University Catalog 2024-2025

Biological Sciences (BS): Human Biology Concentration

There are five different avenues to earning a B.S. in Biological Sciences at NC State. Students studying for a degree in Biological Sciences can opt for a general curriculum (BLS) or can choose to focus in a particular area by selecting one of four areas of concentration: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCD), Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology (IPN), Human Biology (HB), or Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EEC).

The Human Biology (HB) curriculum provides the opportunity to study those areas of science most important to health-related professions as well as relevant aspects of the humanities and social sciences. It is designed to provide students with a solid education in the scientific and humanistic concepts that underlie modern health sciences and related areas of scientific research. Course requirements in HB include those most commonly required by medical schools.

Plan Requirements

Exploring the Life Sciences
LSC 103Exploring Opportunities in the Life Sciences1
Writing
Advanced Writing Requirement Electives 13
Cannot be double-counted for a GEP requirement.
Biological Sciences
LSC 101Critical and Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences 12
BIO 181Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 14
BIO 183Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology 14
Physiology Electives 17
GN 311Principles of Genetics 14
MB 351General Microbiology 13
MB 352General Microbiology Laboratory 11
or MB 354 Inquiry-Guided Microbiology Lab
BCH 351General Biochemistry 13
or BCH 451 Principles of Biochemistry
Physical & Mathematical Sciences
MA 131Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A 13
or MA 141 Calculus I
MA 231Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B 13
or MA 241 Calculus II
CH 101Chemistry - A Molecular Science 13
CH 102General Chemistry Laboratory 11
CH 201Chemistry - A Quantitative Science 13
CH 202Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 11
CH 221Organic Chemistry I 13
CH 222Organic Chemistry I Lab 11
CH 223Organic Chemistry II 13
CH 224Organic Chemistry II Lab 11
Select one of the following: 14
College Physics I
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory
Select one of the following: 14
College Physics II
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory
ST 311Introduction to Statistics 13
Major Electives
Human Biology Electives 112
Students can use up to 3 hours of BIO 269, BSC 492, BSC 493, BSC 494, BSC 498, GN 453, PSY 491, or BIO 499 toward this requirement.
Additional Science & Math Electives9
GEP Courses
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research 14
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives3
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Free Electives
Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 210
These electives cannot be remedial nor can they be taken at an elementary level after you have taken comparable coursework at a more advanced level. Students interested in graduate school or professional school should check the courses required for admission to the programs to which they plan to apply.
Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required.

2

Students should consult their academic advisors to determine which courses fill this requirement.

Advanced Writing Requirement Electives

BIO 267Research in the Life Sciences I: Research Skills3
COM 211Argumentation and Advocacy3
ENG 214Introduction to Editing3
ENG 232Literature and Medicine3
ENG 287Explorations in Creative Writing3
ENG 288Fiction Writing3
ENG 289Poetry Writing3
ENG 292Writing About Film3
ENG 316Introduction to News and Article Writing3
ENG 323Writing in Rhetorical Traditions3
ENG 331Communication for Engineering and Technology3
ENG 332Communication for Business and Management3
ENG 333Communication for Science and Research3
ENG 381Creative Nonfiction Writing Workshop3
ENG 388Intermediate Fiction Writing Workshop3
ENG 389Intermediate Poetry Writing Workshop3
ENG 416Advanced News and Article Writing3
ENG 417Editorial and Opinion Writing3
ENG 422Writing Theory and the Writing Process3
ENG 425Analysis of Scientific and Technical Writing3
ENG 426Analyzing Style3

Physiology Electives

BIO 240Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology (A): Nervous, Skeletal, Muscular, & Digestive Systems4
BIO 245Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology (B): Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory & Renal Systems4
BIO 424Endocrinology3
BIO 488Neurobiology3
BIO 588Neurobiology3
MB 441Immunology3

