The Biological Sciences major is intended for the biology student who wishes to develop an individualized combination of courses at the advanced level. The student is free to plan a curriculum of great breadth or to choose an area of specialization not offered as a major by the department. The vast majority of undergraduates in our Department choose the Biological Sciences major.
The Biological Sciences major is suitable for those planning a career in which general familiarity with biological topics is desirable, such as jobs in scientific journalism, biological and pharmaceutical supply industries, biological or medical research, scientific libraries and museums, or in any industry where the products or by-products have potential biological impact. Completing the Biological Sciences major fulfills the basic science requirements for admission to medical, dental, and other health professional schools and to graduate biology programs.
- Biological Sciences BS Requirements
- All students within the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences must complete General Education Requirements. These courses provide breadth to your education beyond training in the Biological Sciences.
- All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences must also complete Co-requisite courses in Chemistry, Math, and Physics; these courses give you the scientific background to maximize your education within the Biological Sciences major.
- The major progress tracker below is a comprehensive list of the courses Biological Sciences majors must complete to obtain the B.S. degree. Review the BIOSC Courses webpage for available BIOSC electives. It is the student's responsibility to track their progress through the major and general education requirements.
- Sample Schedule
This is a sample schedule of how one could arrange a well-balanced curriculum for a major in Biological Sciences. We recommend students enroll in no more than 6 - 8 credits of science/math each term. Also, make sure to balance all labs across several terms.
Please note: The following schedule is only a suggestion for completing a major in Biological Sciences. There are many other ways to organize the courses. You should work with one of our Biological Sciences Advisors to create a plan suitable for you and your specific educational plans.
Students majoring in the department of Biological Sciences should try to take at least one BIOSC lecture per semester. To facilitate this, we recommend that students spread out their co-requisite courses as follows:
- General Chemistry: First year
- Organic Chemistry: Second year
- Physics: Third year
- Statistics and Calculus: consult your advisor about the best time to take these
Year One
Fall Semester Spring Semester Course Credits Course Credits BIOSC 0150
CHEM 0110 (with lab)
WorkCmp
GenEd
Elective3
4
3
3
1*BIOSC 0157 lab
BIOSC 0160
CHEM 0120 (with lab)
SemComp
GenEd
Elective2
3
4
3
3
1Total 14 Total 15 *Or take Year 2 fall semester Year Two
Fall Semester Spring Semester Course Credits Course Credits *BIOSC 0267 lab
BIOSC 0350 (or elective)
CHEM 0310
GenEd
GenEd
Elective2
3
3
3
3
1MATH 0220
CHEM 0320
CHEM 0345 lab
GenEd
Elective
Elective4
3
2
3
3
2Total 14 Total 17 *Or take Year 2 spring semester Year Three
Fall Semester Spring Semester Course Credits Course Credits BIOSC Elective (or 0350 genetics)
STAT 1000
PHYS 0110 / 0174
GenEd
Elective3
4
3 / 4
3
3BIOSC 1000
*PHYS 0212 / 0219 lab
PHYS 0111 / 0175
GenEd
GenEd
Elective3
2
3 / 4
3
3
1Total 16 - 17 Total 13 - 16 *Not required for major. Only if applying to medical, dental, physical therapy, optometry, or (some) veterinary schools. Year Four
Fall Semester Spring Semester Course Credits Course Credits BIOSC Elect.
BIOSC Elect.
BIOSC Lab
GenEd
Elective
Elective3
3
1
3
3
3BIOSC 0370 or 1130
BIOSC Elect.
BIOSC 1010 (Writ)
BIOSC Lab
GenEd
Elective3
3
2
1
3
3Total 16 Total 15 - Careers