Bio Advise

Majors

There are two biology departments at USF that house a variety of different Biology Majors. Biology Academic Advisors can help students explore any of the below majors, regardless of department. 

The Molecular Biosciences Department

Only present on the Tampa campus, their two majors focus on internal cellular systems such as cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and microscopic pathogens.

You can explore their majors below:

B.S. in Microbiology (MIC)

The Microbiology degree program specializes in the study of bacteria and other microbes, primarily at the cell and molecular level, focusing on disease causing microbes. The Microbiology core and elective requirements include specialized microbiology courses necessary to qualify for certification by the National Registry of Microbiologists, American Society of Microbiology, and for employment in microbiology and related fields. Career opportunities in microbiology include resource management, conservation, teaching, agriculture, medicine, microbial ecology, biotechnology, and industry.

View the Microbiology Major in the Catalog. 

B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology (CBO)

This degree provides a strong foundation in general biology, with an emphasis on biomedical related areas, but focuses on the cellular and molecular processes that occur within cells. This program prepares students for application to medical school, dental school, graduate school, and many careers especially in the fields of biotechnology, science policy, biomedical research, genomics, and computational biology.

View the Cell and Molecular Biology Major in the Catalog. 

The Integrative Biology Department

Spanning across all three USF campuses, this department houses a variety of majors that cover a comprehensive review of biology topics.

You can explore their majors below:

B.S. in Biology (BGY)

This general biology degree allows students to explore a wide array of biology topics.

Students can choose to pursue this major without a concentration or focus their coursework in one of four specific areas: 

**Offered on all three USF campuses: USF Tampa, USF St. Pete, and USF Sarasota/Manatee.

B.S. in Marine Biology (MRB)

Marine Biology is the study of life in the oceans. It explores the unique marine environment and the nature of the organisms that inhabit the oceans. The objective of this program is to provide students with a firm foundation in basic biology and the tools necessary to function as professional biologists, with a special emphasis on marine ecosystems. It will prepare students for further education in ecology, marine science, biological oceanography, and evolutionary biology or for careers in fields such as aquaculture, animal husbandry, aquarium biology and education, conservation biology and education, environmental consulting, and wildlife biology.

View the Marine Biology Major in the Catalog. 

**Offered on USF Tampa and USF St. Pete campuses only.

Majors Discontinued Summer 2020

The below majors are still active at the USF Tampa campus; however, these degree programs are no longer able to be declared by incoming students.

B.S. in Environmental Biology (ENB)

  • Environmental Biology is the study of how organisms interact with the environment, and how they adapt to changing environments. It explores the interconnections among biology, ecology, evolution, and conservation. The objective of this program is to provide students with a firm foundation in basic biology and the tools necessary to function as professional biologists, with a special emphasis on natural ecosystems. This major prepares students for further education in ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, and field botany or for careers in fields such as environmental biology, environmental consulting, agricultural and forestry resource management, conservation biology and education, and wildlife biology.

B.S. in Environmental Microbiology (EMB)

  • Environmental Microbiology is the study of the roles that microorganisms play in the environment. It explores the diversity of microorganisms and their functioning within natural systems. The objective of this program is to provide students with a firm foundation in basic biology and the tools necessary to function as professional biologists, with a special emphasis on environmental microbiology. Coursework within the Environmental Microbiology major can lead to ASM certification.

B.S. in Integrative Animal Biology (IAB)

  • Integrative Animal Biology is the study of the biology of animals, including humans. It explores the structure and function of invertebrates, vertebrates, and humans. The objective of this program is to provide students with a firm foundation in basic biology and the tools necessary to function as professional biologists, with a special emphasis on animals. It will prepare students for further education in medicine, veterinary medicine, animal biology, and evolutionary biology or for careers in fields such as medical assistance, veterinary assistance, animal care, and aquarium and zoo biology and education.
  • The Degree is separated into two tracks, the Human Track and the Animal Track.

B.S. in Marine Biology (MRN)

  • Prior to Summer 2020, the IB department offered a different Marine Biology program. While it still focuses on marine biological concepts, the requirements for this older degree are very different.