The Biology curriculum starts with a one-semester introductory course called Introduction to Biological Inquiry (BIO 150). Multiple sections of this course are taught in workshop format (combining lecture, discussion, and lab) each semester. Each section covers a different topic, but all stress the process of biological science. (Descriptions of the sections offered each semester are included in the Schedule of Courses.) BIO 150 is open to all students. It is prerequisite for intermediate and advanced study in Biology, even for students with Biology AP credit.
Entering students considering a Biology major should take BIO 150 and CHM 129 in their first year, in either order. Such students should also take MAT 131 (or MAT 123 and 124) their first year. In their third semester, students should take bothBIO 251 and CHM 221. (Note: Students with Chemistry AP/IB credit must take CHM 210 before CHM 221.) In their fourth semester students should take BIO 252. Additional coursework in Mathematics and Statistics (e.g., MAT 133, 209), Chemistry (CHM 222), and Physics (PHY 131,133) is recommended but not required for Biology majors.
Listed below are sample schedules for students planning a major in Biology.
| FIRST YEAR FALL | FIRST YEAR SPRING | |||
| BIO 150 or CHM 129, MAT 131 (or 123) | BIO 150 or CHM 129, MAT 133** | |||
| (or MAT 124) | ||||
| SECOND YEAR FALL | SECOND YEAR SPRING | |||
| BIO 251, CHM 221++ | BIO 252, CHM 222** or MAT 209** | |||
| THIRD YEAR FALL | THIRD YEAR SPRING | |||
| Off-Campus Study | BIO 3XX, BIO 3XX, PHY 131** | |||
| FOURTH YEAR FALL | FOURTH YEAR SPRING | |||
| BIO 3XX, PHY 132** | BIO 3XX, BIO 3XX | |||
** These courses are recommended but not required. ++ For students with Chemistry AP/IB credit CHM 210 is prerequisite to CHM 221. In their third and fourth years students should complete five Biology electives. Certain courses (e.g., in Anthropology, Biological Chemistry, and Psychology) can replace one elective. Please check with your adviser.
