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The Biology major requires a minimum of thirty-five credits in biology to
include Biological Principles (Biology 111), The Biological World (112),
Genetics (205), Genetics Laboratory (206), Ecology (277), Cell Biology (309),
Physiology (310), Research Preparation (488), Senior Research (489), either
Senior Research (490) or Honors Thesis (498), and seven additional credits from
biology courses number 200 or above. In addition, you must complete the
following supporting coursework: General Chemistry with Lab (Chemistry 125/126
and 135/136) and one semester of Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 245); Calculus I
and II (Mathematics 125/126).
Departmental policy does not allow a P-D-F grade option for biology courses within the major. We strongly advise students to consult their advisor before taking any supporting courseswith the P-D-F option.
If you are a freshman, we suggest the following sequence of courses.
Freshman Year, First Semester: Chemistry 125/135, Math 125, Core, Elective.
Freshman Year, Second Semester: Chemistry 126/136, Math 126, Biology 111, Core,.
Sophomore Year, First Semester: Chemistry 245, Biology 112, Physics 155 (we recommend for students wanting to attend professional school or molecular areas of biology), Elective.
Sophomore Year, Second Semester: Chemistry 246/250 (if you are interested in medical/dental/veternary school or the molecular areas of biology), Physics 156, Biology 205, Elective.
Junior Year, First Semester: Biology 206, Biology 310, Electives.
Junior Year, Second Semester: Biology 309, Biology 488, Biology elective, Elective.
Senior Year, First Semester: Biology 489, Biology electives, Elective.
Senior Year, Second Semester: Biology 490, Biology electives, Elective.
If you start the major after the freshman year, contact a member of the Department for advice.
The Biology-Geology combined major: Biology 111, 112, 205, 215 or 277, 310, 488, and at least four additional credits in biology and/or biochemistry and molecular biology numbered above 200; Geology 110, 320, 345, 346, 350, 360, 470, and a minimum of one credit in 258; either three credits of Geology 480, 490, or 498 or three credits of Biology 489 and 490 (or 498); Chemistry 125, 126, 135, 136; or 140, 245; Mathematics 125, 126. Two semesters of physics and field experience are strongly recommended.
The Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology combined major (BBMB): Biology 111, 205; Chemistry 125, 126, 135, 136 (or 145,146); Chemistry 245, 246, 250, 345; Physics 155 and 156; BBMB 324, 325, 326, 334, 335, 336, 400; a minimum of three credits of research BBMB 490 (or 498); Mathematics 125, 126, 225; and at least seven credits taken from biology, chemistry and/or physics courses numbered 200 and above and approved by the BBMB faculty.
The Biology-Environmental Studies combined major: The requirements are fully described in the Environmental Studies listing of the Catalog.