Human Biology Electives

ANS 452/552Comparative Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology3
ANT 371Human Variation3
ANT 374Disease and Society3
ANT 421/521Human Osteology3
ANT 424/524Bioarchaeology3
ANT 444/544Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Women3
ANT 450/550Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Living3
BCH 452Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory2
BCH 453/553Biochemistry of Gene Expression3
BCH 454Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory4
BCH 455/555Proteins and Molecular Mechanisms3
BIO 315General Parasitology3
BIO 361Developmental Biology3
BIO 370Developmental Anatomy of the Vertebrates3
BIO 375Developmental Anatomy Laboratory2
BIO 405Functional Histology3
BIO 414Cell Biology3
BIO 416Cancer Cell Biology3
BIO 418Cell Biology Research Lab2
BIO 424Endocrinology3
BIO 432Evolutionary Medicine3
BIO 434Hormones and Behavior3
BIO 440The Human Animal: An Evolutionary Perspective3
BIO 482Capstone Course in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology3
BIO 483Capstone Course in Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology3
BIO 484Capstone Course in Human Biology3
BIO 488/588Neurobiology3
BIT 477/577Metagenomics2
EDP 476Psychology of Adolescent Development3
ENT 207Insects and Human Disease3
FS 301Introduction to Human Nutrition3
FS 405
FS 406
Food Microbiology
and Food Microbiology Lab
5
FS 505
FS 506
Food Microbiology
and Food Microbiology Lab
5
GN 301Genetics in Human Affairs3
GN 421/521Molecular Genetics3
GN 434Genes and Development3
GN 441/541Human and Biomedical Genetics3
GN 451Genome Science3
GN 456Epigenetics, Development, and Disease3
GPH 201Fundamentals of Global Public Health3
GPH 404Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health3
MB 405
MB 406
Food Microbiology
and Food Microbiology Lab
5
MB 411
MB 412
Medical Microbiology
and Medical Microbiology Laboratory
4
MB 435/535Bacterial Pathogenesis3
MB 441Immunology3
MB 470Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases3
NTR 301Introduction to Human Nutrition3
NTR 330Public Health Nutrition3
NTR 410/510Maternal and Infant Nutrition3
NTR 419Human Nutrition and Chronic Disease3
NTR 521
PB 215Medicinal Plants3
PHI 221Contemporary Moral Issues3
PHI 325Bio-Medical Ethics3
PHY 452
PHY 503General Physiology I3
PHY 504General Physiology II3
PHY 552
PSY 370Personality3
PSY 376Developmental Psychology3
PSY 406Psychology of Gender3
PSY 430Biological Psychology3
PSY 431Health Psychology3
PSY 470Psychopathology3
PSY 475Child Psychology3
PSY 476Psychology of Adolescent Development3
SOC 301Human Behavior3
SOC 381Sociology of Medicine3
ST 404Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health3
STS 325Bio-Medical Ethics3
TOX 201Poisons, People and the Environment3
TOX 401Principles of Toxicology4
TOX 501Principles of Toxicology4
WGS 406Psychology of Gender3
WGS 444/544Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Women3

Additional Science and Math Electives 

AEC/GN 450Conservation Genetics3
BEC/BIT 463Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms2
BIO 230The Science of Studying Dinosaurs3
BIO 240Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology (A): Nervous, Skeletal, Muscular, & Digestive Systems3
BIO 245Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology (B): Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory & Renal Systems3
BIO 310Quantitative Approaches to Biological Problems3
BIO 416Cancer Cell Biology3
BIO 418Cell Biology Research Lab2
BIO 432Evolutionary Medicine3
BIT 477Metagenomics2
GN 428Introduction to Machine Learning in Biology3
GN 453Personal Genomics3
MA 331Differential Equations for the Life Sciences3
MB 470Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases3
PB 205Our Green World3
ZO 334Captive Animal Biology Field Laboratory2
ZO 486Capstone Course in Zoology3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
LSC 101 Critical and Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences 1 2
BIO 181 Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 1 4
CH 101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 3
CH 102 General Chemistry Laboratory 1 1
MA 131 Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A 1 3
LSC 103 Exploring Opportunities in the Life Sciences 1
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours15
Spring Semester
BIO 183 Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology 1 4
CH 221 Organic Chemistry I 1 3
CH 222 Organic Chemistry I Lab 1 1
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 4
MA 231 Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B 1 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall Semester
Physiology Requirement 4
CH 223 Organic Chemistry II 1 3
CH 224 Organic Chemistry II Lab 1 1
ST 311 Introduction to Statistics 1 3
GEP Humanities 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours17
Spring Semester
Physiology Requirement or HB Elective 3-4
PY 211 College Physics I 1 4
CH 201 Chemistry - A Quantitative Science 1 3
CH 202 Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 1 1
Advanced Writing Requirement 3
 Hours14
Third Year
Fall Semester
BCH 351
General Biochemistry 1
or Principles of Biochemistry
3-4
PY 212 College Physics II 1 4
MB 351 General Microbiology 1 3
MB 352
General Microbiology Laboratory 1
or Inquiry-Guided Microbiology Lab
1
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours15
Spring Semester
GN 311 Principles of Genetics 1 4
GEP Social Sciences 3
Science & Math Elective 3
Physiology Requirement or HB Elective 3-4
 Hours14
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
HB Elective 3
HB Elective 3
GEP Social Sciences 3
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 3
Science and Math Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
HB Elective 3
GEP Humanities 3
Science and Math Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required.

