Biological Sciences Major

Core sequence

• BIO 111 - Explorations in Biology I: Life in Context (4 Cr.)
• BIO 112 - Explorations in Biology II: The Research Process (4 Cr.)
• BIO 220 - Principles of Genetics (4 Cr.)
• BIO 224 - Techniques in Genetics and Molecular Biology (1 Cr.)
• BIO 240 - Ecology and Evolution (4 Cr.)

• ​Select one of the following:

  • BIO 254 - Microbiology (4 Cr.)  
  • BIO 278 - Developmental Biology (4 Cr.)    

   

Advanced Coursework

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 Molecular Biology ( 4 Cr.)  
  • BIO 327 Molecular Genetics and Genomics ( 4 Cr.)  
  • BIO 336 Cellular Biology ( 4 Cr.)   

• Group II:

  • ​BIO 345 Advanced Ecology ( 4 Cr.)  
  • BIO 338 Integrative Animal Behavior ( 4 Cr.)  
  • BIO 360 Principles of Physiology ( 4 Cr.)  
• BIO 497 - Capstone in Biological Sciences (2 Cr.) or BIO 490 - Independent Research in Biological Sciences (2 Cr.) 

Additional Credits

Four additional credits beyond courses already taken, selected from BIO 254 , BIO 261 , BIO 278 , BIO 291 , a 300 or 400-level biology class or CHE 341 ; up to two credits of BIO 291  and BIO 490  can be counted towards elective credits. 

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 254  (WEC) or BIO 278  (WEC) and BIO 240  (WID) are used to evaluate writing proficiency in the major. Laboratory proficiency is determined in BIO 254  or BIO 278 .

Concentration in Dance Science

This concentration focuses on knowledge and technique in the 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 the 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 for at least 2 credits of BIO 290  or DAN 490 .

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 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.