Biological Sciences Major I

Major I in Biological Sciences has the following Concentrations:

Basic (shown below)

Three other concentrations that are slightly more rigorous than the basic Major I. Interested students should speak with a biology adviser as soon as possible to plan their courses accordingly.
Behavioral Neurobiology
Bioinformatics
Biophysics

28-credit concentration in biology at the 200-level and higher

This plan consists of a 28-credit concentration in biology at the 200-level and higher, the prerequisite for which is introductory biology (BIOL 10000 , BIOL 10200 ). The biology concentration consists of an 18-credit core — BIOL 200, 202, 300, 302 — and 10 credits of electives. Together, introductory biology and the concentration (37 cr) satisfy the major requirement for certification as a teacher of biology in grades 7-12 .

18-credit core

Electives (10 cr)

Students may select the remainder of their credits toward Major I from advanced courses in the biological sciences. At least one course must be at the 300 level, in addition to BIOL 300 and 302.

Special-topics

At least one special-topics course must also be taken (various topics offered each semester)

Interdisciplinary interests

Students with strong interdisciplinary interests may select the following, after approval by their adviser

Advanced course offerings in other departments or
SCI 30200 - Ethical Conduct in the Natural and Physical Sciences (an interdisciplinary course)

Additional science and math requirements for Major I:

Curriculum Guide for Major I

Year 1

Fall

Spring

Year 2

Fall

Spring

Year 3

Fall

BIOL 30000 - Biological Chemistry
PHYS 11000 - General Physics: Introductory Course in Mechanics, Heat, and Sound * or
PHYS 11100 - General Physics: Introductory Course in Mechanics, Heat, and Sound *
BIOL electives (300 level)

Spring

BIOL 30200 - Molecular Genetics
PHYS 12000 - General Physics: Introductory Course in Electricity and Magnetism, Light, and Atomic Physics * or
PHYS 12100 - General Physics: Introductory Course in Electricity and Magnetism, Light, and Atomic Physics *
BIOL electives (300 and 400 level)

Year 4

Fall

BIOL electives (300 & 400 level)

Spring

BIOL electives (300 and 400 level)

Note(s)

*We recommend that math, physics and chemistry courses be completed as early as the student’s schedule allows. Note that CHEM 22400 must be taken prior to or corequisite with BIOL 30000 ; otherwise, instructor permission is required. Students who are behind in the chemistry sequence are urged to take advantage of the summer session, during which these chemistry courses are usually offered.