Biology Major (B.S.)

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The Bachelor of Science degree is the standard degree and requires 39 credits: 21 credits of specified courses, one 4 credit upper level plant course elective, and 14 credits of biology electives (22 credits without Physics), and 6-8 support courses. Majors normally take an introductory core of six courses in the sequence listed below, plus a senior seminar.

Requirements

BIO 100 - First Year Seminar Credits: 1
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

Required Support Courses

The following science and mathematics support courses are also required of all Bachelor of Science biology majors:

CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 212 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 4
MAT 220 - Biostatistics Credits: 4
Calculus - One of the following two options:
MAT 134 - Survey of Calculus Credits: 4
or
MAT 121 - Calculus I Credits: 4 and
MAT 122 - Calculus II Credits: 4
One of the following Physics I & II sequences*:
PHY 111 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 112 - General Physics II Credits: 4
or
PHY 121 - Introductory Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 122 - Introductory Physics II Credits: 4
*The physics sequence may be replaced by two additional 300- or 400-level biology courses.

Plant Course Electives

One upper-level plant course is required. Choose from the courses below or an approved course from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies.

BIO 308 - Botany Credits: 4
BIO 310 - Ecology Credits: 4

Electives

An additional 14 credits in biology must be taken to complete a concentration below.

Biology Concentrations

Professional Concentration (B.S.)

The Professional Concentration provides flexibility in course selection. A total of 14 credits of biology electives required (22 credits without Physics).

Health Professions Concentration (B.S.)

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.

Health Professions Tracks

Courses for these concentrations are listed as tracks under the Health Professions Program:

Premedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary - See Track 1

Prenursing - See Track 2

Preoptometry - See Track 4

Prepharmacy - See Track 5

Prephysical Therapy - See Track 6

Prephysician’s Assistant - See Track 7

Biotechnology Concentration (B.S.)

The biotechnology concentration is recommended for those who want experience in biotechnology and want to be prepared for the business world as well as research.

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

The environmental concentration prepares students for a range of careers in environmental research and conservation.

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.S.)

The marine biology concentration can take advantage of Gordon’s location on the coast as well as collaborations with Wood’s Hole, Marine Studies Consortium, and Au Sable Institute.

The following courses are required:

BIO 230 - Introduction to Marine Science Credits: 4
BIO 331 - Marine Biology Institute Credits: 4
Additional 6 credits of biology electives (14 credits without Physics) 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.