Department of Integrative Biology

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Integrative Biology is to educate, inspire, and assist students and regional diverse populations through a comprehensive curriculum, emergent pedagogy, and collaborative research. We focus on the complexity and factors that influence life and we strive to understand how the processes that sustain life and enable biological innovation operate and interact within and across different scales of organization: from molecules to cells, tissues to organisms, species, ecosystems, biomes, and the Earth.

General Information

Faculty conduct research related to how environments affect cells, microbes, plants, animals, and ecosystems. Researchers' interests range from cell growth, development, and reproduction, to the effects of hormones on plant growth and plant development, to signaling between plants, to ecology. The department also has a strong core of faculty interested in the conservation and restoration of our natural resources, including soil health, river restoration, and wildlife habitat.

Degrees

The Department of Integrative Biology offers the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology
  • Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Concentration in Ecology
  • Concentration in Plant Biology
  • Concentration in Premedical Sciences
  • Concentration in Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification in collaboration with UTeachSA.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Science with Grades 7–12 Science Teacher Certification (in collaboration with UTeachSA)
• Minor in Biology
• Minor in Environmental Science

To create a well-rounded graduate, students are encouraged to get involved in research and outreach activities as soon as possible. 

Educational Objectives

Upon graduation, students in Department of Integrative Biology programs will be able to:

• Explain foundational concepts related to the specific degree.
• Apply the process of scientific inquiry.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
• Use appropriate field and/or laboratory methods to collect quality data.
• Use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate scientific data.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team with others from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
• Effectively communicate scientific information, and the relationship between science and society, to a diverse audience through oral, written, and visual means.

Health Careers Pathways

The Department of Integrative Biology offers programs that supports students interested in pursuing professional or graduate programs (e.g., medical, dental, pharmacy and veterinarian) in health-related professions. See the Degrees page for more information. Students can also visit the UTSA Health Professions office for more information.

Sophomore Biology Research Initiative (SBRI)

The Sophomore Biology Research Initiatives offers eligible second-year students to engage in authentic research with faculty and graduate students while earning academic credit. The opportunity to be part of the SBRI is limited, so students should register early. See the Degrees page for more information about SBRI.

• B.S. Degree in Biology
  • Concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Concentration in Ecology
  • Concentration in Plant Biology
  • Concentration in Premedical Sciences
  • Concentration in 7-12 Biology Teacher Certification
• B.S. Degree in Environmental Science
• B.A. Degree in Environmental Studies
• B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Science

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Biology is designed to prepare students for professional careers in the biological sciences, medical and health service fields, research, industry, and education. For students planning to attend medical, dental, or graduate school in biological and applied sciences, this major provides a strong foundation in the basic life sciences. The program of study is structured around a comprehensive curriculum that includes genetics, physiology, cell biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and mathematics. This foundational knowledge along with laboratory experience prepares students for research and technical positions in universities, government, and industry. At the upper-division level, students wanting to specialize can choose from five concentrations: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Plant Biology, Premedical Sciences, and Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification. The degree also offers a pathway to Physical Therapy doctoral programs and Physician Assistance master's programs.

Some of the careers a B.S. Degree in Biology will prepare students for are animal scientist, biochemist, bio-engineer, biometrician, botanist, chiropractor, dentist, ecologist, food scientist technologist, forester, medical librarian, medical technologist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, neurobiologist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, pharmaceutical salesperson, pharmacy technician, physical therapist, physician, physician assistant, radiation technologist, research scientist, science teacher, park naturalist, test and inspection technician, veterinarian, wildlife biologist, zoologist, or a zoo or aquarium administrator.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the B.S. degree in Biology, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. To complete the Grades 7-12 Biology Teacher Certification Concentration requires a minimum of 124 semester credit hours.

Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

All major and support work courses and the required prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. Degree in Biology program will be able to:

• Explain foundational concepts in biology, including evolution, cell theory, the chemical basis of life, expression and transmission of genetic information, energy transfer and transformation, integration of living systems, and species diversity.
• Explain the relationship between structure and function at all levels of biological organization, including molecular, cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem levels.
• Apply the process of scientific inquiry.
• Use appropriate field and/or laboratory methods to collect quality data.
• Use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate biological data.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to biological issues.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team with others from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
• Effectively communicate scientific information, and the relationship between science and society, to a diverse audience through oral, written, and visual means.

Sophomore Biology Research Initiative

Students may apply to participate in the Sophomore Biology Research Initiative. After acceptance, students will take BIO 2953 Special Topics in Biology followed by BIO 3053 Sophomore Research Experience during their sophomore year after completing their first 30 hours. Students should apply after their first semester. A total of six hours will be completed. BIO 2953 Special Topics in Biology will replace the required laboratories Molecular Genetics Laboratory (BIO 2362) and Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory (BIO 3362). During their junior year, students are encouraged to take BIO 3382 Sophomore Research Initiative Peer Mentor and serve as a mentor to sophomore students. SBRI allows students to engage in authentic research with faculty and graduate students. Students working in teams will conduct their research projects on a specific biological problem over two semesters. Several different research topics will be available to choose from. There will be approximately two hours of lecture/lab meeting and six hours of lab work per week. Students will present their final data in poster format at an organized symposium. The opportunity to be part of the SBRI is limited, so students should register early.

Health Career Pathways

For those students interested in using a biology degree as a pathway to health-related professional school, it is important to remember that each medical, dental, or other health-related professional school determines its course requirements for admission. There is a significant similarity within each of these professional schools, but differences do occur. Students should refer to the respective school of interest website for the official and most current requirements for that particular school.

For those students interested in medical, dental, and veterinarian schools in Texas, the Concentration in Premedical Sciences offers the prerequisites required for most Texas schools as well as other courses to prepare students for these professional schools. Visit the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service website for more information and a list of the general requirements.

