To address the breadth and depth essential to educating biologists, the biology major is structured to include both a broad foundation through core courses, and opportunity for specialization within a biological subfield through biology electives. The major is designed to prepare the student for a post-baccalaureate profession in biology, for advanced professional training in the health sciences, or for graduate study in basic and applied areas of the biological sciences. The Department of Biology and the College of Medicine offer exceptional students the opportunity to enter medical school after only three years of undergraduate training in biology. A minor in biology is also offered by the department.