Biology (BI)
The Biology major prepares students for graduate programs and careers in the Life Sciences and Health Professions, and for lifelong learning in the sciences. Majors choose one of four concentrations: (1) Biomedical Science, (2) Cell & Molecular Biology, (3) Ecology Evolution & Behavior and (4) Integrative Biology. Students have flexibility, with both introductory courses offered every semester, numerous electives at the advanced level, a strong student-faculty research program with a Senior Thesis option, an option to count up to four courses from other disciplines toward the Biology Major, and excellent study abroad programs. Majors pursue a comprehensive curriculum studying Biology from molecules and cells through organisms, populations, and communities. Biology students engage in critical analysis and creative, original work with investigate labs in their courses and individualized research with faculty and peers. A Junior Year Seminar emphasizes scientific communication skills and career preparation, and a Senior Seminar brings each class together for an integrative capstone experience.
Biology Courses that Fulfill the General Education Requirement
The Biology department offers a diverse set of exploration courses, designed specifically for the non-science major to introduce the process of science using a broad array of contemporary topics.
Biology Courses for Study Across The Life Sciences
The Biology curriculum supports ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s Life Science majors and ID programs. Roughly half of the students enrolled in Biology courses are majors in programs outside of Biology. The Introductory Biology courses (BI107 and BI108) are required foundation courses for majors in Biology as well as Neuroscience, Environmental Studies (BI108 only) and the Biochemistry concentration in the Chemistry major.
Biology Courses for Study in the Health Professions
BI107 and BI108 satisfy the minimum one-year requirement for the health professions, and prepare students for more advanced 200-level biology courses in cell & molecular biology, genetics, physiology, microbiology and biostatistics required or recommended for students in the health professions. BI107, BI108 plus advanced courses in biology prepare students especially well for the increased emphasis on cell & molecular biology, systems biology and biological chemistry in the new Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Since BI107 and BI108 are pre-requisites for Biology coursework at the 200- and 300-level, we strongly encourage students to enroll in BI107 and or BI108 in in the Fall semester of the first year, and the remaining introductory biology course in the Spring semester. BI107 and BI108 are offered each term and may be taken in either order.
Recommended courses for a prospective major and those interested in the healtH professions
Fall 2024
BI 107 Molecular and Cellular Foundations of Life OR BI 108 Organismal Biology
Elective options
CH 115/ 125*,(based on placement), EN 105, core courses, exploration
Spring 2025
BI 107 Molecular and Cellular Foundations of Life OR BI 108 Organismal Biology
Elective options
CH 126^, (if taken CH115 in Fall), EN 105, core courses, exploration
*Placement in CH 115 or CH 125 requires an online diagnostic exam prior to registration; both CH 115 and CH 125 are only offered in the Fall.
^For students who complete CH 115 in the Fall, CH 126 is offered in the Spring to enable them to complete their introductory chemistry sequence. CH 126 has a CH 115 pre-requisite (no placement into CH 126) and is only offered in the Spring.
Center for Integrated Sciences, 1st and 2nd Floor
518-580-5070