Please see our website for a curriculum map for pathways to a career as a physical therapist or a physician assistant. For more information about physical therapy graduate programs in Texas visit Texas Physical Therapy Association. Information about physician assistant studies in Texas can be found at the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants.

Students can also visit the University's Health Professions office at https://www.utsa.edu/healthprofessions/.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. Degree in Biology must complete University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students may need to take additional courses to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

• MAT 1193 may be used to satisfy the  Core Curriculum requirement in the Mathematics Component Area as well as a major requirement. (Students in the Concentration in Grades 7-12 Biology Teaching Certification can substitute STA 1053 for MAT 1193.)
• BIO 1203 Biosciences I for Science Majors, BIO 1223 Biosciences II for Science Majors, PHY 1943 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I or PHY 1963 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II may be used for the six hours of Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences Component Area, as well as major requirements.
• AIS 1263 AIS: Life and Health Sciences is required for the Core Curriculum requirement in the First Year Experience Component Area.
• ENG 2413 Technical Writing is required as a major requirement and satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in the Core Component Option.
• PSY 1013 Introduction to Psychology is required for the Concentration in Premedical and satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in the Social and Behavioral Component Area.

 

Gateway Courses

Students pursuing the B.S. Degree in Biology must complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change his or her major.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 1203	Biosciences I for Science Majors
BIO 1223	Biosciences II for Science Majors
BIO 2313	Genetics

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Required courses in the major
1. Biology requirements:		20
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors
BIO 2313	Genetics
BIO 3413	General Physiology
BIO 3513	Biochemistry
BIO 3813	Cell Biology (NDRB 3813)
2. Advanced Laboratory options:		4-6
BIO 2362	Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIO 3362	Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory
For Sophomore Biology Research Initiative Students
BIO 2953	Special Topics in Biology (taken two times in consecutive semesters for a total of 6 hours)
3. Biology electives:
Additional biology electives at the upper-division level		21
For students interested in focusing on computational biology, we recommend BIO 3523 Advanced Computational Biology and BIO 3253 R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology
B. Support work
The support courses listed below are mandatory prerequisites for various biology courses starting in a student’s sophomore year. Students need to complete their support work as soon as possible, in their freshman and sophomore years, to be eligible to register for upper-division biology core courses and electives. Failure to complete the support courses listed below in a timely fashion will significantly delay a student’s progress toward graduation.
1. Required chemistry courses:		16
CHE 1103 & CHE 1121	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory
CHE 1113 & CHE 1131	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory
CHE 2603 & CHE 2612	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHE 3643	Organic Chemistry II
2. Required mathematics and statistics courses:		6
MAT 1193	Calculus for the Biosciences
STA 1403	Probability and Statistics for the Biosciences
Students pursuing the Concentration in Grades 7–12 Teacher Certification can substitute STA 1053 for both MAT 1193 and STA 1403.
3. Required physics courses selected from one of the following options:		8
Option 1
PHY 1603 & PHY 1611	Algebra-based Physics I and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory *
PHY 1623 & PHY 1631	Algebra-based Physics II and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory *
Option 2
PHY 1943 & PHY 1951	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory *
PHY 1963 & PHY 1971	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Laboratory *
4. Required computer science course:		3
BIO 1173	Introduction to Computational Biology
or CS 1173	Data Analysis and Visualization
5. Required communication courses		6
ENG 2413	Technical Writing (also satisfies core requirement)
COM 2113	Public Speaking
C. Free electives
Select 6 semester credit hours of free electives, depending on the laboratory sequence chosen under section A2, to complete 120 hours. 1-4 credit hours must be at the upper-division level to reach the minimum requirement of 39 upper-division semester credit hours.		6
Students pursuing the Concentration in Grades 7–12 Teacher Certification will take required courses for teacher certification in lieu of free electives (see concentration requirements below).
Students interested in focusing on computational biology should take ES 2113 - Geographical Information Systems
Total Credit Hours		90-92

*Note: Students in the Concentration in Grades 7-12 Teaching Certification have a defined program of study outlined below. Physics laboratories noted by an asterisk (*) are not required for the Concentration in Grades 7-12 Teaching Certification.

Concentrations

For students interested in research, teaching, graduate, or professional programs, the Department of Integrative Biology offers five concentrations. To declare a concentration or obtain advice, students should consult an undergraduate advisor in Life and Health Sciences Advising. If a student takes any of the courses listed below that satisfy the Biology degree and concentration, the student may need to take additional upper-division Biology courses to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Biology degree. Students who do not satisfy all requirements of a given concentration will receive a general B.S. Degree in Biology.

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

The coursework within the Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Students are also encouraged to enroll in BIO 4923 Laboratory Research: Biology Concentrations as part of their program of study. More information can be found in the Department of Neurosciences, Development and Regenerative Biology.

All candidates for the Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology must complete the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 3913	Molecular Biology	3
or NDRB 3913	Molecular Biology
BIO 3663	Human Embryology	3
or NDRB 3663	Human Embryology
Select three of the following:		9
BIO 3933	Principles of Cancer Biology
or NDRB 3993	Principles of Cancer Biology
BIO 4143	Developmental Biology
or NDRB 4143	Developmental Biology
BIO 4453	Endocrinology
or NDRB 4453	Endocrinology
BIO 4723	Virology
or MMI 4723	Virology
BIO 4743	Immunology
or MMI 4743	Immunology
BIO 4923	Laboratory Research: Biology Concentrations (Research must be in a laboratory engaged in molecular biology research.)
or MMI 4923	Laboratory Research
or NDRB 4923	Laboratory Research
NDRB 3463	Brain Diseases
NDRB 4153	Frontiers in Pluripotent Stem Cells
NDRB 4483	Developmental Neuroscience: From Zygote to Brain Circuits
Total Credit Hours		15

Concentration in Ecology

The coursework within the Concentration in Ecology must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Students are also encouraged to enroll in BIO 4923 Laboratory Research: Biology Concentrations as part of their program of study.

