The objectives of the Biology Department are to afford students an opportunity to gain an understanding of themselves and their environment and thus prepare themselves for taking a fuller, more satisfying role in society; to train students in their ability to reason inductively and deductively; to encourage original thought; to prepare teachers in the biological sciences for the elementary and secondary school; and to provide a background in subject matter and laboratory skills for curricula in which the fundamentals of the various sciences are used.
Students in the Department of Biology can choose from several baccalaureate (B.S.) degree programs and from five graduate degree programs in Science Education.
- Biology (with tracks in Botany, Zoology, Molecular Biology, or Environmental Biology possible)
- Biology - Agricultural Science Emphasis
- Biology - Biomedical Emphasis
- Biology - Biotechnology Emphasis
- Biology - Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
- Environmental Science (with track in Sustainable Agriculture available)
- Science Education (with concentrations in Biology 9-12, Chemistry 9-12, Earth Science 9-12 Physics 9-12, or Middle Grades Science 6-9)
Some students may choose to complete an Academic Concentration in Biology, a Minor in Biology, or a Minor in Sustainable Agriculture. These options are described below.
Faculty advisors are available to help choose programs appropriate to your interests and career aspirations.
Degree Check Sheets
The Biology Department offers several programs leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology, in Biotechnology, and in Environmental Science (with indicated track, concentration, or emphasis). A check sheet, listing course requirements for each degree (below each program), is available as Word and PDF files.
Science Education
The Biology Department also houses the Science Education Programs. The Biology Department offers programs, in cooperation with the Chemistry and Physics and Geology and Geography Departments, leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) in Science Education. Click here to view the web page for Undergraduate Science Education.
Need more information? Contact the Undergraduate Science Education Coordinator, Hannah Clayton at 910.775.4369.
Academic Concentration in Biology
For students seeking a baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Special Education, or Physical Education, the Biology Department offers an Academic Concentration of 26 hours. This Academic Concentration is available to other students, regardless of major.
Required courses for an Academic Concentration in Biology:
- BIOL 1000, BIO 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, BIO 3710 (or an approved upper-level biology course with a laboratory), ENV 1100, CHM 1300, 1100
Emphasis in Agricultural Science
As of the 2019-2020 academic year, the Department of Biology offers a baccalaureate degree in Biology with an Emphasis in Agricultural Science. A complete listing of course requirements for this new program is available on the downloadable check sheet linked above.
Minor in Sustainable Agriculture
The Department of Biology offers a Minor in Sustainable Agriculture that requires a total of 20-22 hours of course credit.
Core courses for a Minor in Sustainable Agriculture (14 credit hours):
- BIO 1000, ENV 2450, ENV 3250, ENV 4200
Elective courses for a Minor in Sustainable Agriculture. Select 2 courses (6-8 credit hours):
- BIO 1010 (Not BIO majors), BIO 3010, BIO 3040 or ENV 1100 (Not BIO majors), BIO 3050, BIO 3420, ENV 4100, GLY 2620 (prereq GLY 1000 or 1150)
Minor in Biology
The Department of Biology offers a Minor in Biology that requires a total of 18-20 hours of course credit.
Core courses for a Minor in Biology (12 credit hours):
- BIO 1000, BIO 1000L, BIO 1010, BIO 1020
Elective courses for a Minor in Biology can include any BIO or ENV courses above the 1000 level (6-8 credit hours).
Degree Requirements from UNC Pembroke Catalog
Requirements for graduating with a baccalaureate degree can be found by clicking here. For additional information, click the following links from the UNC Pembroke Catalog:
Biology Department (scroll down this page to see B.S. in Science Education)
General Education Requirements