Major Requirements

Major Requirements

Course Requirements

Biological Sciences Core

Chemistry

Students are typically expected to take the first year chemistry courses simultaneously with BIO 191, BIO 192, and BIO 193.

Physics

Students may substitute comparable sequences of Physics courses designed for science majors.

Mathematics

Choose one of the following Calculus sequences:

Students may be advised on the basis of their performance on the Mathematics Diagnostic test to take one or more course before calculus.

Concentration Requirements

Students must also complete the requirements from one of the following concentrations: Integrative Biology; Microbiology and Biotechnology; Medicine and Health; Neuroscience; Ecology and Evolution; Cell & Molecular Biology; or Physiology. Students are limited to only declaring one concentration.

Sequencing

Since programs in the Biological Sciences tend to be structured, it is useful for students to take courses in sequence. Students should begin with the General Biology and General Chemistry sequences. These are prerequisite to higher level requirements such as Ecology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Organic Chemistry, which should preferably be taken in the sophomore year. Since calculus is required for the degree, students should also begin their study of mathematics as soon as possible, preferably prior to their junior year, so that they can be adequately prepared for the General Physics sequence, best taken in the junior year. Because of this highly structured sequence, students are strongly encouraged to work with their departmental advisor in order to plan their course schedules and plan alternatives if necessary. Such planning is particularly important for transfer students, as the sequence presented above is highly recommended and most likely to be completed in a timely fashion.

The predominance of chemistry and biology course sequences required in the freshman and sophomore years generally dictates that, with the exception of the Liberal Studies Core courses, the majority of the Liberal Studies courses may be postponed until the junior and senior years. Students may therefore be taking fewer Liberal Studies courses in the first two years than many other programs, concentrating instead on major field requirements, which are prerequisites to upper division courses.​​

Students are advised to talk with their advisor before double majoring, because some major combinations are prohibited.  No more than 50% of the credits that apply to one major may be drawn from another major. 

Honors in Research for BS students in Biology

The Honors in Research recognizes students who, with a faculty advisor in the Biology department, have developed a high-quality and novel research project that contains publishable data. The student will write a senior thesis and complete an oral presentation to the department. If the thesis is approved by the faculty mentor advisor, faculty reader, and the Honors in Research Program Director, the successful student will be awarded Honors in Research in Biology.

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