All candidates for the Concentration in Ecology must complete the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 3283	Principles of Ecology	3
BIO 3292	Principles of Ecology Laboratory	2
Select three of the following:		9
BIO 3073	Environmental Rhetoric and Technical Communication
BIO 3113	Ichthyology
BIO 3213	Animal Behavior
BIO 3233	Survey of Insects
BIO 3253	R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology
BIO 3293	Mammalogy
BIO 3303	Entomology
BIO 3323	Evolution
BIO 3353	Herpetology
BIO 4033	Conservation Biology
BIO 4053	Wildlife Ecology
BIO 4063	Ornithology
BIO 4233	Field Biology
BIO 4263	River Ecosystems
BIO 4273	Fish Ecology
BIO 4283	Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
BIO 4303	Aquatic Ecology
BIO 4323	Restoration Ecology
BIO 4773	Microbial Ecology and Metagenomics
BIO 4923	Laboratory Research: Biology Concentrations (Research must be in a laboratory engaged in ecological research.)
Total Credit Hours		14

Concentration in Plant Biology

The coursework within the Concentration in Plant Biology must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Students are also encouraged to enroll in BIO 4923 Laboratory Research: Biology Concentrations as part of their program of study.

All candidates for the Concentration in Plant Biology must complete the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 3343	Plant Cell Biology	3
BIO 4313	Plant Physiological Ecology	3
Select three of the following:		9
BIO 3263	The Woody Plants
BIO 3273	Biology of Flowering Plants
BIO 3333	Plants and Society
BIO 4283	Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
BIO 4643	Medicinal Plants
BIO 4923	Laboratory Research: Biology Concentrations (Research must be in a laboratory engaged in plant-based research.)
Total Credit Hours		15

Concentration in Premedical Sciences

The B.S. degree in Biology with a Concentration in Premedical Sciences is designed to prepare students for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary science. This concentration has a recommended curriculum that is designed to meet the requirements for entry into these professional schools and to prepare students for the MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE examinations. The coursework within the Concentration in Premedical Sciences must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. All candidates for the Concentration in Premedical Sciences must complete the following: 

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 2992	Medical Terminology	2
BIO 3013	Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Pathology	3
or MMI 3013	Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Pathology
BIO 3433	Neurobiology	3
or NDRB 3433	Neurobiology
BIO 3643 & BIO 3642	Advanced Physiology I and Clinical Anatomy Laboratory I	5
BIO 3653 & BIO 3652	Advanced Physiology II and Clinical Anatomy Laboratory II	5
BIO 3663	Human Embryology	3
or NDRB 3663	Human Embryology
BIO 3713	Microbiology	3
or MMI 3713	Microbiology
BIO 4473	Advanced Clinical Medicine and Pathology	3
or MMI 4473	Advanced Clinical Medicine and Pathology
PSY 1013	Introduction to Psychology (meets Core Curriculum requirement for Social and Behavior Component Area)	3
Total Credit Hours		30

Concentration in Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification

The B.S. degree in Biology with a Concentration in Grades 7-12 Biology Teacher Certification is designed to prepare students for professional careers in teaching Biology at the level of secondary education. The program of study is structured around a comprehensive Biology curriculum and state requirements for grades 7–12 life science teaching certification. Students cannot receive a B.S. degree with Teacher Certification without completing the teacher certification coursework. A student who does not complete the Biology teacher certification must transfer to the B.S. degree in Biology, B.S. in Neurosciences, or the B.S. degree in Microbiology and Immunology to receive a degree in Biology. 

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the B.S. degree in Biology with Teacher Certification, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 124. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. The coursework within the Concentration in Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. 

Criminal Background Check

Teacher preparation programs at UTSA requires fieldwork in public schools. This requires that a student be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the school districts. It is the responsibility of the student to determine if their criminal history background will present a problem before applying for admission to the teacher preparation program. Students with a problematic criminal history will encounter difficulty in completing any fieldwork requirements and may not be able to complete the program. 

All candidates for the Concentration in Grades 7–12 Biology Teacher Certification must complete the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 3283	Principles of Ecology	3
BIO 3323	Evolution	3
BIO 3713	Microbiology	3
BIO 4813	Brain and Behavior	3
ESL 3083	Second Language Teaching and Learning for Grades 7-12	3
LTED 3773	Reading and Writing Across the Disciplines-Grades 7–12	3
SPE 3603	Introduction to Special Education	3
UTE 1111	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 1	1
UTE 1122	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 2	2
UTE 3023	Perspectives on Science and Mathematics	3
UTE 3203	Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science	3
UTE 3213	Classroom Interactions	3
UTE 4203	Project-Based Instruction	3
UTE 4646	Clinical Teaching	6
Total Credit Hours		42

Course Sequence Guide for B.S. Degrees in Biology

B.S. in Biology – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan for the General B.S. in Biology or Concentrations in Cell & Molecular Biology, Ecology,  or Plant Biology.

See below for the recommended four-year plan for students accepted to the Sophomore Biology Research Initiative, Concentration in Premedical, or Concentration in Grades 7-12 Biology Teaching Certification.

