Biology Major (B.A.)
The B.A. in Biology (major code BIOA) is a program that provides a solid foundation in laboratory-based life sciences for students who are interested in integrating their study of biology with other disciplines including law, ethics, psychology, history, computer science, science writing or journalism, and education. The program is also of interest to students for expanding their understanding of this area of study that is increasingly important for informed citizenship, intelligent parenting, and life-long learning.
In addition to meeting the standards and requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, degree candidates for B.A. in Biology must complete a minimum of 31 credits in biology, chemistry, and mathematics as well as 15 credits from the major elective courses listed below for a total of 46 credits. At least two major elective courses must be in Biology (BIOL), and no more than 4 credits of Biology electives may be in research, independent study, or Co-op courses.
Students pursuing the B.A. in Biology will follow the College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum requirements for B.A. students.
Link to College Core requirement.
B.A. Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1211 & BIOL 1212 | General Biology- Organisms and General Biology-Organisms Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 1222 & BIOL 1223 | General Biology-Cell and General Biology-Cell Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 2221 & BIOL 2222 | Genetics and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 3201 & BIOL 3202 | Ecology and Stewardship and Ecology and Stewardship lab | 4 |
| BIOL 4199 | Senior Biology Seminar | 3 |
| CHEM 1123 & CHEM 1124 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 6 |
| CHEM 1124 & CHEM 1126 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| MATH 1401 | Calculus I | 4 |
| BIOL XXXX | Biology Electives above 3000 * | 6-8 |
| Select seven to nine credits from the following BIOA Electives: | 7-9 | |
| Introduction to Biological Anthropology | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I-Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II-Lab | ||
| Computing for Science Majors | ||
| Scientific and Technical Writing | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Statistics for Science Majors | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics II | ||
| Physics Laboratory I and Physics Laboratory II | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
PSYC xxxx | Psychology courses by advisement | |
| Sociology of Health-Medicine | ||
or ANTH 2224 | Health and Medicine: An Anthropological Approach | |
| Total Hours | 46-50 | |
- *
Note: Some have prerequisites
A Model 4-Year Plan for the B.A. in Biology
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| CORE 1001 | University Life | 1 |
| CORE 1101 | Journey of Transformation | 3 |
| BIOL 1211 | General Biology- Organisms | 3 |
| BIOL 1212 | General Biology-Organisms Lab | 1 |
| ENGL 1201 | Core English I | 3 |
| MATH 1015 or MATH 1401 |
Pre Calc Math Alg and Trig or Calculus I |
4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIOL 1222 | General Biology-Cell | 3 |
| BIOL 1223 | General Biology-Cell Lab | 1 |
| COST 1500 | Foundations in Oral Rhetoric | 2 |
| ENGL 1202 | Core English II | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
General Elective |
||
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| BIOL 2221 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 2222 | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 1123 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 1125 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CORE 2101 | Christianity and Cult in Dial. | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIOL xxxx | Biology Elective (above 3000) | 3-4 |
| CHEM 1124 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 1126 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 13-14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| BIOL 3243 | Ecology and Stewardship | 4 |
| BIOA Elective | 3 | |
| CORE 3XXX: Engaging the World | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 6 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIOL xxxx | Biology Elective (above 3000) | 3-4 |
| BIOA Elective | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 6 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| BIOL 4199 | Senior Biology Seminar ** | 3 |
| BIOA Elective | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 6 | |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIOL 4199 | Senior Biology Seminar ** | 3 |
| BIOA Elective | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences Core * | 3 | |
| General Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 124-127 | |
- *
Consult the College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum for information regarding these courses.
- **
Seniors will take Biology Senior Seminar in the Fall if they expect to graduate in December.
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