Biology
Exploring the Major— Students considering a major in Biology should waive or complete MAT 012 and enroll in BIO 110 and CHM 131 or CHM 134. (Students should complete CHM 101 prior to enrolling in CHM 131/CHM 134 if they have a limited high-school chemistry background.) BIO 100, BIO 101, and BIO 102 cannot be used toward the Biology major. These courses are general access courses or are service courses for other programs.
Admission to the Major— Completion or waiver of MAT 012 is a prerequisite for all major Biology courses. To be admitted to the Biology major, students must complete BIO 110, BIO 113, and BIO 114 with a combined GPA of 2.37 (grades below a C- are not acceptable). NOTE: This GPA requirement applies to entrance into the Biology major; it is not a graduation requirement.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— Students considering a major in Biology should waive or complete MAT 115 during their first year. If possible, students should complete BIO 110, BIO 113, and BIO 114 by the second term of their sophomore year. Students also are advised to complete their collateral Chemistry courses by sophomore year, whenever possible. BIO 330 should be taken in the junior year and BIO 494 should be taken in senior year.
Other Considerations and Recommendations— Pre-medical/dental/veterinary students should enroll in CHM 131 rather than CHM 134, if possible. Students preparing for graduate or professional school are strongly encouraged to complete CHM 311, CHM 340, MAT 135 (or waiver), and PHY 127 and PHY 128 in addition to the courses and collaterals in the Biology major.
Teaching Certification – Students interested in gaining certification to teach in the area of Biology (Grades 8 – 12) must meet all requirements for admission to the Biology major as well as admission to and completion of the Teacher Education Certification requirements. (See Teacher Certification Requirements)