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA general B.S. degree in Biology or with concentrations in Cell & Molecular Biology, Ecology, or Plant Biology. This course sequence is only a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1103 & CHE 1121	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1113 & CHE 1131	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
MAT 1193	Calculus for the Biosciences (core and major)	3
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
BIO 2313	Genetics	3
BIO 2362	Molecular Genetics Laboratory	2
CHE 2603 & CHE 2612	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	5
STA 1403	Probability and Statistics for the Biosciences	3
ENG 2413	Technical Writing (core)	3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
BIO 1173	Introduction to Computational Biology	3
BIO 3813	Cell Biology	3
CHE 3643	Organic Chemistry II	3
Select one of the following:		4
PHY 1603 & PHY 1611	Algebra-based Physics I and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
or
PHY 1943 & PHY 1951	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory
Social and Behavioral (core)		3
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
BIO 3413	General Physiology	3
COM 2113	Public Speaking	3
Select one of the following:		4
PHY 1963 & PHY 1971	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Laboratory
or
PHY 1623 & PHY 1631	Algebra-based Physics II and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
American History (core)		3
Language, Philosophy & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
BIO 3513	Biochemistry	3
BIO 3362	Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory	2
Government-Political Science (core)		3
Creative Arts (core)		3
Upper-division BIO elective (3xx3)		3-5
For Concentration in Ecology take BIO 3283 and BIO 3292
For Concentration in Cell and Molecular take BIO 3913 or NDRB 3913 Molecular Biology
For Concentration in Plant Biology take BIO 3343 Plant Cell Biology
	Credit Hours	14-16
Fourth Year
Fall
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Students in the Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration should take BIO 3663 or NDRB 3663 Human Embryology
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Upper-division BIO elective		3
American History (core)		3
Free upper-division elective		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Free upper-division elective (to meet 120 hour minimum)		1-3
Government-Political Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15-13
	Total Credit Hours	120

  Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Integrative Biology for scheduling of courses.

B.S. in Biology – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan for Students Participating in Sophomore Biology Research Initiative.

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA B.S. Degree in Biology for students participating in the Sophomore Biology Research Initiative. This course sequence is only a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1103 & CHE 1121	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1113 & CHE 1131	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
MAT 1193	Calculus for the Biosciences (core and major)	3
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
BIO 2313	Genetics	3
BIO 2953	Special Topics in Biology (SBRI)	3
CHE 2603 & CHE 2612	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	5
STA 1403	Probability and Statistics for the Biosciences	3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
BIO 3813	Cell Biology	3
BIO 3053	Sophomore Research Experience	3
CHE 3643	Organic Chemistry II	3
Select one of the following:		4
PHY 1603 & PHY 1611	Algebra-based Physics I and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
or
PHY 1943 & PHY 1951	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory
Government-Political Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
BIO 3413	General Physiology	3
BIO 3382	Sophomore Research Initiative Peer Mentor	2
COM 2113	Public Speaking	3
Select one of the following sequences:		4
PHY 1963 & PHY 1971	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Laboratory
PHY 1623 & PHY 1631	Algebra-based Physics II and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
BIO 1173	Introduction to Computational Biology	3
BIO 3513	Biochemistry	3
BIO 4912	Independent Study	2
Government-Politics (core)		3
Social and Behavioral (core)		3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	17
Fourth Year
Fall
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Free upper-division elective		3
American History (core)		3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Upper-division BIO elective		3
Free upper-division elective		3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	120

B.S. in Biology – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan for Concentration in Premedical Sciences.

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA B.S. Degree in Biology with a Premedical Sciences Concentration. This course sequence is only a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1103 & CHE 1121	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1113 & CHE 1131	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
MAT 1193	Calculus for the Biosciences (core and major)	3
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
BIO 2313	Genetics	3
BIO 2362 or BIO 2953	Molecular Genetics Laboratory (SBRI students should take BIO 2953) or Special Topics in Biology	2-3
CHE 2603 & CHE 2612	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	5
STA 1403	Probability and Statistics for the Biosciences	3
ENG 2413	Technical Writing (core)	3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
BIO 2992	Medical Terminology	2
BIO 3413	General Physiology	3
BIO 3813	Cell Biology	3
CHE 3643	Organic Chemistry II	3
PSY 1013	Introduction to Psychology (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Third Year
Fall
BIO 3013	Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Pathology	3
BIO 3643 & BIO 3642	Advanced Physiology I and Clinical Anatomy Laboratory I	5
Select one of the following sequences:		4
PHY 1603 & PHY 1611	Algebra-based Physics I and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
or
PHY 1943 & PHY 1951	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
BIO 3653 & BIO 3652	Advanced Physiology II and Clinical Anatomy Laboratory II	5
BIO 4473	Advanced Clinical Medicine and Pathology	3
Choose one of the following two series of courses:		4
PHY 1623 & PHY 1631	Algebra-based Physics II and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
or
PHY 1963 & PHY 1971	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Laboratory
Government-Political Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
BIO 3513	Biochemistry	3
BIO 3362	Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory	2
BIO 3663	Human Embryology	3
BIO 3713	Microbiology	3
American History (core)		3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	17
Spring
BIO 1173	Introduction to Computational Biology	3
BIO 3433	Neurobiology	3
COM 2113	Public Speaking	3
Government-Political Science (core)		3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	120

 Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Integrative Biology for scheduling of courses.

B.S. in Biology – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan for Concentration in Grade 7-12 Biology with Teaching Certification.

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate B.S. Degree in Biology with a Grade 7-12 Biology Teaching Certification. This course sequence is only a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations.  Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Integrative Biology for scheduling of courses.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1103	General Chemistry I	3
CHE 1121	General Chemistry I Laboratory	1
UTE 1111	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 1	1
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
CHE 1113	General Chemistry II	3
CHE 1131	General Chemistry II Laboratory	1
UTE 1122	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 2	2
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
Select one of the following:		3
MAT 1193	Calculus for the Biosciences (core)
or
STA 1053	Basic Statistics (core)
	Credit Hours	16
Summer
American History (core)		3
Government-Political Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	6
Second Year
Fall
BIO 2313	Genetics	3
CHE 2603	Organic Chemistry I	3
CHE 2612	Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	2
CS 1173	Data Analysis and Visualization (core and major)	3
Select one of the following:		3
PHY 1603	Algebra-based Physics I
or
PHY 1943	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
UTE 3203	Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science	3
	Credit Hours	17
Spring
BIO 2362	Molecular Genetics Laboratory	2
CHE 3643	Organic Chemistry II	3
Select one of the following:		3
PHY 1623	Algebra-based Physics II
or
PHY 1963	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
UTE 3213	Classroom Interactions	3
Social & Behavioral Sciences (core)		3
	Credit Hours	14
Summer
American History (core)		3
Government-Political Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	6
Third Year
Fall
BIO 3283	Principles of Ecology	3
BIO 3362	Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory	2
BIO 3513	Biochemistry	3
BIO 3713	Microbiology	3
UTE 3023	Perspectives on Science and Mathematics	3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
BIO 3413	General Physiology	3
BIO 4813	Brain and Behavior	3
ESL 3083	Second Language Teaching and Learning for Grades 7-12	3
LTED 3773	Reading and Writing Across the Disciplines-Grades 7–12	3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
BIO 3323	Evolution	3
BIO 3813	Cell Biology	3
SPE 3603	Introduction to Special Education	3
UTE 4203	Project-Based Instruction	3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
UTE 4646	Clinical Teaching	6
	Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours	124

 Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Integrative Biology for scheduling of courses.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Environmental Science is designed for students interested in studying environmental problems from a scientific perspective. The major prepares students to deal with issues arising from the impact of human interaction on natural systems. The program of study is structured around a comprehensive curriculum that includes botany, zoology, geology, environmental statistics, geographical information systems, environmental law, soils, watershed processes, global change, fate and transport of chemicals, and environmental assessment. Students may choose to specialize further in one of four focus areas: 1) conservation and restoration ecology, 2) environmental management, 3) natural resources and wildlife management, and 4) aquatic sciences. Students will gain hands-on experience with many of the instrumental techniques used in environmental analysis and have the opportunity to engage in teamwork for field studies, excursions, and laboratory studies. There is a strong emphasis on producing graduates with well-developed oral and written communication skills who are capable of complex problem-solving.

Some of the careers a B. S. degree in Environmental Science will prepare students for are environmental biologist, environmental chemist, environmental consultant, environmental engineer, environmental geologist, environmental health and safety officer, environmental health officer, environmental lawyer, environmental manager, environmental science teacher, environmental scientist, environmental specialist, environmental technician, geographer, microbiologist, water quality scientist, or wildlife biologist.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the B.S. degree in Environmental Science, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120.

Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

All major and support work courses and the required prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. Degree in Environmental Science program will be able to:

• Explain foundational concepts in environmental science, including plant and animal biology, ecosystem ecology, toxicology, conservation biology, environmental policy, geology, climate change, and human impacts on the environment.
• Evaluate issues related to the environment using an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary course of study.
• Apply the process of scientific inquiry.
• Use appropriate field and/or laboratory methods to collect quality data. 
• Use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate environmental data.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to environmental issues.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team with others from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
• Effectively communicate scientific information, and the relationship between science and society, to a diverse audience through oral, written, and visual means.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. Degree in Environmental Science must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

Gateway Courses

Students pursuing the B.S. Degree in Environmental Science must complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change his or her major.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
CHE 1083	Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter	3
CHE 1093	Introduction to Molecular Transformations	3
MAT 1093	Precalculus	3

