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Biological Sciences Major

Biological Sciences Major -- overview

Lab Class

This degree is intended for students interested in a general degree in biology.  However, by selection of courses, in consultation with your advisor, you can choose to emphasize any area of biology. In addition to completing one course from each of three "core groups", students are urged to complete at least four courses with laboratory work in any of the biology departments.  It is possible to obtain a B.A. degree in Biological Sciences, although for most students we recommend taking the few extra courses needed for the B.S. degree.

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Prerequisite courses:

  1. Biology 1107 and 1108 or 1110. (May be taken in either order)
     
  2. Chemistry 1127Q, 1128Q or 1124Q, 1125Q, 1126Q (required for B.S.; recommended for B.A.).
     

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Courses required for the major:

  1. Core course:  either MCB 2410 (Human Genetics), MCB 2000 (Introduction to Biochemistry), MCB 3010 (Biochemistry), MCB 2210 (Cell Biology), MCB 2413 (Concepts of Genetic Analysis), or MCB 2610 (Fundamentals of Microbiology)
     
  2. Core course:  either EEB 2244/2244W (General Ecology) or 2245/2245W (Evolutionary Biology)
     
  3. Core course: either PNB 2250 (Animal Physiology) or PNB 2274-2275 Enhanced Human Physiology and Anatomy (Note: PNB 2274-2275 MUST be taken in sequence to be counted towards the Biology major).
     
  4. At least 24 credits of 2000's level courses or above from EEB, MCB and PNB. It is strongly recommended that at least four of these courses include laboratory work. Independent Study courses (EEB 3899, MCB 3899, or PNB 3299) in any of the three biology departments will provide majors with a means of gaining additional specific research experience.
     
  5. At least 12 credits of 2000's level courses or higher in related fields, which can include biology courses other than those used to satisfy requirements a-d above.

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Biology Courses not applicable towards the major:

    Please note that the following biology courses open to sophomores are not primarily for majors and may not be counted toward the 24 credits required for a major in biology (although they may count as related courses, with the advisor's approval):

    1. MCB 2400, Heredity and Society
       
    2. PNB 2264 and 2265, Human Physiology and Anatomy

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Page last updated 7 August 2008.