Our Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in diverse areas of biology, including ecology, genetics, molecular and cell biology, evolution, organismal diversity and physiology/biochemistry.
This degree is ideal for students who plan to pursue graduate studies and careers in botany, zoology, ecology, molecular and cellular biology, biomedical research, health care, natural resource management and nonprofits.
Students who have fulfilled the requirements for this degree will also have satisfied the course requirements for admission to medical, dental, optometry and veterinary schools. Some professional schools may have additional course requirements. To learn more about tailoring your undergraduate studies for health professional school, visit Pre-Health Advising.
Biotechnology Track
The FIU Biotechnology track is designed to be a hands-on intensive experience that will enable undergraduate students majoring in Biological Sciences to investigate how scientists utilize organisms or their products to help solve problems and produce products that are useful for humanity in the fields of agriculture, food science, and medicine/pharmaceuticals. The teaching labs offered within the Biotechnology track will enable students to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the theory and hands-on proficiency in fundamental biotechniques that are critical in the use of recombinant DNA technologies, protein expression, protein purification, and genetic analysis which include: pipetting, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme assay, phosphorylation and ligation, site directed mutagenesis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, DNA sequence analysis, transformation, protein structure/modeling analysis, recombinant protein expression, and enzyme kinetics. Upon completion of the Biotechnology track students will have a basic foundational knowledge and expertise in common biotechniques and bioinformatics that are necessary to be a competitive candidate in entry level biotechnology positions in academia or the ever-growing biotechnology industrial sector.
Forensic Biomolecular Biology Track
This track introduces students to historical and modern DNA typing, human and nonhuman forensics, best laboratory practices and applicability of DNA to criminalistics. It also focuses on critical thinking with respect to methodology selection as well as the future of forensic science.
Need an Advisor?
Advisors will support you on your academic journey, helping you enroll in courses, meet your graduation requirements and prepare for your career.
College to Career
- Bioinformatics scientist
- Molecular biologist
- Cellular biologist
- Geneticist
Most of these occupations require a master’s degree, PhD or MD.
Undergraduate Director
Camila Granados Cifuentes
Undergraduate Program Director; Assistant Teaching Professor
305-348-7531
camgrana@fiu.edu
OE 224
Contact Us
Department of Biological Sciences
MMC: 11200 SW 8th Street, OE 167
Miami, FL 33199
Tel: 305-348-2201
BBC: 3000 NE 151st Street, MSB 350
North Miami, FL 33181
Tel: 305-919-5500
biology@fiu.edu