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Required environmental science courses (54 hours of which 6 are in the core)		54
Must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better
ES 1113 & ES 1111	Environmental Botany and Environmental Botany Laboratory
ES 1123 & ES 1121	Environmental Zoology and Environmental Zoology Laboratory
ES 1213 & ES 1211	Environmental Geology and Environmental Geology Laboratory
ES 1314	Environmental Statistics
ES 2013 & ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science I and Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory
ES 2023 & ES 2031	Introduction to Environmental Science II and Introduction to Environmental Science II Laboratory
ES 2113	Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
ES 3033 & ES 3042	Environmental Ecology and Environmental Ecology Laboratory
ES 3123 & ES 3121	Introduction to Soils and Introduction to Soils Laboratory
ES 3143 & ES 3141	Watershed Processes and Watershed Processes Laboratory
ES 3203	Environmental Law
ES 4103	Global Change
ES 4203	Environmental Assessment
ES 4212	Senior Seminar
ES 4253	Sources, Fate, and Transport of Chemicals in the Environment
B. Required support courses (15 hours of which 6 are in the core)		15
Must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better
CHE 1083	Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter
CHE 1093	Introduction to Molecular Transformations
COM 2113	Public Speaking
ENG 2413	Technical Writing
MAT 1093	Precalculus
C. Area of Study courses		21
Upper-division environmental science courses completed with a grade of "C-" or better
Twenty-one (21) semester credit hours of additional environmental science courses are required of which 15 hours must be upper-division. While the degree is a general degree in environmental science, four areas of study have been identified within the B.S. degree program for students interested in conservation and restoration ecology, environmental management, natural resources and wildlife management, or aquatic sciences. Depending on their area of interest, students may select courses from the following areas of study:
Conservation and Restoration Ecology
Required Courses:
ES 4213	Conservation Biology
ES 4233	Restoration Ecology
Select five courses from the following:
ES 3053	Environmental Remediation
ES 3073	Environmental Rhetoric and Technical Communication
ES 3103	Environmental Microbiology
ES 3113	Ichthyology
ES 3133	Oceanography
ES 3153	Environmental Chemistry
ES 3163	Ornithology
ES 3173	Mammalogy
ES 3183	Entomology
ES 3193	Herpetology
ES 3213	Biology of Flowering Plants
ES 3223	Woody Plants
ES 3233	Survey of Insects
ES 3253	R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology
ES 3303	Sustainable Development
ES 3953	Topics in Environmental Science
ES 4023	Aquatic Ecology
ES 4113	Field Biology
ES 4123	Desert Biology
ES 4133	Natural Resource Policy and Administration
ES 4163	Renewable Energy
ES 4183	Environmental Toxicology
ES 4243	Wildlife Management
ES 4263	River Ecosystems
ES 4273	Fish Ecology
ES 4283	Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
ES 4293	Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
ES 4303	Principles of Wildlife Management
ES 4503	Introduction to Environmental Risk Assessment
ES 4513	Advanced Environmental Risk Assessment
ES 4913	Independent Study
ES 4953	Special Studies in Environmental Science
ES 4963	Internship
Environmental Management
Required Courses:
ES 3053	Environmental Remediation
ES 3103	Environmental Microbiology
ES 4183	Environmental Toxicology
ES 4503	Introduction to Environmental Risk Assessment
ES 4513	Advanced Environmental Risk Assessment
Select two courses from the following:
ES 3073	Environmental Rhetoric and Technical Communication
ES 3113	Ichthyology
ES 3133	Oceanography
ES 3153	Environmental Chemistry
ES 3253	R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology
ES 3303	Sustainable Development
ES 3953	Topics in Environmental Science
ES 4023	Aquatic Ecology
ES 4153	Introduction to Sustainability
ES 4163	Renewable Energy
ES 4173	Waste Water Treatment
ES 4243	Wildlife Management
ES 4263	River Ecosystems
ES 4283	Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
ES 4913	Independent Study
ES 4953	Special Studies in Environmental Science
ES 4963	Internship
Natural Resources and Wildlife Management
Required courses:
ES 4133	Natural Resource Policy and Administration
ES 4243	Wildlife Management
Select five courses from the following:
ES 3053	Environmental Remediation
ES 3073	Environmental Rhetoric and Technical Communication
ES 3103	Environmental Microbiology
ES 3113	Ichthyology
ES 3133	Oceanography
ES 3153	Environmental Chemistry
ES 3163	Ornithology
ES 3173	Mammalogy
ES 3183	Entomology
ES 3193	Herpetology
ES 3213	Biology of Flowering Plants
ES 3223	Woody Plants
ES 3233	Survey of Insects
ES 3253	R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology
ES 3303	Sustainable Development
ES 3953	Topics in Environmental Science
ES 4023	Aquatic Ecology
ES 4113	Field Biology
ES 4123	Desert Biology
ES 4153	Introduction to Sustainability
ES 4163	Renewable Energy
ES 4173	Waste Water Treatment
ES 4183	Environmental Toxicology
ES 4213	Conservation Biology
ES 4233	Restoration Ecology
ES 4263	River Ecosystems
ES 4273	Fish Ecology
ES 4283	Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
ES 4293	Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
ES 4303	Principles of Wildlife Management
ES 4913	Independent Study
ES 4953	Special Studies in Environmental Science
ES 4963	Internship
Aquatic Sciences
Required Courses:
ES 3113	Ichthyology
ES 4023	Aquatic Ecology
ES 4273	Fish Ecology
Select four courses from the following:
ES 3053	Environmental Remediation
ES 3073	Environmental Rhetoric and Technical Communication
ES 3103	Environmental Microbiology
ES 3133	Oceanography
ES 3153	Environmental Chemistry
ES 3163	Ornithology
ES 3173	Mammalogy
ES 3183	Entomology
ES 3193	Herpetology
ES 3213	Biology of Flowering Plants
ES 3223	Woody Plants
ES 3233	Survey of Insects
ES 3253	R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology
ES 3303	Sustainable Development
ES 3953	Topics in Environmental Science
ES 4113	Field Biology
ES 4123	Desert Biology
ES 4133	Natural Resource Policy and Administration
ES 4153	Introduction to Sustainability
ES 4163	Renewable Energy
ES 4183	Environmental Toxicology
ES 4243	Wildlife Management
ES 4263	River Ecosystems
ES 4283	Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
ES 4293	Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
ES 4303	Principles of Wildlife Management
ES 4503	Introduction to Environmental Risk Assessment
ES 4513	Advanced Environmental Risk Assessment
ES 4913	Independent Study
ES 4953	Special Studies in Environmental Science
ES 4963	Internship
Total Credit Hours		90

Course Sequence Guide for B.S. Degree in Environmental Science

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA B.S. Degree in Environmental Science. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.S. in Environmental Science – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
ES 1123	Environmental Zoology (core and major)	3
ES 1121	Environmental Zoology Laboratory	1
MAT 1093	Precalculus (core)	3
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
COM 2113	Public Speaking (core)	3
ES 1113	Environmental Botany (core)	3
ES 1111	Environmental Botany Laboratory	1
ES 1314	Environmental Statistics	4
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
	Credit Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
ES 2013	Introduction to Environmental Science I	3
ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory	1
ES 2113	Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	3
CHE 1083	Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter	3
POL 1013	Introduction to American Politics (core)	3
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	16
Spring
ES 2023	Introduction to Environmental Science II	3
ES 2031	Introduction to Environmental Science II Laboratory	1
ES 1213	Environmental Geology	3
ES 1211	Environmental Geology Laboratory	1
CHE 1093	Introduction to Molecular Transformations	3
ENG 2413	Technical Writing	3
	Credit Hours	14
Third Year
Fall
ES 3123	Introduction to Soils	3
ES 3121	Introduction to Soils Laboratory	1
ES 3033	Environmental Ecology	3
ES 3042	Environmental Ecology Laboratory	2
POL 1133	Texas Politics and Society (core)	3
ES Area of Study Required		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
ES 3143	Watershed Processes	3
ES 3141	Watershed Processes Laboratory	1
ES 4253	Sources, Fate, and Transport of Chemicals in the Environment	3
ES Area of Study Required		3
ES Area of Study Elective		3
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	16
Fourth Year
Fall
ES 4103	Global Change (major)	3
ES 3203	Environmental Law (major)	3
ES Area of Study Elective (major)		3
ES Area of Study Elective (major)		3
Language, Philosophy & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
ES 4203	Environmental Assessment	3
ES 4212	Senior Seminar	2
ES Area of Study Elective		3
ES Area of Study Elective		3
Social and Behavioral Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	14
	Total Credit Hours	120

 Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Integrative Biology for scheduling of courses.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Environmental Studies is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary educational approach regarding environmental issues and foster system-thinking skills. The degree reinforces the crucial role of interdisciplinary approaches in environmental problem solving by emphasizing the sociocultural, historical, ethical, spiritual, economic, and political dimensions of complex environmental issues. Solving these problems requires an integration of disciplines to provide the understanding needed to address complex environmental issues.

