The biological sciences include the study of living systems at levels ranging from the structure and function of molecules to the behavior and evolution of communities of organisms. The Department offers four different routes to mastering skills and knowledge in this broad area. The B.A. and B.S. programs in Biology provide a broad introduction to biology with opportunities for students to create a program of study suited to their specific interests. Programs of study focused on particular aspects of biology are the B.A. and B.S. degrees in the areas of Behavioral Neuroscience and Molecular Biology and the B.S. degree in Biochemistry. University and College of Arts and Sciences requirements pertain to all of the majors listed below.
Click here to declare your major in the department of biological sciences
BA with Major in Biology
BS in Biology
BA in Behavioral Neuroscience
BS in Behavioral Neuroscience
BA in Molecular Biology
BS in Molecular Biology
BS in Biochemistry
BA in Biology (30 credit hours)
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
BIOS 41 Cellular and Molecular (3) BIOS 42 Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1) BIOS 115 Genetics (3) BIOS 116 Genetics Laboratory (1) BIOS 44 Integrative and Comparative (3) BIOS 45 Integrative and Comparative Lab (1) Electives *Biology electives (18) *Biology electives (no more than 3 credits from the following courses: 161, 261, 262, 391, 393, College scholar project; not BIOS 130), must include one course from List A and one course from List B.
LIST A LIST B BIOS 234 Comparative and Vertebrate Anatomy BIOS 324 Microbiology BIOS 235 Human Physiology BIOS 328 Immunology BIOS 241 Vertebrate Natural History BIOS 340 Molecular Basis of Disease BIOS 276 Central Nervous System & Behavior BIOS 345 Molecular Genetics BIOS 313 Vertebrate Histology BIOS 347 Advanced Topics in Genetics BIOS 314 Vertebrate Development BIOS 367 Cell Biology BIOS 315 Neuropharmacology BIOS 371 Elements of Biochemistry I BIOS 317 Evolution (BA Biology only) BIOS 372 Elements of Biochemistry II BIOS 329 Herpetology BIOS 376 Developmental Biology BIOS 334 Species & Speciation BIOS 381 Physical Biochemistry BIOS 335 Animal Behavior BIOS 384 Eukaryotic Signal Transduction BIOS 337 Behavioral Ecology BIOS 386 Genes and the Brain BIOS 365 Neurobiology of Sensory Systems BIOS 366 Diseases of the Nervous System BIOS 369 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology BIOS 374 Sex Determination & Difference BIOS 382 Endocrinology of Behavior BIOS 385 Synapses, Plasticity and Learning
Mathematics (7-8 credit hours) Collateral Sciences (16 credit hours) MATH 51 Survey of Calculus I (4)
MATH 52 Survey of Calculus II (3) or
MATH 12 Basic Statistics (4) or
BIOS 130 Biostatistics (4)CHM 30, 31 Introduction to Chemical Principles I, II (8)
CHM 110, 111 Organic Chemistry I and lab (3,1)
CHM 112, 113 Organic Chemistry II and lab (3,1)
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
BIOS 41 Cellular and Molecular (3) BIOS 42 Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1) BIOS 115 Genetics (3) BIOS 116 Genetics Laboratory (1) BIOS 44 Integrative and Comparative (3) BIOS 45 Integrative and Comparative Lab (1) BIOS 317 Evolution (3) Electives *Biology electives (22) *Biology electives must include two courses from list A, two courses from list B and at least four credits of laboratory experience (e.g. two 2 credit laboratory courses). These will be chosen in consultation with the major advisor.
