BA in Biology

We require students to maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in the major, excluding allied field courses.

To begin the major declaration process for BA in Biology, please use this link to access our departmental form.

Major Requirements

Students planning to major in the biological sciences should take BIOL 110L and 111L (or 112L and 113L), and CHEM 131-132 in their first year, and BIOL 198 or 190 and CHEM 203/207 in the fall of their second year.

Introductory Courses (Three Courses)

Select one of the following introductory I courses:

  • BIOL 110L: Principles of Biology I with Lab
  • BIOL 112L: Perspectives in Biology I with Lab (pre-requires AP biology exam score of 4 or 5)

Select one of the following introductory II courses:

  • BIOL 111L: Principles of Biology II with Lab
  • BIOL 113L: Perspectives in Biology I with Lab (pre-requires AP biology exam score of 4 or 5)
  • BIOL 115: Introduction to Organismal Evolutionary Biology (not offered after spring 2017; may use if taken)

Select one of the following genetics courses and the associated lab:

  • BIOL 190 and BIOL 198P: The Human Genome and Lab
  • BIOL 198 and BIOL 198P: Principles of Genetics and Lab

Laboratory Experience (Two Courses)

  • BIOL 198P: Principles of Genetics Lab (required of all students)
  • One from the following:
    • BIOL 204P: Principles of Human Physiology Lab
    • BIOL 217L: Principles of Human Anatomy
    • BIOL 219L: Genomics of Quantitative Traits
    • BIOL 218P: Data Analysis in R Computer Laboratory
    • BIOL 225: Lab in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    • BIOL 228: iGEM I&II International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition Course Series
    • BIOL 250L: Introduction to Biochemistry (Prior to spring 2022)
    • BIOL 250P: Introduction to Biochemistry (Spring 2022 onward)
    • BIOL 253L: Computational Biology
    • BIOL 257L: Applied Genomics
    • BIOL 259L: Applied Population Biology
    • BIOL 268: Lab in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology 
    • ####395: Independent Research
    • BCH 208: Laboratory Methods in Biochemistry
    • MBI 221W: Microbiology Laboratory

Advanced Courses (Five Courses)

Choose one of the following evolution and ecology courses:

  • BIOL 205: Evolution
  • BIOL 206: Eukaryotic Genomes
  • BIOL 219L Genomics of Quantitative Traits with Lab
  • BIOL 253L: Computational Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 255: Behavioral Endocrinology (Can replace BIOL 260, check for availability)
  • BIOL 260: Animal Behavior
  • BIOL 263: Ecology
  • BIOL 267: Human Evolutionary Genetics

Choose one of the following:

  • BIOL 202: Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 204: Principles of Human Physiology
  • BIOL 210: Molecular Cell Biology
  • BIOL 226: Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 250L: Introduction to Biochemistry with Lab
  • BIOL 250: Introduction to Biochemistry without Lab
  • BIOL 252: Principles of Biochemistry
  • BIOL 278: Biomechanical Mechanisms of Cellular Processes

Select three courses from BIO diversification elective list.

Ancillary Requirements (Six Courses with Indicated Labs)

Both of the following:

  • CHEM 131: Chemical Concepts I with Lab*
  • CHEM 132: Chemical Concepts II with Lab*

One of the following organic chemistry courses:

  • CHEM 203 and 207: Organic Chemistry I with Lab*
  • CHEM 171 and 173: First Year Organic Chemistry I with Lab*

*Satisfactory completion of CHEM 171/173 and 172/210 first year organic chemistry series with labs in conjunction with AP credit for CHEM 131 fulfills the chemistry requirements.

One of the following physics courses:

  • PHYS 113: General Physics I with Lab
  • PHYS 121: Mechanics (lab included)
  • PHYS 141: Mechanics (Honors) with Lab

One of the following calculus I courses:

  • MATH 141: Calculus I
  • MATH 161: Calculus IA*
  • MATH 171Q: Honors Calculus I

One of the following statistics courses:

  • STAT 212: Applied Statistics for the Biological and Physical Sciences*
  • STAT 213: Elements of Probability and Math Statistics
  • STAT 214: Biostatistics

*AP credit will also be accepted for this course. See our advising page for more information about AP credit.