The field includes study in basic principles of ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such as ethics, geography, policy, politics, law, economics, philosophy, environmental sociology, environmental justice, urban planning, pollution control, and natural resource management.

Some of the careers a B.A. degree in Environmental Studies will prepare students for are environmental consultant, environmental educator, environmental lobbyist, environmental planner, environmental attorney, natural resource specialist, outdoor education teacher, park naturalist, park ranger, resource economist, policy analyst, public relations specialist, sustainability specialist, and urban and regional planner.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the B.A. degree in Environmental Studies, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120.

Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

All major and support work courses and the required prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of  the B.A. Degree in Environmental Studies program will be able to:

• Explain foundational concepts in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities as applied to environmental issues, including human-environment interactions, monitoring the health of environmental systems, environmental policy & law, urbanization and impacts of built environments, sustainability, and socio-cultural influences on human-environment relationships.
• Apply systems thinking and multidisciplinary methodologies to address environmental problems.
• Apply the process of scientific inquiry.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to environmental issues.
• Use appropriate field and/or laboratory methods to collect quality data. 
• Use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate environmental data.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team with others from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
• Effectively communicate scientific information, and the relationship between science and society, to a diverse audience through oral, written, and visual means.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.A. Degree in Environmental Studies must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Required courses (72 hours of which 12 are in the core)		72
Must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better
ANT 2053	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
CHE 1083	Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter
ECO 2003	Economic Principles and Issues
ENG 2413	Technical Writing
ES 1003	Survey Topics in Environmental Studies
ES 1113	Environmental Botany
ES 1123	Environmental Zoology
ES 1213	Environmental Geology
ES 1314	Environmental Statistics
ES 2013 & ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science I and Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory
ES 2023 & ES 2031	Introduction to Environmental Science II and Introduction to Environmental Science II Laboratory
ES 2113	Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
COM 2113	Public Speaking
ENG 3383	Writing in Public and Professional Contexts
ES 3203	Environmental Law
ES 4133	Natural Resource Policy and Administration
ES 4153	Introduction to Sustainability
ES 4163	Renewable Energy
ES 4203	Environmental Assessment
GES 3753	Climate Change
MS 4333	Project Management
PAD 3043	Public and Nonprofit Financial Management
PAD 3163	Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy
B. Choose four (4) of the following courses		12
Twelve (12) semester credit hours of additional elective hours from the following list:
ANT 3223	Anthropology and the Environment
ANT 3333	Human Adaptability
ANT 3873	Food, Culture, and Society
COM 3023	Foundations of Communication
COM 3243	Persuasion
ES 3033	Environmental Ecology
ES 3123	Introduction to Soils
ES 3143	Watershed Processes
ES 3163	Ornithology
ES 3173	Mammalogy
ES 3183	Entomology
ES 3193	Herpetology
ES 3213	Biology of Flowering Plants
ES 3223	Woody Plants
ES 4213	Conservation Biology
GES 3613	Conservation of Resources
GES 3713	Weather and Climate
GES 3723	Physiography
GES 3743	Biogeography
HIS 4223	Environmental History of the United States
HTH 4543	Environmental Health and Safety
PAD 3003	Fundraising in Nonprofit Agencies
PAD 3023	Introduction to Urban Management and Policy
PAD 3033	Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
PAD 3053	Urban Economic Development
PAD 3113	Managing Nonprofit Organizations
SOC 3223	Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques
C. Choose two of the following courses		6
ES 4953	Special Studies in Environmental Science
ES 4963	Internship
ES 4113	Field Biology
ES 4123	Desert Biology
Total Credit Hours		90

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Environmental Studies

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA B.A. Degree in Environmental Studies. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.A. in Environmental Studies – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
ES 1003	Survey Topics in Environmental Studies	3
ES 1123	Environmental Zoology (core and major)	3
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
Mathematics (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
CHE 1083	Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter	3
ES 1113	Environmental Botany (core and major)	3
POL 1013	Introduction to American Politics (core)	3
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Second Year
Fall
ENG 2413	Technical Writing (core and major)	3
ES 1314	Environmental Statistics	4
ES 2013	Introduction to Environmental Science I	3
ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory	1
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
COM 2113	Public Speaking (required and core)	3
ECO 2003	Economic Principles and Issues	3
ES 1213	Environmental Geology	3
ES 2023	Introduction to Environmental Science II	3
ES 2031	Introduction to Environmental Science II Laboratory	1
POL 1133	Texas Politics and Society (core)	3
	Credit Hours	16
Third Year
Fall
ANT 2053	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (core)	3
ENG 3383	Writing in Public and Professional Contexts	3
ES 3203	Environmental Law	3
American History (core)		3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
ES 4163	Renewable Energy	3
MS 4333	Project Management	3
PAD 3043	Public and Nonprofit Financial Management	3
Elective		3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
ES 2113	Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	3
PAD 3163	Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy	3
GES 3753	Climate Change	3
Elective		3
Internship, Independent Study, Field Course		3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
ES 4133	Natural Resource Policy and Administration	3
ES 4153	Introduction to Sustainability	3
ES 4203	Environmental Assessment	3
Elective		3
Internship, Independent Study, Field Course		3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	120

 Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Integrative Biology for scheduling of courses.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Multidisciplinary Science with Teacher Certification in Grades 7-12

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Multidisciplinary Science (MDS.) is designed for future secondary science teachers and gives students broad training across the sciences. The MDS degree offers a composite science certification track through the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) and in conjunction with UTeachSA, which is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching secondary school science. Students seeking teacher certification should contact the Interdisciplinary Education Advising and Certification Center as early in their educational program as possible, but no later than their fourth semester of study, for information about certificate requirements and admission procedures. Undergraduates seeking elementary teacher certification must complete the Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Some of the careers a B.S. degree in Multidisciplinary Science will prepare students for are teaching various science courses in grades 7-12, including biology, chemistry, physics, integrated physics and chemistry, astronomy, Earth and space science, environmental systems, aquatic science, anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology, pathophysiology, and scientific research and design.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120 hours. 

Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours for the degree must be at the upper-division level. All major and support work must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better. 

All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Sciences program will be able to:

• Explain foundational concepts in the sciences, specifically:
  • physics and astronomy
  • chemistry 
  • biology including cell structure, biological processes, genetics, and evolution
  • environmental science including biodiversity 
  • geology
• Develop skills in teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Apply the process of scientific inquiry.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to scientific issues.
• Use appropriate field and/or laboratory methods to collect quality data. 
• Use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate scientific data.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team with others from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
• Effectively communicate scientific information, and the relationship between science and society, to a diverse audience through oral, written, and visual means.

Criminal Background Check

Teacher preparation programs at UTSA requires fieldwork in public schools. This requires that a student be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the school districts. It is the responsibility of the student to determine if their criminal history background will present a problem before applying for admission to the teacher preparation program. Students with a problematic criminal history will encounter difficulty in completing any fieldwork requirements and may not be able to complete the program. 

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Science must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

Gateway Course

Students pursuing the B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Science must complete the following Gateway Course with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to complete the course within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change his or her major.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Required science and mathematics courses
AST 1033	Exploration of the Solar System	3
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors	4
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors	4
BIO 2313	Genetics	3
BIO 3413	General Physiology	3
CHE 1103 & CHE 1121	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
CHE 1113 & CHE 1131	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
ES 2013 & ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science I and Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory	4
ES 2023 & ES 2031	Introduction to Environmental Science II and Introduction to Environmental Science II Laboratory	4
ES 3033	Environmental Ecology	3
ES 3133	Oceanography	3
GEO 1103 & GEO 1111	Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory	4
MAT 1193	Calculus for the Biosciences	3
or STA 1053	Basic Statistics
ES 4023	Aquatic Ecology	3
Select one of the following options:		8
Option 1
PHY 1603 & PHY 1611	Algebra-based Physics I and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
PHY 1623 & PHY 1631	Algebra-based Physics II and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
Option 2
PHY 1943 & PHY 1951	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory 1
PHY 1963 & PHY 1971	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Laboratory 1
Education Courses
30 semester credit hours of UTeachSA and education courses
ESL 3083	Second Language Teaching and Learning for Grades 7-12	3
LTED 3773	Reading and Writing Across the Disciplines-Grades 7–12	3
SPE 3603	Introduction to Special Education	3
UTE 1111	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 1	1
UTE 1122	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 2	2
UTE 3023	Perspectives on Science and Mathematics	3
UTE 3203	Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science	3
UTE 3213	Classroom Interactions	3
UTE 4203	Project-Based Instruction	3
UTE 4646	Clinical Teaching	6
Total Credit Hours		87

Certification Requirements (Composite Science Emphasis)

Students seeking a B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Sciences (MDS) as preparation for a graduate degree in science should follow as closely as possible the degree requirements of their chosen science as those courses are most likely to be required by graduate schools in that field. It is possible through careful planning to achieve a double major in M.D.S. and another science. All MDS students should create a four-year plan through an undergraduate academic advisor as early as possible in their course of study, and continue to check in on a course-by-course basis should those plans change. 

B.S. in Multidisciplinary Science with Grades 7–12 Teaching Certification – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
AIS 1203	Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core)	3
BIO 1203 & BIO 1201	Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
WRC 1013	Freshman Composition I (core)	3
UTE 1111	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 1	1
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
BIO 1223 & BIO 1221	Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)	4
MAT 1193 or STA 1053	Calculus for the Biosciences (core and major) or Basic Statistics	3
WRC 1023	Freshman Composition II (core)	3
UTE 1122	Introduction to STEM Teaching Step 2	2
American History (core)		3
	Credit Hours	15
Summer
CS 1173	Data Analysis and Visualization (core)	3
PSY 1013	Introduction to Psychology (core)	3
Government-Political Science (core)		3
Language, Philosophy & Culture (core)		3
	Credit Hours	12
Second Year
Fall
CHE 1103 & CHE 1121	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
ES 2013 & ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science I and Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory	4
UTE 3203	Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science	3
Creative Arts (core)		3
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
CHE 1113 & CHE 1131	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
GEO 1103 & GEO 1111	Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory	4
UTE 3213	Classroom Interactions	3
Government-Political Science (core)		3
	Credit Hours	14
Third Year
Fall
BIO 2313	Genetics	3
ES 2023 & ES 2021	Introduction to Environmental Science II and Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory	4
UTE 3023	Perspectives on Science and Mathematics	3
Select one of the following:		4
PHY 1603 & PHY 1611	Algebra-based Physics I and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
or
PHY 1943 & PHY 1951	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory
	Credit Hours	14
Spring
ES 3033	Environmental Ecology	3
ES 3133	Oceanography	3
SPE 3603	Introduction to Special Education	3
UTE 4203	Project-Based Instruction	3
Select one of the following:		4
PHY 1623 & PHY 1631	Algebra-based Physics II and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
or
PHY 1963 & PHY 1971	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Laboratory
	Credit Hours	16
Fourth Year
Fall
AST 1033	Exploration of the Solar System	3
BIO 3413	General Physiology	3
ES 4023	Aquatic Ecology	3
ESL 3083	Second Language Teaching and Learning for Grades 7-12	3
LTED 3773	Reading and Writing Across the Disciplines-Grades 7–12	3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
CI 4646	Clinical Teaching: Grades 7–12	6
	Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours	120

 Note: Some courses are only offered once a year: Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Environmental Science and Ecology for scheduling of courses.