The core undergraduate curriculum provides a background in the chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences, as well as broad preparation in the biological sciences. This diverse background provides flexible career opportunities for graduates, including science-related employment and professional or graduate schools. Students may pursue a general biology or a specialized track focusing in any of the following: ecology, evolutionary, and conservation biology; marine and aquatic biology; plant sciences; pre-health professional biology, or zoology and pre-veterinarian biology. The selection of electives, in consultation with a faculty advisor, permits further emphasis on a subspecialty. The pre-health professional and pre-veterinarian biology tracks allow students to satisfy requirements for admission to professional or graduate school while completing their B.S. degree in Biology. Research experience and exposure to specialized topics not taught through formal courses may be gained through independent study. The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a minor in Biology, the Master of Science in Biology, a graduate Certificate in Conservation Biology, a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, and participates in an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Biomolecular Sciences.