Nov 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, B.A.


Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  124

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate:  2.0

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  52

 

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Department: Biology

Learn more about the program

 

Biology is the core life science program. The Department of Biology provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education offering courses aimed at breadth and depth of study, including cellular and molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, physiology, organismal biology, animal behavior, plant biology and physiology, ecology, and evolution. The curriculum emphasizes the process of science through inquiry-based experiential learning in laboratory and field courses, faculty-mentored research, and co-curricular opportunities. Students connect their experiences and gain global perspectives through participation in international research projects, attendance at regional and national conferences, and fieldwork both domestically and abroad. 

The B.A. in Biology is based on the foundation of the core curriculum in biology but offers flexibility in course selection. Many of the chemistry, physics, and math requirements in the B.S. program are options rather than requirements in the B.A. program. Students are strongly encouraged to pair the B.A. in Biology with a second major or minor in education, business, communications, psychology, history, sociology, philosophy, computer science, environmental studies, and sustainability, among many other choices. Each student is individually advised and counseled according to their career interests. Students should note that, unlike the B.S. program, the B.A. program does not by itself fulfill medical school requirements.

Major Requirements


The B.A. in Biology is comprised of seventeen courses (68 credits).

Core Courses


Complete the following four required courses:

Concentrations


Upon successful completion of the four core course requirements, students have two options:

  • Choose five courses in one of the following three concentrations
  • Choose any five upper level courses in biology based on their interests

Area A - Concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biotechnology


Complete the following three courses:

Area B - Concentration in Integrative Biology (Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-Dental)


Complete three of the four following courses, as outlined:

Area C - Concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior


Complete the following two courses:

Customized Course Options


Complete a minimum of any five upper level Biology (BIO) courses, in consultation with your advisor.

Biology Electives


Choose from the following upper-level course selections based on interests and career path. Students fulfilling a concentration choose two courses. Students not opting for a concentration choose five courses from the following:

Additional Course


Students may take one of the following courses as one of the five upper-level elective courses:

Health Science Courses


For students who are required to take two semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology through the Health Sciences Department in order to complete a major or minor, completing both of the following courses will satisfy the requirement for one of the five upper-level elective courses for the Biology major:

Additional Required Courses


Complete the following five additional courses as outlined below: