Department Requirements

Requirements for the Minor in Biology. The minor consists of five courses within the department, exclusive of independent study, numbered 102 or above, with two courses to be taken from two of the three core groups. 

Requirements for the Major in Biology. The major consists of eight courses in the department exclusive of independent study and courses below the 100 level.  Majors are required to complete Biology 102 or 109, and three of the twelve core courses. Core courses are divided into three groups. One course must be taken from each group. Majors are also required to complete four elective courses, at least two of which have to be above 250.

Group 1

Bio 212: Genetics and Molecular Biology
Bio 213: Neurobiology
Bio 217: Developmental Biology
Bio 218: Microbiology
Bio 224: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Group 2

Bio 210: Plant Physiology
Bio 213: Neurobiology
Bio 214: Comparative Physiology
Bio 217: Developmental Biology

Group 3

Bio 215: Behavioral Ecology and Population Biology
Bio 216: Evolution
Bio 219: Biology of Marine Organisms
Bio 225: Biodiversity and Conservation Science

Majors must also complete, Mathematics 171 (or above) or Math 161 and one of the following: Math 165, Psych 252.  Additional requirements are Physics 103 (or any physics course that has a prerequisite of Physics 103), Chemistry 102 or Chemistry 109, and Chemistry 225. Students are advised to complete Biology 102 or 109 and the mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses by the end of the sophomore year.

Students planning postgraduate education in science or the health professions should note that graduate and professional schools are likely to have additional admissions requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Advanced placement credits may not be used to fulfill any of the course requirements for the major.

Students should check in with Pam Bryer (Hatch 206B) at either the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year as to their progress towards the major requirements.

Biology Majors are encouraged to attend the department seminars offered throughout the fall and spring semesters. Fall 2011 Seminars.

*NOTE: FOR THE BIOLOGY MAJOR & MINOR

The D policy for Biology is as follows. Only one D grade is allowed in courses required for the minor and major. This D must be offset by an A or B grade in another course also required for the major. Students may not count Credit/Fail courses toward the major.

Biology Honors: If you would like information about earning departmental honors, please review the Biology Requirements for Honors.

Study Away: If you are considering studying abroad while completing a biology major, please review the Biology Department's statement on study away.