Biology

The Biology Department offers both a B.A. and B.S. degree. In addition to courses for biology majors and minors, several introductory courses are available to non-science majors. The non-majors classes include: BIOL 106 Nutrition and BIOL 121 Human Biology.

All prospective biology majors should complete the introductory chemistry lab/lecture series (CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L) during their first year, as these courses are required for both bachelor degrees and many of the upper-level biology courses. Prospective majors are very strongly encouraged to complete the introductory courses BIOL 201 and 202 during their first year. These courses have companion labs (BIOL 203 and 204, respectively) that are intended for premedical and pre-dental students as well as biology majors and minors. Scheduling guides intended to help students planning to major in Biology plan their course of study are found at these web sites: B.A. and B.S.

Once the introductory biology and chemistry courses have been completed, or satisfied through AP credit, students may take upper-level courses (numbered 300 and above). Majors must complete a minimum of 22 (for the B.A.) or 33 credits (for the B.S.) of upper-level courses. These must include the Core courses: BIOL 300 (Cell Biology & Biochemistry), 301 (Genetics & Molecular Biology), and 302 (Evolution & Ecology). The Core courses (300-302) may be taken in any order. Although required for all 400-level courses, BIOL 300-302 need not be taken prior to most other 300-level courses. Please see the Undergraduate Programs section of the Biology Department website or the Undergraduate Record for additional details regarding the specific requirements for the B.A., B.S., and biology minor.

Advanced Placement:
Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam receive six credits for the introductory lecture courses BIOL 201 and 202; the introductory lab courses are only required for AP classes that did not offer equivalent experiences to BIOL 203 and 204. To determine whether your AP lab was equivalent to BIOL 203 and BIOL 204, check the Department's BIOL 203 web site.