LIST A LIST B BIOS 234 Comparative and Vertebrate Anatomy BIOS 324 Microbiology BIOS 235 Human Physiology BIOS 328 Immunology BIOS 241 Vertebrate Natural History BIOS 340 Molecular Basis of Disease BIOS 276 Central Nervous System & Behavior BIOS 345 Molecular Genetics BIOS 313 Vertebrate Histology BIOS 347 Advanced Topics in Genetics BIOS 314 Vertebrate Development BIOS 367 Cell Biology BIOS 315 Neuropharmacology BIOS 371 Elements of Biochemistry I BIOS 317 Evolution (BA Biology only) BIOS 372 Elements of Biochemistry II BIOS 329 Herpetology BIOS 376 Developmental Biology BIOS 334 Species & Speciation BIOS 381 Physical Biochemistry BIOS 335 Animal Behavior BIOS 384 Eukaryotic Signal Transduction BIOS 337 Behavioral Ecology BIOS 386 Genes and the Brain BIOS 365 Neurobiology of Sensory Systems BIOS 366 Diseases of the Nervous System BIOS 369 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology BIOS 374 Sex Determination & Difference BIOS 382 Endocrinology of Behavior BIOS 385 Synapses, Plasticity and Learning
Mathematics (11-12 credit hours) Collateral Sciences (25-26 credit hours) MATH 21, 22 Calculus I, II (8) or
MATH 51, 52 Survey of Calculus I, II (7) and
BIOS 130 Biostatistics (4)CHM 30 , 31 or 40, 41 Introduction to Chemistry I, II (8)
CHM 110, 111 Organic Chemistry I, II (6)
CHM 111, 113 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (2)
PHY 10 General Physics (4) or
PHY 11 Introductory Physics I (4)
PHY 12 Introductory Physics Laboratory I (1)
PHY 13 General Physics II (3) or
PHY 21 Introductory Physics II (3)
PHY 22 Physics Lab II (1)Recommended B.S. Biology sequence:
Freshman Year BIOS 41 - Cellular and Molecular (3)
BIOS 42 - Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1)
MATH 51, 52 - Survey of Calculus I, II (7)
CHM 30, 31 - Introductory Chemistry I, II (8)
Dept 90 - First Year Seminar (3)
Sophomore Year BIOS 115 - Genetics (3)
BIOS 116 - Genetics Laboratory (1) and/or
BIOS 44 - Integrative and Comparative (3)
BIOS 45 - Integrative and Comparative Laboratory (1)
CHM 110, 111, 112, 113 - Organic Chemistry and Laboratory (8)
BIOS 130 - Biostatistics (4)
Junior Year BIOS 115, 116 - Genetics and Laboratory or
BIOS 44, 45 - Integrative and Comparative and Laboratory
PHY 10, 12 - General Physics I and Laboratory (5)
PHY 13, 22 - General Physics II and Laboratory (4)
Approved biology electives including two from List A and two from List B (9-12)
Senior Year BIOS 317 - Evolution (3)
Electives - Biology electives including at least four (4) credits of laboratory (10-14)
The B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience is a natural science major for B.A. distribution purposes.
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
Required Major Courses BIOS 41 Cellular and Molecular (3) BIOS 42 Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1) BIOS 115 Genetics (3) BIOS 116 Genetics Laboratory (1) BIOS 44 Integrative and Comparative (3) BIOS 45 Integrative and Comparative Laboratory (1) BIOS 276 Central Nervous System and Behavior (3) BIOS 277 Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (2) or BIOS 278 Neurophysiology Laboratory or BIOS 279 Experimental Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory BIOS 382 Endocrinology of Behavior (3)
Advanced Neuroscience Elective (3 credits)
Choose one of the following:BIOS 365 Neurobiology of Sensory Systems (3) BIOS 366 Diseases of the Nervous System (3) BIOS 384 Eukaryotic Signal Transduction (3) BIOS 385 Synapses, Plasticity and Learning (3) BIOS 386 Genes and the Brain (3) BIOS 332 Behavioral Neuroanatomy (3) BIOS 323 Evolution of Development (3) BIOS 338 Neurodegenerative Diseases in Model Organisms (3)
Major Electives (6 credits)
Any 300-level BIOS course (except BIOS 347, 383, 387, 388, 391, or 393) not fulfilling another BNS requirement above.PSYC 117 Cognitive Psychology (3) PSYC 153 Personality (4) PSYC 176 Mind and Brain (4)
Math and Science Requirements for the B.A. (23-24 credits) MATH 21, 22 Calculus I, II (8) or MATH 51, 52 Survey of Calculus I, II (7) BIOS 130 Biostatistics (4) CHM 30, 31 Introduction to Chemical Principles I, II (8) or CHM 40, 41 Concepts, Models and Experiments I, II (8) CHM 110, 112 Organic Chemistry (6) CHM 111, 113 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (2) PSYC 1 Introduction to Psychology (4) Other Options
The B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience can be structured for a wide variety of possibilities (see listing of recommended elective courses). By using free electives to take additional science, the B.A. also can serve as a pre-professional degree for many graduate and professional schools. Students interested in a particular career-based program should consult their advisor or the program director, Professor Michael Kuchka.
An early commitment to the B.S. is desirable to meet all the requirements of this program.
