Biology, B.S.

Introductory Courses

Complete all courses in the following list:

• BIOL 111 - Fundamentals of Biology
• BIOL 113 - Biology Laboratory
• BIOL 220 - Genetics
• CHEM 110 - General Chemistry

Computational Courses

Choose one course from the following list:

• BIOL 185 - Data Science: Visualizing and Exploring Big Data
• BIOL 187 - Introduction to Data Science in Python
• CSCI 121 - Scientific Computing

Intermediate-Level Courses

Intermediate-level courses expand and focus students’ understanding of particular topics.

Students must take one course from each of the categories below:

Advanced Level Courses

Advanced level courses provide students with a greater depth of biological thought.

Students must take at least three courses on the following list, at least one of which must be a laboratory course (indicated by *).

• BIOL 302 - Modern Computational Biostatistics
• BIOL 309 - The Biology of Symbioses and Microbiomes
• BIOL 310 - Microbiology *
• BIOL 322 - Conservation Genetics
• BIOL 325 - Ecological Modeling and Conservation Strategies *
• BIOL 330 - Experimental Botany: Global Climate Change *
• BIOL 332 - Plant Functional Ecology *
• BIOL 340 - Evolution
• BIOL 355 - Microanatomy *
• BIOL 360 - Experimental Neurophysiology *
• BIOL 362 - Animal Physiology *
• BIOL 365 - Developmental Biology *
• BIOL 385 - Molecular Mechanics of Life *
• BIOL 395 - Advanced Topics in Biology
• BIOL 397 - Neuroendocrinology
• BIOL 398 - Selected Topics in Ecology and Evolution

Quantitative Biology:

Choose one course from the following list:

• BIOL 267 - Bioengineering and Bioinspired Design
• BIOL 282 - Modeling and Simulations in Public Health
• BIOL 283 - Pregnancy: A KISS in Time?
• BIOL 325 - Ecological Modeling and Conservation Strategies
• BIOL 357 - A Walk Through the Ages: Using Artificial Intelligence to Understand the Evolution of Exercise
• BIOL 385 - Molecular Mechanics of Life

•  (may also be used as intermediate and advanced-level courses in 4-7 above)

• and, when appropriate,

• BIOL 297 - Topics in Biology

STEM Electives

Complete at least 17 additional elective credits in other STEM departments/programs: CHEM, CBSC (with SC or SL designation), CSCI, GEOL, MATH, NEUR, or PHYS.

Completion of the Major Field Test (MFT) in Biology

Research in Biology

Research in biology is recommended for all students preparing for graduate school. We encourage students to explore opportunities to engage in directed individual study (BIOL 401-403) and directed individual research during the summer or academic year (BIOL 421-424).

Total Major Requirements 50 credits

A major in biology leading to a Bachelor of Science degree consists of at least 50 credits in science and mathematics, with at least 33 credits in biology.