Biology - BS
If you are planning a career in research or plan to go on to graduate, medical, dental school then the Bachelor of Science in Biology program is recommended for you.
Overview
Do you have an interest in Biology, the environment, natural science, education, or allied health care fields and want flexibility to explore a double major or minor? The BA in Biology is designed for you!
About the Major
Degree Requirements
A total of 50-51 credits are required and includes a combination of biology, mathematics, and chemistry courses.
You must complete 24 credits of biology, 7-8 credits of upper-level biology, 16 credits of chemistry, 8 credits of physics and 7-8 credits of mathematics courses. Examples of core courses include:
- Introductory Biology I and II
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Principles of Chemistry I and II
- Everyday Statistics
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Foundational concepts:
- Students will be able to describe and apply foundational concepts of biology.
Analysis and critical thinking using the scientific method:
- Students will be able to design a well-controlled experiment, collect and analyze data, and write a report in scientific paper format.
Transfer of knowledge and analytical skills from one course to another:
- Students will be able to analyze and evaluate foundation concepts of biology in upper level biology elective courses.
Written or oral communication of concepts or experimental results:
- Students will be able to communicate, in a written or oral format, experimental results or biological concepts clearly and cogently to an audience of peers (other biology majors).
Yingcui Li, PhD, MD
Associate Professor of Biology ,
Professor Li was the 2018 recipient of the Belle K. Ribicoff Junior Faculty Prize that recognizes an outstanding junior faculty member—an assistant professor in a tenure-track position, but not yet tenured—who demonstrates combined excellence in teaching, scholarly or creative activity, and service.
Since 2013, Li has distinguished herself through her infectious enthusiasm for teaching, scholarship, and service. Known for a passion that transcends the classroom, Li motivates students in the lab and in life. Asiona Findletar ’16 says about her...Li is one of the great professors who dares to go beyond the duties of a regular professor. One who happens to teach that class you enjoy and genuinely want to go to even if it’s at 8 a.m. One that not only cares about your growth as a student but as a person as well.
Suggested Four-Year Curricula by Major
The Bachelor of Arts degree is recommended for students pursuing biology-related careers in government, industry, environmental fields, teaching and health-care professions.
(Applicable for the 2017-2018 Bulletin.)
First Year, Fall Semester
- BIO 122, Introductory Biology I 4 Credits
- CH 114, Principles of Chemistry I 4 Credits
- M 110, Modeling with Elementary Functions 3 Credits
- FYS 100 3 Credits
- DIA 100, Dialogue 1 Credits
Total Credits = 15
First Year, Spring Semester
- BIO 123, Introductory Biology II 4 Credits
- CH 136, Principles of Chemistry II 4 Credits
- AUCW 3 Credits
- WRT 110, Academic Writing I 3 Credits
Total Credits = 14
Second Year, Fall Semester
- BIO 260W, Ecology 4 Credits
- CS 110, 111 or 114 3 Credits
- WRT 210, Foundations of Argument 3 Credits
- “Diversity” course 3 Credits
- M 114, Everyday Statistics 3 Credits
Total Credits = 16
Second Year, Spring Semester
- BIO 272W, Genetics 3 Credits
- BIO 273W, Genetics Lab 1 Credits
- “Citizenship/Community” course 3 Credits
- AUCC 3 Credits
- Humanities elective 3 Credits
- PSY 105, Introductory Psychology 3 Credits
- DIA 200, Career Dialogue 1 Credits
Total Credits = 17
Third Year, Fall Semester
- BIO 212, Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credits
- Arts Elective 3 Credits
- Humanities elective 3 Credits
- Social Science elective 3 Credits
- AUCS 3 Credits
Total Credits = 16
Third Year, Spring Semester
- BIO 213, Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credits
- BIO 410, Developmental Biology 4 Credits
- AUCA 3 Credits
- Humanities Elective 3 Credits
Total Credits = 14 Credits
Fourth Year, Fall Semester
- BIO 310, Neurobiology** 4 Credits
- Electives* 12 Credits
Fourth Year, Spring Semester
- BIO 440, Medical Microbiology** 4 Credits
- Electives* 9 Credits
Total Credits = 13
* Biology BA majors should consider additional Biology electives, independent research or coursework towards a minor or double major.
** One cannot take both BIO 442, Microbiology, and BIO 440, Medical Microbiology, for credit.
Seniors should consider internships and independent research experiences.
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