Biology Major Requirements

Download Requirement Worksheet (PDF)

Pre/Corequisites

Chemistry

For B.S. Degree For B.A. Degree
  • CHEM 101DL Core Concepts in Chemistry OR
  • CHEM 110DL Honors Chemistry: Core Concepts in context OR
  • CHEM 21 General Chemistry Credit
  • CHEM 101DL Core Concepts in Chemistry OR
  • CHEM 110DL Honors Chemistry: Core Concepts in context OR
  • CHEM 21 General Chemistry Credit
CHEM201DL Organic Chemistry  

NOTE: CHEM 210DL and CHEM 202L are recommended for pre-med, pre-vet, biochem and pharm students.

Math

For B.S. Degree For B.A. Degree
  • MATH 111L Laboratory Calculus I OR
  • MATH 121 Introductory Calculus I OR
  • MATH 21 Introductory Calculus I OR
  • BOTH MATH 105L/106L Laboratory Calculus and Functions I and II
  • BOTH MATH 105L/106L Laboratory Calculus and Functions I and II OR
  • MATH 111L Laboratory Calculus I (OR Math 21 or 112L or 122) OR
  • STA 102 Introductory Biostatistics  OR
  • BIOLOGY 304 (204) Biological Data Analysis (cannot be double counted as an elective) OR
  • STA 101 or above OR
  • EvAnth 585 (cannot be double counted as an approved alt elective)
  • STA 102 Introductory Biostatistics  OR
  • STA 101 or above  OR
  • BIOLOGY 304  Biological Data Analysis (cannot be double counted as an elective) OR
  • EvAnth 585 (cannot be double counted as an approved alt elective) OR
  • MATH 112L Laboratory Calculus II OR
  • MATH 122 Introductory Calculus II OR
  • MATH 22 Introductory Calculus II
  

Physics

For B.S. Degree For B.A. Degree
  • PHYSICS 141L General Physics I OR
  • PHYSICS 151L Introductory Mechanics OR
  • PHYSICS 161L Introductory Experimental Physics I OR
  • PHYSICS 25 (Physics C Mech. AP credit)
  • No physics required.

NOTE: PHYSICS 142L is recommended for pre-med, pre-vet, biochem and pharm students.

Biology Major Requirements (minimum 10 Courses)

The following courses are required for students pursuing both the B.S. and B.A. biology credentials.

Gateway Courses (2 or 1 courses)

The gateways are not sequenced and can be taken in either order.

OR

  • BIOLOGY 203L Molecular Biology, Genetics & Evolution (prerequisite: Biology AP 5 and Chem 101D or equivalent)

Biology Area Requirements (3 courses)

Select 1 course from EACH of the following three areas. Courses listed in more than one area may only be used to meet one area requirement.

General Biology Electives (5 or 6 courses)

At least 3 electives must be courses listed or cross-listed as biology. These may include Biochem 301 and a maximum of 2 approved Independent Study (BIO, BIOCHEM, PHARM, PATHOL, NEUROBIO, CELLBIO, IMMUNOL, and MGM). All biology courses numbered between 204-699 plus BIO 199D are acceptable as elective courses for the major (if not used for area requirement above). In addition, a list of approved alternative elective courses has also been compiled. A maximum of 2 or 3 approved alternate electives in the biological sciences may be counted toward the major (depending on Gateway sequence). A maximum of 2 approved independent studies or tutorials may count toward the major.

  • 3 biology elective courses

AND

Lab Experience Requirement

Through your area requirement and elective courses, you must take at least 2 full lab courses in addition to the Gateway courses. Courses must be at the 200 level or above. A maximum of 1 independent study may count as a lab course.

Capstone Course Requirement

Through your area requirement and elective courses, you must take at least 1 full 400-level or higher course listed or cross-listed in BIOLOGY. Approved Independent study can count towards this requirement if it is a second semester continuation.