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
Required Major Courses (25 credits) BIOS 41 Cellular and Molecular (3) BIOS 42 Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1) BIOS 115 Genetics (3) BIOS 116 Genetics Laboratory (1) BIOS 44 Integrative and Comparative (3) BIOS 45 Integrative and Comparative Laboratory (1) BIOS 276 Central Nervous System and Behavior (3) BIOS 277 Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (2) or BIOS 278 Neurophysiology Laboratory or BIOS 279 Experimental Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory BIOS 382 Endocrinology of Behavior (3)
Additional biological sciences requirements for the B.S. (8-10 credits) BIOS 371, 372 Elements of Biochemistry I & II (6) BIOS 234 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4) or BIOS 377 Biochemistry Laboratory (3) or BIOS 346 Molecular Genetics Laboratory (2). If this course is selected, Molecular Genetics BIOS 345 must be taken as an elective; or BIOS 368 Cell Biology Laboratory (2). If this course is elected, Cell Biology BIOS 367 must be taken as an elective; Or one of the following which must be a different course than chosen for Required Major Courses: BIOS 277 Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory BIOS 278 Neurophysiology Laboratory BIOS 279 Experimental Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory
Advanced Neuroscience Elective [Take 2 of the following (6 credits)] BIOS 365 Neurobiology of Sensory Systems (3) BIOS 366 Diseases of the Nervous System (3) BIOS 384 Eukaryotic Signal Transduction (3) BIOS 385 Synapses, Plasticity and Learning (3) BIOS 386 Genes and the Brain (3) BIOS 332 Behavioral Neuroanatomy (3) BIOS 323 Evolution of Development (3) BIOS 338 Neurodegenerative Diseases in Model Organisms (3)
Math and Science Requirements for the B.S. (40-41 credits) MATH 21, 22 Calculus I, II (8) or MATH 51, 52 Survey of Calculus I, II (7) BIOS 130 Biostatistics (4) CHM 30 Introduction to Chemical Principles (4) and CHM 31 Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Systems (4) or CHM 40 Concepts, Models and Experiments I (4) and CHM 41 Concepts, Models and Experiments II (4) CHM 110, 112 Organic Chemistry I, II (6) CHM 111, 113 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (2) PHY 10, 12 General Physics I and Laboratory (5) or PHY 11, 12 Introductory Physics I and Laboratory (5) PHY 13, 22 General Physics II and Laboratory (4) or PHY 21, 22 Introductory Physics II and Laboratory (5) PSYC 1 Introduction to Psychology (4)
Major Electives (6 credits)
Any 300-level BIOS course (except BIOS 347, 383, 387, 388, 391, or 393) not fulfilling another BNS requirement above.PSYC 117 Cognitive Psychology (3) PSYC 153 Personality (4) PSYC 176 Mind and Brain (4)
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
Biology (34-35 credit hours) BIOS 41, 42 Cellular and Molecular (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 115, 116 Genetics (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 44, 45 Integrative and Comparative (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 324 Microbiology (3) or BIOS 328 Immunology (3) or BIOS 353 Virology (3) BIOS 325 Microbiology Lab (2) or BIOS 368 Cell Biology Lab (2) or BIOS 377 Biochemistry Lab (3) BIOS 371 Elements of Biochemistry I (3) BIOS 345, 346 Molecular Genetics (3) and Lab (2) BIOS 367 Cell Biology (3) BIOS approved electives (6 credit hours)
Mathematics (7-8 credit hours) MATH 21, 22 Calculus I, II (8) or MATH 51, 52 Survey of Calculus I, II (7)
Chemistry (16 credit hours) CHM 30 Introduction to Chemical Principles (4) CHM 31 Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Systems (4) CHM 110, 111, 112, 113 Organic Chemistry I, II and Lab I, II (8)
Physics (9 credit hours) PHY 10, 12 General Physics I and Lab I (5) or PHY 11, 12 Introductory Physics I and Lab (5) PHY 13, 22 General Physics II and Lab (4) PHY 21, 22 Introductory Physics II and Lab (4)
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
Mathematics (11-12 credit hours) MATH 21, 22 Calculus I, II (8) or MATH 51, 52 Survey of Calculus I, II (7) BIOS 130 Biostatistics (4)
Chemistry (16 credit hours) CHM 30 Introduction to Chemical Principles (4) CHM 31 Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Systems (4) CHM 110, 112 Organic Chemistry I, II (6) CHM 111, 113 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
Physics (9-10 credit hours) PHY 10 (or 11) General Physics I (4) PHY 12 Introductory Physics Laboratory I (1) PHY 13 (or 21) General Physics II (3 or 4) PHY 22 Physics Lab II (1)
