Requirements
Overview
The department offers both the bachelor of science degree and the bachelor of arts degree. Each degree has a different focus, and it is important that students contact the biology department office to establish regular communication with a designated departmental adviser. The requirements for the BS are designed for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in the life sciences. Additional courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as some laboratory experience in biology provide greater in-depth training than the BA.
The BA degree is appropriate for those students who wish to pursue a double major. Majors may not exempt Biology 142 with AP or International Baccalaureate scores. All courses required for biology degrees are taken for a letter grade. Sophomores planning to major in biology should confer with the office staff and be assigned an adviser.
For the BA degree: (1) a minimum of thirty-six hours of biology to include: Biology 141 and 142; one course in each of the three areas listed for the BS degree; four electives (16 credit hours minimum) from the biology course listings (excluding Biology 160, 190, and 497R), no more than one of which is cross-listed and originates in another department; (2) Chemistry 141 and 142 (or 171 and 172); and (3) one upper level laboratory course is also required within the 36 hours of biology.