Bachelor of Science in Biology

A student must pass BIOL 115N and 116N (General Biology 1 and 2) with a C (2.00) or better before declaring biology as a major. Following Biology 115N/116N, students complete their foundation in the Biological Sciences with a series of core courses: BIOL 290 (Practice of Science), 291 (Ecology), 292 (Evolution), 293 (Cell Biology), 303 (Genetics), and 405W (Biology Seminar).  All core courses must be passed with a C (2.0) or better. Competency in written and oral communication is demonstrated by successful completion of BIOL 405W.

In addition to the foundation courses, students must complete 16 hours of Biology electives. Elective courses allow students to explore areas of particular interest, such as marine biology, microbiology, botany and zoology, and/or to prepare for professional or graduate school.  Electives must include a minimum of three laboratory courses from at least two of the three subdisciplines (Cell/Molecular, Organismal/Evolutionary, and Ecological).  A complete list of courses in each subdiscipline is included in the University Catalog, which also provides complete descriptions of courses and their pre- and co-requisites.  Each elective must be passed with a C- or better to be applied for the degree.  Students must earn a 2.0 average in all Biology courses as well as a 2.0 overall for all courses to graduate.

Coursework in Biology is supported by significant preparation in mathematics and other sciences.  Students must complete CHEM 115N/116N, 311, and 5 hours at the 200 level or above; PHYS 111N/112N or OEAS 111N/112N; STATS 130M and MATH 200; and CS 149D.
Curriculum sheets from catalog years 2004-2006 (appropriate for both the 2002-2004 and the 2004-2006 catalog), and 2006-2008 are available as PDF files from the links below.

2004-2006 Curriculum sheet

2006-2008 Curriculum sheet