Biology (46-47 credit hours) BIOS 41, 42 Cellular and Molecular (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 115, 116 Genetics (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 44, 45 Integrative and Comparative (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 328 Immunology (3) or BIOS 353 Virology (3) BIOS 325 Microbiology Lab (2) or BIOS 368 Cell Biology Lab (2) or BIOS 377 Biochemistry Lab (3) BIOS 371 Elements of Biochemistry I (3) BIOS 372 Elements of Biochemistry II (3) BIOS 345, 346 Molecular Genetics (3) and Lab (2) BIOS 367 Cell Biology (3) BIOS 381 Physical Biochemistry (3) BIOS approved Molecular Biology electives (12 credit hours)
Recommended sequence for the B.S. in Molecular Biology
Freshman Year BIOS 41 - Cellular and Molecular (3)
BIOS 42 - Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1)
MATH 21, 22 - Survey of Calculus I, II (7)
CHM 30 - Introduction to Chemical Principles (4)
CHM 31 - Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Systems (4)Sophomore Year BIOS 115 - Genetics (3)
BIOS 116 - Genetics Laboratory (1)
CHM 110, 111, 112, 113 - Organic Chemistry and Laboratory (8)
PHY 10, 12 - General Physics I and Lab (5)
PHY 13, 22 - General Physics II and Lab (4)
Junior and Senior Years BIOS 44, 45 -Integrative and Comparative and Laboratory
BIOS 324 - Bacteriology (3) or
BIOS 328 - Immunology (3) or
BIOS 353 - Virology (3)
BIOS 325 - Microbiology Lab (2)
BIOS 368 - Cell Biology Laboratory (2) or
BIOS 377 - Biochemistry Laboratory (3)
BIOS 345 - Molecular Genetics (3)
BIOS 346 - Molecular Genetics Laboratory (2)
BIOS 371, 372 - Elements of Biochemistry I, II (6)
BIOS 367 - Cell Biology (3)
BIOS 381 - Physical Biochemistry (3)
BIOS Approved Molecular Biology Electives (12)
An interdepartmental B.S. biochemistry major is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. The B.S. in biochemistry degree is managed by an interdepartmental committee composed of biochemists, bioorganic chemists, and molecular/cellular biologists. The committee administers the degree, monitors the academic program, provides research possibilities, and advises student majors. The director of the program is currently Linda J. Lowe-Krentz. Faculty in both Biological Sciences and Chemistry serve as advisors.
Majors should be declared in Biological Sciences.
College and university requirements for all majors (25 credit hours)
ENGL 1, 2 Composition and Literature (6) First Year Seminar (3) Social Sciences (8) Humanities (8) Major Requirements
Collateral Science Requirements (at least 24) PHY 10, 12 General Physics I and Laboratory (5) PHY 13, 22 General Physics II and Laboratory (4) MATH 21, 22, 23 Calculus I, II, III (12) or MATH 51, 52, 43 Survey of Calculus I, II (7), Linear Algebra (3) and a statistics course CSE 12 Survey of Computer Science (3) or ENGR 1 Engineering I (3)
Required Chemistry Courses (25) CHM 40, 41 Concepts, Models and Experiments I, II (8) or CHM 30, 31 Introduction to Chemical Principles I, II (8) CHM 110, 111, 112, 113 Organic Chemistry (8) CHM 307 Inorganic Chemistry (3) CHM 194 Physical Chemistry (3) CHM 332 Analytical Chemistry (3)
Required Biological Sciences courses (25 minimum) BIOS 41, 42 Cellular and Molecular (3) and Lab (1) BIOS 115 Genetics (3) BIOS 371, 372 Elements of Biochemistry I (3), II (3), BIOS 377 Biochemistry Lab (3) Advanced Laboratory* (4) Electives in Biological Sciences* (3 hours minimum) Technical Writing* (2 hours minimum) *Chosen with the approval of adviser
Model Pattern Roster
Freshman Year BIOS 41 - Cellular and Molecular (3)
BIOS 42 - Cellular and Molecular Laboratory (1)
MATH 21, 22 - Calculus I, II (8) or
MATH 51, 52 - Survey of Calculus I and II (7)
CHM 40, 41 - Concepts, Models and Experiments I and II (8)
Dept 90 College Seminar (3)
ENGL 1,2 Composition and Literature (6)
PHY 10, 12 General Physics I and Laboratory (5) or
PHY 11, 12 Introductory Physics I and Laboratory (5)
Sophomore Year BIOS 115 - Genetics (3)
BIOS 130 Biostatistics*
CHM 110, 111, 112, 113 - Organic Chemistry and Laboratory (8)
PHY 13, 22 - General Physics II and Lab (4) or
PHY 21, 22 - Introductory Physics II and Laboratory (4)
MATH 23 - Calculus III or
MATH 43 - Linear Algebra (3)*A statistics course from the MATH department could also fulfill the statistics requirement
Junior Year BIOS 371, 372 - Elements of Biochemistry I and II (6)
BIOS 377 - Biochemistry Laboratory (3)
CHM 194 Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences (3)
CHM 332 Analytical Chemistry (3)
CSE 12 Survey of Computer Science (3)
Technical Writing (2)Senior Year BIOS Advanced laboratory course(s)
BIOS elective
CHM 307 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)