Nov 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology, B.A.


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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: Natural Sciences

Learn more about the program

 

Biology is the core life science program. The Biology program 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 comprises thirteen courses (52 credits).

Core Courses


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:

Cognate Courses


One Math course:

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