Discover the Biology Curriculum
Biology at USD offers flexibility through a spectrum of studies in preparation for graduate or professional school, to meet state requirements for a teaching credential in the life sciences, to acquire the laboratory training necessary for entry into advanced programs in biotechnology or to supplement other major studies with a broad background in biology.
Major
Bachelor of science in biology degree at USD fosters a strong emphasis on laboratory and field experience for students to not only learn the working methods of science, but also to foster inquiry and creativity. A research experience is required for all majors. Within the biology major, there are four special emphases students can explore:
- Pre-Health Sciences Emphasis
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Emphasis
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis
- Marine Biology Emphasis
Visit the Major-Special Emphases tab below to learn more about requirements within each concentration.
Minor
The biology minor provides foundational offerings in biological concepts and a range of elective courses.
Explore Biology Courses
Learn more about our current biology classes on our Courses page! Not all courses highlighted will be available every semester. Make sure to check course offerings on the registration portal for each upcoming semester.
Program Requirements
Each student declares their major(s) and minor(s) under a single catalog of record that is identified on the student's degree audit (available on Degree Works).
The program requirements below are based on the current course catalog and may not be applicable if a student is declared in an earlier catalog.
Find all previous course catalogs under on our Archived Catalogs of Record page.
59-60 units
Major
18 units
Minor
Major unit estimates include preparation for the major as well as major requirements.
- Major
- Major - Special Emphases
- Minor
- Learning Outcomes