Biology Concentrations

At the University of Dallas, electives provide opportunities to pursue new interests or deepen previous studies. The Biology Department offers two concentrations, available to students majoring in any discipline.

Environmental Science

Environmental science combines the study of problems caused by human use of the natural world with analysis of possible solutions to these problems through social, economic, or political change. While incorporating information on physical and biological phenomena, the field of environmental science also examines the role that technology plays in our society and the social processes that characterize human populations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking about decisions made at the individual, societal, corporate, political, and global levels that impact the natural world.

The Environmental Science concentration explores the way in which environmental problems are both created and solved by human populations through a mixture of traditional science, societal values, and political awareness. Courses included in the concentration are listed HERE.

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology incorporates the study of cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry. The field hinges upon fundamental tenets of recombinant DNA technology that allow genes to be isolated, characterized, and expressed in organisms that may be completely unrelated. These techniques are applied to answer questions about how genes are organized and regulated, the mechanisms by which gene products function, and the molecular interactions that occur within living organisms. Molecular biologists must be well versed in the theoretical aspects of cell function, as well as the critical thinking and laboratory skills required for experimentation.

The Molecular Biology Concentration provides essential background knowledge and hands-on experience required by students interested in this rapidly advancing discipline. Courses included in the concentration are listed HERE.