In addition to working on their project, students in BIOL 400 are required to participate in periodic meetings.

5. The Biology Department Honors Committee consults with the student's committee to determine the level of honors to be awarded.