Academic Advising Resource Center
Biology
Why take courses in Biology?
Biology at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï is defined by the "hands-on" exploration of life’s complexity. From the molecular mechanics of a single cell to the vast dynamics of global ecosystems, our department emphasizes a high degree of collaboration between students and faculty.
Whether you are working in the cutting-edge Science Center laboratories, the expansive rooftop greenhouse, or the many local field sites, you will engage in a curriculum that balances rigorous quantitative analysis with creative inquiry. Taking courses here means joining a community that views biology not just as a body of facts, but as a process of discovery used to address pressing global challenges in health, climate, and conservation.
What kinds of questions does Biology explore?
While the field is vast, our curriculum focuses on three core pillars: Ecology & Evolution, Organismal Biology, and Cellular & Molecular Biology. We explore questions such as:
- Pathogens & Immunology: What are the mechanisms of human disease, and how do our bodies—and our societies—respond to them?
- Evolution, Ecology, & Biodiversity: What are the relationships among species and what drives their evolution? How do genetic variation and environmental pressures drive the diversity of life, and how do species interact within complex ecosystems?
- The Cellular Conversation: How do trillions of cells coordinate to build a beating heart or a thinking brain? What happens when this communication breaks down, and how can we use that knowledge to stop the growth of a cancer cell?
- Genomics & Bioinformatics: How do we use computational modeling and genomic sequencing to predict the functional relationships of life’s building blocks?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Biology?
- Start with the Gateway: All students—regardless of AP or IB credit—begin their biological journey with BIOL 100 (Organismal Biology), offered both semesters, or with CHEM 101. BIOL 100 is the essential foundation for the major and the prerequisite for the rest of the "gateway" sequence (BIOL 210/211 and BIOL 223/224). Chemistry is a prerequisite for some more advanced coursework, including Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry (BIOL 223/224). Students with a strong background may take BIOL 100 and CHEM 101 both in the first semester.
- Balance Your Schedule: Biology labs are intensive and rewarding. To ensure a successful transition to college-level science, many students find it helpful to take only one lab-based science course during their first semester. Starting with chemistry instead of biology enables you to take some more advanced biology courses sooner. Note that BIOL 100 is offered both semesters.
- Explore Beyond the Major: You don't have to be a biology major to explore the field. We offer several courses designed for non-majors that connect biological principles to societal issues, and many of our elective courses support interdisciplinary majors like Neuroscience, Environmental Studies and Sciences, and Biochemistry.
- Think Like a Researcher: From your first semester, look for opportunities to engage in research. The department prides itself on undergraduate involvement in faculty labs, and early exposure to the experimental process will help you decide which branch of biology excites you most.
Note that all students interested in the major are required to take BIOL 100, even if they have previously earned credit for BIOL 103.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
The introductory course, BIOL 100 (Organismal Biology), has no prerequisite and is open to non-majors. In addition, several first-year seminars are taught with a biological emphasis or scientific theme. Biology of Infectious Diseases and their Global Impact (BIOL 047), Introduction to Global Health (BIOL 135), and Environmental Biology (BIOL 103) are intended specifically for non-majors.
Getting started in the major
There are five core biology courses for majors to complete: BIOL 100, BIOL 210, BIOL 211, BIOL 223, and BIOL 224. In addition, all biology majors must complete CHEM 101, CHEM 102, and CHEM 205. The greatest flexibility in course options is possible when students take the year-long introductory chemistry sequence (CHEM 101 and CHEM 102) in the first year.
Advanced Placement Credit
Students earning a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Biology exam (AP Bio) or a score of 6 or 7 on the HL-IB exam will receive 1 full course of natural science credit, as BIOL 604, applied toward graduation requirements, but not toward the Biology major. AP/IB credit does not exempt Biology majors from taking BIOL 100: Organismal Biology. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Biology
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. This major is eligible for the Bachelor of Science. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | CHEM 101 + lab MATH 133 or CSCI 140/150 | CHEM 102 + lab BIOL 100 + lab |
| Y2 | CHEM 205 + lab | BIOL 223/224 |
| Y3 | BIOL 210/211 BIOL 3XX | Study Away |
| Y4 | BIOL 3XX + lab | BIOL 3XX + lab BIOL 4XX |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | BIOL 100 + lab | BIOL 210/211 |
| Y2 | CHEM 101 + lab DATA 113 | CHEM 102 + lab |
| Y3 | BIOL 223/224 | CHEM 205 + lab BIOL 3XX |
| Y4 | BIOL 3XX + lab | BIOL 3XX + lab BIOL 4XX |
Related Areas of Study
Biochemistry; Chemistry; Computer Science; Geosciences; Environmental Studies; Neuroscience; Statistics.
Learn More
Biology Major Requirements
Biology Department