B.S. in Biology

This concentration is designed to give student a broad overview of biology. Students completing this program have a broad background but also have enough upper-level courses to build depth in knowledge and skills. The program provides sufficient flexibility that students can tailor their programs to specific needs.

This concentration is designed to prepare students interested in ecology, conservation, and organismal biology for entry into graduate program, employment in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or positions where an integrating organismal and ecological background is required.

Students completing this program have a broad background but also have enough upper-level courses to build depth in knowledge and skills. The program provides sufficient flexibility that students can tailor their programs to specific needs.

This concentration is a joint effort between the biology department at the UALR and the medical technology department of the UAMS. The curriculum is designed for students who want to pursue a research career in molecular biotechnology at the bachelor’s level (this program is not intended as a premedical or pre-professional curriculum). This concentration will prepare students for technical occupations in basic and applied molecular biotechnology research and positions with federal and state governmental agencies and private or commercial enterprises that conduct either basic or applied research in biotechnology.

The concentration is divided into two levels: a four-semester Pre-Biotechnology Curriculum that leads to admission to the Molecular Biotechnology Research Program (MBRP), which is a joint curriculum between UALR and UAMS. Completion of the Pre-Biotechnology Curriculum and candidacy to the MBRP requires a minimum of 60 hours including BIOL 2401, 2402, 2403, and 3300; eight hours of general chemistry; four hours of organic chemistry; and a minimum GPA of 2.60. Students transferring to UALR who wish to apply to the MBRP may substitute transferring courses for these requirements with the approval of the Molecular Biotechnology Research Committee.

Admission to the MBRP will be competitive, based on the student’s cumulative GPA, an interview with the Molecular Biotechnology Research Committee, and two faculty recommendations. Each fall, a maximum of 20 students meeting these requirements will be admitted to the program.

This program of courses is a major-minor combination; no separate minor field is required.

This concentration is designed to prepare students for teacher licensure in secondary education. Biology is the major emphasis and earth sciences the secondary emphasis (as prescribed by Arkansas law). A minor in secondary education is required. For more information, please see “Secondary Education Licensure” and contact the Department of Biology for academic advising.