The biology program lays a foundation for graduate study in biology, and for training in the professions and technologies based upon the biological sciences. The faculty believes that students should be broadly trained; should be knowledgeable in an area of specialization; should understand the process by which scientists ask and pursue the answers to questions; and should be acquainted with ethical principles and issues as they relate to the field of biology.

Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees are awarded in Biology. B.S. students must complete 36 credits in biology while B.A. students must complete 33 credits. Freshmen students begin with General Biology (BL 150-153) where cellular, organismal and population biology are introduced. Subsequently, they elect one of the three areas for concentration. During the sophomore, junior and senior years, they complete Cell Biology, one advanced course with lab in each of the three areas, and an additional advanced course with lab in their chosen concentration. Additionally, during the last semester of the junior year and through the senior year, students plan and complete a senior research project under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Finally, students also must complete one year of General Chemistry, one year of Organic Chemistry, and one year of Physics. B.S. students must complete one year of Calculus while one semester of Calculus is required of students electing the B.A. degree. It is strongly recommended that B.A. students complete a second semester of Calculus, and that all students complete one semester of Statistics before their senior year. General Biology is a prerequisite for all advanced courses. With the exception of General Biology, only courses above BL 200 may be applied toward the total biology credits required.

In individual circumstances and with permission of the chairperson, a course may be substituted for one of the required courses listed under the cellular, organismal, and population concentrations. Variations can and do occur depending on the goals or problems encountered.

Students should work closely with their advisors. Students are cautioned to give careful and serious consideration to the selection of courses because requirements and recommended courses may differ among professional and graduate schools.

Finally, since questions of an ethical and moral nature often arise in biology and related fields, students are encouraged to include a course on these issues in their curriculum.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology
Major Requirements (61 credits):

Fulfill the requirements for one area of concentration:
Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration:

Organismal Biology Concentration:

Population Biology Concentration:

Strongly Recommended:

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
(See Core Curriculum requirements.)
Major Requirements (68 credits):

Fulfill the requirements for one area of concentration:
Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration:

Organismal Biology Concentration:

Population Biology Concentration:

Strongly Recommended:

Requirements for Minor in Biology (26 credits)
All students must complete the following courses:

Additionally, students must complete 10 credits from the courses listed below. Two lecture-laboratory course combinations, each combination from a different area of concentration, must be included. Students may complete the remaining credits in any concentration.

Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration:

Organismal Biology Concentration:

Population Biology Concentration:

Typical Freshman Year Schedule
First Semester (14-15 credits):

All students will take one three (3) credit course designated as a Freshman Seminar which will satisfy a Core Curriculum requirement.

Second Semester (17-18 credits):