Biology, Human Biology Concentration, B.S.

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The human biology concentration emphasizes biology related to human health and disease, including human physiology and pathophysiology, and it provides a robust foundation for careers in health-related sciences. Many students who graduate from this program enter medical schools in Maine and New England.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the emphasis in human biology: 78.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C- or higher.

All of the following are required:

BIO 105 - Biological Principles I: Cellular Biology Credits: 3
BIO 106 - Laboratory Biology Credits: 1.5
BIO 107 - Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology Credits: 4.5
BIO 221 - Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biology Majors I Credits: 3
BIO 112 - Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 1.5
BIO 223 - Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biology Majors II Credits: 3
BIO 114 - Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 1.5
BIO 345 - Pathophysiology Credits: 3

Choose 15 credits from the following, including at least two laboratory courses.

BIO 201 - Genetics Credits: 3
BIO 305 - Developmental Biology Credits: 3
BIO 306 - Developmental Biology Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 309 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Credits: 4.5
BIO 311 - Microbiology Credits: 3
BIO 282 - Microbiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 321 - Neurobiology Credits: 3
BIO 322 - Neurobiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 401 - Animal Physiology Credits: 3
BIO 402 - Animal Physiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 409 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 3
BIO 410 - Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 413 - Applied Biostatistics Credits: 3
BIO 431 - Principles of Immunology Credits: 3
BIO 432 - Immunology Laboratory Credits: 2

Additional required courses:

In addition, the biology major must satisfactorily complete all of the following courses. Students also must fulfill the University Core Curriculum requirements, including a Capstone course in the major.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: BIO 421 Biology Seminar
Quantitative Reasoning: MAT 152 Calculus A
Creative Expression:
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration: BIO 107 Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship:
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning:
Capstone: BIO 421 Biology Seminar

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.