Career Opportunities

Many students majoring in the Department of Biological Sciences take advantage of scholarship and honors programs available at NC State, including the University Honors Program and the University Scholars Program.  In addition, we offer a discipline-based Undergraduate Honors Program in Biological Sciences (DBS Honors Program).  The DBS Honors Program requires students to design a challenging program of advanced study, including eight credits of honors coursework in biology and at least two semesters of research or teaching scholarship.  Participants write an honors thesis and are required to present their scholarly work at a local, regional, or national meeting.  Invitations to join the DBS Honors Program are sent in the first three weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters.  Students in any major in the Department of Biological Sciences who have earned an overall GPA of 3.60 after completing 30-65 credit hours at NC State will receive an invitation to join the DBS Honors Program; transfer students in any of our majors who have earned an overall GPA of 3.60 in 15 credit hours at NC State also will receive an invitation.  

Students who graduate from the Department of Biological Sciences are well prepared for employment in various government agencies and private industries. Graduates may continue their education with studies leading to advanced degrees in many areas of the biological sciences, including cell biology, ecology, microbiology, genetics, zoology, neurobiology, and biomedical disciplines. Many choose to seek advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, public health, and other health-related fields. Students who plan to seek certification for pre-college teaching may want to pursue a second major in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Education.

Career Titles

  • Agricultural Sciences Professor
  • Agronomist
  • Allergists and Immunologists
  • Anesthesiologist (MD)
  • Anesthesiologist Assistants
  • Animal Breeder
  • Animal Scientist
  • Aquaculture Specialist
  • Aquarium Curator
  • Biochemist
  • Biological Technician
  • Biologist
  • Biology Professor
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Biophysicist
  • Biopsychologist
  • Botanist
  • Cardiologist (MD)
  • Clinical Dietitian
  • Dentist (DDS)
  • Dietitian and Nutritionist
  • Environmental Disease Analyst
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Research Analyst
  • Epidemiologists
  • Family Practitioner (MD)
  • Fish and Game Warden
  • Fish Hatchery Specialist
  • Food & Drug Inspector
  • Food Science Technicians
  • Food Technologist
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • General Internists (MD)
  • Genetic Counselors
  • Geneticist
  • Gynecologist (MD)
  • Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
  • Horticulturist
  • Hospitalists
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Industrial Waste Inspector
  • Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
  • Marine and Aquatic Biologist
  • Medical and Scientific Illustrator
  • Medical Equipment Technician
  • Medical Technologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Obstetrician (MD)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
  • Occupational Physician (MD)
  • Oceanographer
  • Optometrist
  • Park Naturalist
  • Pathologist (MD)
  • Pediatrician (MD)
  • Pharmacist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Phlebotomist
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
  • Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Radiologist (MD)
  • Sales Representative (Chemicals & Drugs)
  • Soil Conservationist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Sports Physician (Orthopedist)
  • Surgeons (MD)
  • Toxicologist
  • Urologists
  • Veterinarian (VMD)
  • Water Pollution Control Inspector
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Wildlife Control Agent
  • Winemaker / Vinter
  • Zoologist

Learn More About Careers

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Bio Careers
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology