Biological Sciences Major

Core sequence

• BIO 101 - Explorations in Biology I: The Research Process (4 Cr.)
• BIO 102 - Explorations in Biology II: Life in Context (4 Cr.)
• BIO 210 - Cell Biology and Biochemistry (4 Cr.)
• BIO 220 - Principles of Genetics (4 Cr.)
• BIO 224 - Techniques in Genetics and Molecular Biology (1 Cr.)
• BIO 340 - Ecology and Evolution (4 Cr.)

Advanced Labs

Two courses (eight credits) with advanced labs are required with at least one course selected from each of Group I and Group II:

• Group I:

• BIO 324 - Advanced Molecular Biology (4 Cr.)
• BIO 327 - Advanced Genetics (4 Cr.)
• BIO 354 - Microbiology (4 Cr.)

•  

• Group II:

• BIO 333 - Plant Physiology (4 Cr.)
• BIO 345 - Advanced Ecology (4 Cr.)
• BIO 360 - Principles of Physiology (4 Cr.)
• BIO 378 - Developmental Biology (4 Cr.)

Additional Credits

An additional nine credits are required. 

Four additional credits of 300-level or 400-level biology coursework, or BIO 261 , BIO 490 , or CHE 341 .

Four credits of seminar choosing from: BIO 420 , BIO 445 , BIO 454 , BIO 456 , BIO 474 , BIO 477 , BIO 482 , BIO 484 , BIO 487 .

Students will complete BIO 497  or BIO 490  for their capstone experience in fall of senior year.

Required supporting coursework: CHE 230  and MA 268  or MA 172  or DMC 106  or Advanced Placement Calculus (AB or BC) exam score of 4 or 5. (CHE 111  and CHE 151  are pre-requisites for CHE 230 .)

Note:

To count any course toward the major, students must receive a grade of at least a “C-“. Laboratory proficiency and writing proficiency in the major are required. Laboratory reports and papers in BIO 224  and BIO 340  are used to evaluate writing proficiency in the major. Laboratory proficiency is determined in BIO 224 .

Concentration in Dance Science

This concentration focuses on knowledge and technique in the new field of dance science. Study of the sciences is combined with technical and theoretical dance training to provide a basis for understanding problems in dance performance, nutrition, and care and prevention of injuries. With additional course work, this concentration provides preparation for graduate studies in physical therapy, sports medicine, dance medicine, and related fields. (See the director of premedical studies for specific requirements.) In addition to fulfilling all requirements for a major in the biological sciences, requirements for a concentration in dance science are:

• DAN 221 - Ballet Technique II (2 Cr.) OR DAN 215 - Modern Dance II (1.5 - 2.0 Cr.)  
• DAN 260 - Composition and Improvisation (4 Cr.)
• DAN 263 - Anatomy & Kinesiology for Dance (4 Cr.)
• PHY 115 - Principles of Physics I (4 Cr.)
• An internship or research in dance science

Concentration in Secondary Education with Certification in Biological Sciences

Students planning to teach biology in secondary schools must major in biology and complete the required education courses. See the teaching certification requirements under Secondary Education Certification, Grades 7-12 .

Honors in the Major

Honors are decided by a vote of the biology program faculty just prior to Commencement. Students considered for Honors should achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in all 200-, 300-, and 400-level courses that count toward the major. Students must complete a year-long, or summer plus semester-long, independent research project (BIO 490 ) with a grade of A- or better.