Requirements for Biology Major matriculating Fall 2005

For the biology major, the lower-division courses are designed to provide a broad background in basic biological concepts.  The upper-division requirements are designed to offer a more in depth exposure to the principle disciplines within biology and permit some specialization along lines of individual interest.  Biology majors are encouraged to attend departmental seminars and to participate in independent research in the field or lab.  The close interrelationship of biology to other disciplines requires that majors complete a program of supportive work in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. For this reason, we suggest that prospective biology majors consult with department members early in their academic program regarding specific requirements.

Biology Required Courses

Introductory Required Courses

• 121 Cellular Life:  Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology  (Please note that Biol 121 is a required course for all upper division courses as well as Biol 221 and 222.)
• 221  Introduction to Organismal Biology
• 222 Introduction to Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity

Upper Division Required Courses

• Five upper-division (300 level) courses.  Close consultation with your academic advisor is recommended. See also Suggested Coursework for Selected Areas of Interest
• Description of courses by emphasis:
• Organismal Diversity
• Cell/Molecular Biology
• Structural/Functional Biology
• Ecology/Evolution
• 348  Biology Seminar Series

Required Courses in Other Departments

• CHEM 123 & 124 (General Chemistry)
• MATH 119 (Calculus I) or MATH 123 (Essential Calculus) or MATH 124 (Probability and Statistics)

Strongly recommended courses:

Students intending to continue in graduate or professional school should meet with faculty advisors to design an appropriate program of study. Be aware that many graduate or professional programs may require additional coursework to be considered for admission. Some common requirements are shown below:

• BIOL 317 (Introduction to Biochemistry)
• CHEM 235 & 236 (Organic Chemistry)
• PHYS 105 & 106 (Physics for the Life Sciences)
• MATH 119 & 120 (a full year of Calculus)