The major in biology is designed to give students a broad introduction to the many areas of biological science, along with the flexibility to specialize according to particular interests. At a minimum, students who complete the major will also have fulfilled the requirements for premedicine, preveterinary medicine, and predentistry. The major can be completed only by daytime attendance.

Students planning a career in the biological sciences may tailor their curricula under the direction of their advisers to create concentrations in computational/integrative biology, molecular biology/genetics, physiology/neurobiology, cell/developmental biology, or ecology/organismal biology. As part of the major, students have the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a research project, normally in their junior or senior year. Students receive credit for this research experience by registering for Special Problems in Biology after arranging the details with the faculty member of their choice.

The requirements for the biology major fall into three categories. Basic courses provide the academic foundation of the major. Electives allow in-depth examination of areas of particular individual interest and the associated laboratories provide hands-on experiences. A senior course provides an opportunity to critically analyze the primary research literature of the discipline and to present results publicly in oral and written form.

Basic Courses

The following courses are required of all biology majors:

50:120:101,107 General Biology I (3) and Laboratory (1)
50:120:102,108 General Biology II (3) and Laboratory (1)
50:640:121 Unified Calculus I (4)
50:120:283 Statistics for Biological Research (3)
50:160:115,125 Chemical Principles I (3) and Laboratory (1)
50:160:116,126 Chemical Principles II (3) and Laboratory (1)
50:160:335,336 Organic Chemistry I (4) and Laboratory (1)
50:750:203,133 General Physics I (3) and Laboratory (1)
50:750:204,134 General Physics II (3) and Laboratory (1)

Elective Courses

All biology majors must take at least seven elective courses (at least four must have a laboratory component) from the 300-400 level biology or biochemistry course offerings (3-4 credits each).

Some biology graduate courses (500 level) may be taken as electives by advanced undergraduate students provided they have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0, have completed the necessary prerequisites, and have the permission of the instructor.

Senior Seminar

All biology majors must complete the following course before graduating (students are encouraged to take this course in either the fall or spring of the final year of study):

50:120:399 Current Topics in Biology (3)