The requirements for a major in biology are Biology 121, 122, 224, and five 300- or 400-level courses, including at least one from each of the following three groups: (a) Biology 309, 311, 313, 405; (b) 324, 345, 352, 407, 415; and (c) 306, 318, 336, 402, 411, 412. No more than the equivalent of one full course from Biology 300, 380, 480 and 490 may be applied toward the five required courses. Biology 303, 315 and 390 may not be counted toward a major. The Biology Major Field Test provided by Educational Testing Service must be taken the last semester prior to graduation. The date will be announced by the department. In addition to the biology course requirements, Chemistry 127-128 or 137-138, and Mathematics 110 or 121 are required. Chemistry 373 (Biochemistry) is accepted toward the biology major, and Earth Science 302 (Geology) may be counted by students with a biology teaching major or minor.
Organic chemistry, physics and mathematics are recommended as supporting courses for biology majors. For graduate work in the biological sciences, many schools require the following or their equivalents: Mathematics 121, 122; Chemistry 341, 342, 373; Physics 111, 112; and an applied statistics course.
The requirements for a minor in biology are Biology 121, 122, 224, and two 300- or 400-level courses. No additional supporting courses are required. Biology 303, 315 and 390 may not be counted toward a minor.
The requirements for a biology teaching major are described in the Science Teacher Preparation section of the Catalog.
Majors are regularly employed as laboratory assistants in the beginning biology courses and as teaching assistants to individual faculty, where they gain valuable teaching experience under the direct supervision of a biology staff member.
Biology students are also encouraged to participate in laboratory or field research projects. The projects can be arranged on a directed research basis with various faculty members in the Biology Department.
Departmental honors program: Junior biology majors who meet the criteria are invited to participate in the biology honors program.