Biology Major (BA or BS)

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Major Program

Biology students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology. Students preparing for graduate or professional schools are strongly encouraged to pursue the BS degree. Students interested in a particular field of biology may decide to pursue one of two concentrations: Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology; or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Students should consult with a biology faculty member to determine which path is most appropriate for their goals and whether adding a concentration to their biology major will be beneficial for their career path.

The biology program starts with a two course sequence that provides an overview of biologically related fields, emphasizes connections between biological concepts, as well as relevance and social implications of biological research, and helps students navigate the broad field of biology. Biology majors draw basic theoretical and practical tools from allied sciences by completing required courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Collaboration and research as a learning process is a pervasive theme of the biology major. Many biology courses feature independent or team original research projects as the focus of the laboratory. During the junior and senior years, students participate in the biology seminar program, and in the senior year they present a seminar drawn from their research. Internships that introduce students to careers in the basic biological sciences, health sciences, and industry are emphasized.

Biology Major Requirements

The BS and BA degrees require the same Foundations, Elective, Seminar, and Capstone course work. The Supporting Courses requirement is different for the two degrees. Please refer to the Supporting Courses section below for specific detail.

Foundation Courses (BA and BS):

Biology

General chemistry

Statistics (choose one)

Supporting Courses (BA):

Choose two courses from the list below.

Supporting Courses (BS):

Six courses are required.

General physics (2 courses)

Quantitative Emphasis (1 course)

MATH 1180 - Calculus II
CHEM 3240 - Analytical Chemistry (with Lab)
ECON 1500 - Methods and Modeling for Economics, Finance, and Analytics
PBHL 3100 - Epidemiology
Another quantitative course with department approval

Elective Courses (BA and BS):

Six elective courses are required from the lists below. At least one course must be taken in each category. Inquire with the Biology department chairperson about which category other upper-level Biology major courses may fit (for example, BIOL 3980 special topics).

Biology Seminar (BA and BS):

Capstone (BA and BS):

BIOL 5960 - Senior Capstone

Optional Concentration:

Students may choose to pursue a concentration as part of the biology major. The concentration is completed as part of the six-course elective requirement. Each concentration is comprised of four focused courses; the two remaining electives must be chosen from the elective categories above (Biology of Molecules and Cells, Biology of Organisms, and Biology of Populations) to ensure the student has at least one course in each category.

Concentration in Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology

Four courses are required from the list below.

Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Four courses are required from the list below.

Research Experience

Although not required, the Biology department strongly encourages students to participate in Research in Biology (BIOL 5700), Collaborative Research (BIOL 4010), or an internship. Collaborative research and internships are not counted as electives within the major.