Biology Major (B.A.)

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Requirements

The biology major leading to a Bachelor of Arts requires 46 credits of biology: 20 credits in specified courses, 26 credits of biology electives. Three support courses: two courses in chemistry and one course in biostatistics are also required.

The Bachelor of Arts degree differs from the Bachelor of Science degree requiring fewer supporting courses and more biology courses. Specifically students doing the BA are not required to take Physics I and II or Organic Chemistry I and II or Calculus. This is five fewer courses. BA students are, however, required to take two additional upper level biology courses, leaving a net reduction of three courses between the two degrees. Students going into PA school ought to check specific requirements of schools they are interested in applying to. Some require one semester of Organic Chemistry.

General concentration requirements are for either degree. (See Biology Concentrations section below.)

Majors normally take an introductory core of five courses in the sequence listed below, plus a senior seminar.

BIO 150 - Biology I: Cells and Genetics Credits: 4
BIO 151 - Biology II: Animal Biology Credits: 4
BIO 250 - Biology III: Plants, Ecology and Evolution Credits: 4
BIO 260 - Introduction to Research in Biology Credits: 2
BIO 316 - Modern Genetics Credits: 4
BIO 491 - Senior Seminar: Topics in Biology Credits: 2

Electives

Students select an additional 26 credits of biology electives in consultation with their advisor. These electives must include at least one upper-level plant course (e.g., botany, plant anatomy and physiology, ecology or approved Au Sable course) and at least three upper-level (300- or above) biology courses.

Required Mathematics and Support Courses

CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 4
MAT 220 - Biostatistics Credits: 4

Biology Concentrations

Professional Concentration (B.A.)

The Professional Concentration provides flexibility in course selection. A total of 26 credits of biology electives required, including at least one upper-level plant course.

Health Professions Concentration (B.A.)

Biology is a popular choice of major for many students entering medicine or other health professions. Biology provides a breadth of experiences related to living organisms, including humans, which provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing medical-related fields. The B.A. in biology may be appropriate for those pursuing prenursing and physician’s assistant programs, while the B.S. in biology may be more appropriate for the premedical, preveterinary, predental and prephysical therapy tracks.

Students interested in a career in the health professions fields should declare a health professions concentration and track. The specific requirements for different health professions tracks are listed under the Health Professions Program section of this catalog. Contact Dr. Craig Story, Director of Health Professions, for additional information.

Biotechnology Concentration (B.A.)

The following courses are required:

BIO 341 - Biochemistry Credits: 4
BIO 425 - Internship Credits: variable
ECB 245 - Principles of Management Credits: 4
Additional elective credits are required in biology. The following courses are strongly recommended:
Also recommended:
- ECB 277 - Principles of Marketing
- ECB 374 - Small Business Management

Environmental Concentration (B.A.)

The following courses are required:

BIO 222 - Environmental Science Credits: 4
BIO 310 - Ecology Credits: 4
CHE 312 - Instrumental Analysis Credits: 4 or an approved environmental chemistry course
Two summer field courses at Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
Additional Elective credits are required
Recommended courses:
- BIO 440 - Advanced Techniques in Ecology
- BIO 304 - Conservation Biology

Marine Biology Concentration (B.A.)

BIO 230 - Introduction to Marine Science Credits: 4
BIO 331 - Marine Biology Institute Credits: 4

Biology electives (10 credits) approved by the department

BIO 310 - Ecology and courses from the Marine Studies Consortium or Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies are strongly recommended.

Biology with Middle School or Secondary Education Double Major

Students planning to teach biology at the middle school or secondary level should consult the education and biology chairs for specific requirements. The Bachelor of Arts in biology is recommended.