May 13, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2014-2015 Undergraduate Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Biology B.S. with Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology


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Program: B.S.
Department of Biology
College of Arts and Sciences

Science Building 330 ~ 260-481-6305 ~ ipfw.edu/bio


This concentration will serve students with an interest in the complex interactions between organisms and the surrounding environment.  It provides preparation for professions in environmental monitoring, research, and education for positions within governmental agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and private industry.  This concentration also provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in preparation for graduate student in the area.  There is an emphasis on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the curriculum, as well as theoretical and applied ecology.


Special Regulation for Biology Majors

Time Limit - All biology courses applied toward graduation must be completed within 10 years from the time the first biology course was completed.

 To earn a B.S. with a major in biology, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW and the College of Arts and Sciences (Part 4  and Part 8  ); earn a GPA of 2.30 or higher in BIOL 117, BIOL 119, BIOL 217, BIOL 218, BIOL 219, and BIOL 491 and elective courses in the concentration (listed below); and complete the following courses:

IPFW General Education Requirements Credits: 33


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


Foreign Language


Calculus and Statistics


The following calculus and statistics couse pattern is typical.  course substitutions are possible with advisor approval.  Please note that most graduate programs require a full year of calculus.

The following sequence Credits: 8


General Elective Courses in the Concentration Credits: 15


To complete the concentration students are required to take at least one course in the area of evolution and systematics.  In addition, two courses with a laboratory are required from the list of ecology and behavior courses so that students obtain relevant hands-on experiences in the area.  The remainder of the elective credit hours within the concentration may be filled by choice from the full list of courses to provide a depth of knowledge in the field.

Free Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Total Credits: 120


Honors in Biology


You may earn an honors degree in biology by achieving an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and a biology GPA of 3.50 or higher, conducting a two-semester (minimum of 5 credits) research project, preparing a senior thesis based on the research project, and giving an oral presentation of  the thesis research.  The senior thesis committee must be established one semester before graduation.

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