Biology BA

The Biology curriculum is divided into three levels to ensure exploration of the full breadth of the biological sciences. In the Molecules to Cells level, students explore cellular and subcellular processes through examination of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and cell physiology. The second level, Cells to Organisms, examines the arrangement of cells into higher-order organization in the organism through the study of anatomy, physiology, plant biology and developmental biology. At the Organisms to Populations level, the interaction between organisms and their environment is expanded to include ecological, behavioral and evolutionary processes. Students majoring in biology complete upper-division course work at each of these levels, while also having the opportunity to spend additional course work going into greater depth within a level.

The B.A. in Biology requires completion of the Biology Core, which includes General Biology in combination with selected chemistry, physics and mathematics courses that will serve as a foundation for further study in the Department. A minimum of 22 credits of course work in Biology must be completed, in addition to General Biology I and II (8 credits). A minimum of one course from each of the biological subject categories is required (see 'course distribution requirements' below).  A grade of "C" or better in any prerequisite course is required for advanced courses in Biology.

All students must pass a comprehensive exam, which is given in the senior year.  This examination will generally entail a review of primary scientific literature in a specific subject area, followed by an oral presentation of findings and conclusions.  Students are urged to take the Biological Literature Seminar (4360) in the fall of the senior year as preparation for the comprehensive exam.