Biology is the study of life. The earth is filled with an enormous variety of living organisms; therefore, an understanding of the basic biological processes common to all organisms is essential to understanding the world. In recent decades, great strides have been made in understanding important biological processes, particularly those at the molecular, cellular, and ecosystem levels. An understanding of biological systems depends, in part, on the principles of physics and chemistry; thus a firm background in the physical sciences is also important in the study of biology. For many, an undergraduate major in biology (Bachelor of Science (B.S. Degree)) serves as a basis for postgraduate study in the life sciences. School of Life Sciences graduates have gone on to advanced graduate study, leading to careers in college or university teaching, basic and applied research, and public health. Many have entered professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. Other graduates have gone directly into secondary (high school) science teaching, the biomedical industry, independent laboratory research, natural resources management, or environmental education.

The Biological Sciences undergraduate degree program aims to diversely train its students, enabling graduates to pursue careers or advanced degrees in life and health sciences, research, education, industry, or governmental work. Based on their individual interests, students may select from the following concentrations: Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Comprehensive Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Education, Integrative Physiology, Microbiology, and Pre-Professional Studies. All biology undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. Each concentration may require specific upper division courses; therefore the number of upper division electives may vary across concentrations.