Upper-Level Writing (ULW) Requirements (Two Courses)

All biology majors must complete two ULW courses. Although students are strongly encouraged to complete both ULW requirements by taking biological sciences courses (BIOL, BCH, MBI, NSCI), an upper-level writing course within a natural sciences discipline may also be used to meet one of the requirements.

Biochemistry majors are also welcome to take CHEM 210W: Organic Chemistry Lab II to fulfill part of this requirement. All other majors need permission from their biology advisor.

Writing courses within the humanities and social sciences cannot be applied to the biology major. See the upper-level writing requirement page for more information on which courses satisfy this requirement.

Preparing for Medicine/Health Professions

Graduate and medical degree programs in the health professions frequently have admissions requirements that include two semesters in general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, and calculus. Some programs may have additional requirements such as biochemistry and/or microbiology.

For detailed information on premed course requirements, academic planning, and the MCAT, visit the Health Professions Advising website.

Diversification Electives List

Check the course schedules/descriptions available via the Registrar's Office for prerequisites and official course descriptions.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact your major advisor for consultation on course selections and approval of other biological sciences courses not listed.

Fall
  • BIOL 202: Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 204: Principles of Human Physiology
  • BIOL 206: Eukaryotic Genomes
  • BIOL 220: Advanced Cell Biology
  • BIOL 222: Biology of Aging
  • BIOL 225: Lab in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • BIOL 226: Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 228A&B: iGEM I&II International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition Course Series
  • BIOL 257L: Applied Genomics
  • BIOL 259L: Applied Population Biology
  • BIOL 260: Animal Behavior
  • BIOL 399 Communication Engagement Practicum (four credit version only)
  • IND 408: Advanced Biochemistry
  • MBI 220: Introduction to Microbiology
  • MBI 221W: Microbiology Laboratory
  • MBI 414: Pathogenesis of Microorganisms
  • MBI 473: Immunology
  • NSCI 201: Basic Neurobiology
  • NSCI 241: Neurons, Circuits, and Systems
  • NSCI 243: Neurochemical Foundations of Behavior
  • NSCI 245: Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
  • NSCI 251: Neurobiology of Sleep
  • #### 395: Independent Research Biological Science Courses
Spring
  • BIOL 205: Evolution
  • BIOL 210: Molecular Cell Biology*
  • BIOL 217L: Principles of Human Anatomy (BIOL 217P lab required/should not take BIOL 217 if BME 258 is taken)
  • BIOL 219L: Genomics of Quantitative Traits
  • BIOL 228A&B: iGEM I&II International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition Course Series
  • BIOL 243: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
  • BIOL 250 or 250L: Introduction to Biochemistry or BIOL 252: Principles of Biochemistry
  • BIOL 253L: Computational Biology Semester Change
  • BIOL 255: Behavioral Endocrinology
  • BIOL 261W: Genetic Research A
  • BIOL 263: Ecology*
  • BIOL 265: Molecular Evolution*
  • BIOL 268: Lab in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 267: Human Evolutionary Genetics
  • BIOL 278: Biochemical Mechanisms of Cellular Processes
  • BCH 308: Biochemical and Molecular Biology Techniques
  • BCH 412: Advanced Topics in Biological Macromolecules
  • BME 258: Human Anatomy (should not take BME 258 if BIOL 217L was taken)
  • BME 468: Introduction to Structure and Analysis of Biomolecules
  • EESC 201: Evolution of the Earth
  • EESC 220: Geobiology (Even year rotation)
  • IND 443: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
  • IND 447: Signal Transduction
  • MBI 404: Intro to Emerging Pathogens
  • MBI 421: Microbial Physiology and Genetics
  • MBI 456: General Virology
  • NSCI 203: Lab in Neurobiology
  • NSCI 244: Neuroethology
  • NSCI 246: Biology of Mental Disorders
  • NSCI 249: Developmental Neurobiology
  • NSCI 250:  Acquired Brain Disorders (Prerequisite: NSCI 201/BCSC 240)
  • NSCI 252:  Functional Neuroanatomy
  • NSCI 415:  Neuroscience of Neuroprosthetics
  • #### 395: Independent Research Biological Science Courses*

* This course offers an upper-level writing course.