Curriculum in the Biological Sciences
Majors in the
Biological SciencesMinors in the
Biological SciencesCourses in the
Biological SciencesCourses in Biology
Information for students interested in
Health Professions
Requirements for the Biology Major:
Classes of 2001, 2002, 2003For students in the classes of 2001, 2002, and 2003, the requirements for a major in Biology are the following:
- Biology 111 (Note: Biology majors often take this course and Chemistry 153 concurrently.) Biology 101 (Not recommended for Biology majors but may be used toward the major with permission of the Biology Department.) or a score of 4 or 5 on the A.P. Biology Exam or a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the I.B. higher level Biology Exam.
- Four 200-level Biology courses (at least three of which have laboratory). Note: each major program will generally include courses in both plant and animal biology.
- Three 300-level Biology courses (at least two of which have laboratory). Note: Most 300-level courses have prerequisites. Plan ahead accordingly.
- Chemistry 202 (The prerequisite is Chemistry 153. Students interested in a career in health professions or in some graduate school programs must take Chemistry 154 as well.)
- Four related courses: These courses are chosen from offerings not used to meet the above requirements, including other courses in Biology, Chemistry 153, 154, Bio 399 and courses from Physics and Mathematics, especially Calculus I (Math 100) and/or Calculus II (Math 104). Courses in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are generally required for students who plan to attend graduate school in Biology. Related courses from other departments may be included depending upon the goal of the student's program, and permission of the Biology Department.
Biology Departmental Honors will be awarded on the basis of a B+ or better average in the major, an overall average of B or better, and a grade of B+ or better on the Individual Research Project.
Printable Checklist of Requirements for the Biology Major for the classes of 2001-2003
Requirements for the Biology Major:
effective with the Class of 2004 (incoming in fall 2000)For students in the class of 2004, the requirements for a major in Biology are the following:
- Biology 111 - Concepts in Biology
The Bio111 requirement will remain in effect.
- Four 200 level courses, at least three of which must have a laboratory. These courses will draw from the biology Areas as described below.
- Three 300 level biology courses, at least two of which must have a laboratory. These courses will draw from the biology Areas as described below.
- Chemistry 153 Chemical Principles and
Chemistry 154 Inorganic Reactions
This is a new requirement effective with class of 2004.
- Four Related courses from biology, chemistry, math, or physics.
The 200- and 300-level biology courses must include a minimum of one course from each of the following Biology Areas:
- Cells & Molecules
- Organisms
- Systems
The Area requirements are new with the class of 2004.Students intending to continue their study of biology in graduate school are strongly encouraged to take organic chemistry. Graduate and pre-health programs usually require students to have an exposure to organic chemistry, calculus, and physics.
Effective with the class of 2004, Chemistry 202 Organic Chemistry will no longer be required for completion of the Biology major. Effective with the class of 2004 all Biology majors must complete Chemistry 153 and 154.
The two semester introductory biology sequence will be required of all biology majors effective with the incoming class of the year that the courses are first offered. [anticipated beginning 2001-2002]
If you have any questions about the new requirements and how they apply to you please contact Professor Shumway.
Printable Checklist of Requirements for the Biology Major for the class of 2004.
Requirements for the Biology Major:
effective with the Class of 2005 (incoming in fall 2001)For students in the class of 2005, the requirements for a major in Biology are the following:
- Biology 111 & 112 - Concepts in Biology
The two semester Introductory Biology pair (Bio111 and Bio112) is required. Bio111, offered in the Fall, will discuss Ecology, Organisms, and Evolution. Bio112, offered in the Spring, will discuss Molecules, Cells, and Genes. They can be taken in any order.
- Four 200 level courses, at least three of which must have a laboratory.
These courses will draw from each of the biology Areas described below.
- Three 300 level biology courses, at least two of which must have a laboratory. These courses will draw from each of the biology Areas described below.
- Chemistry 153 Chemical Principles and
Chemistry 154 Inorganic Reactions
This is a continuing requirement effective with class of 2004.
- Three Related courses from biology, chemistry, math, or physics.
The 200- and 300-level biology courses must include a minimum of one course from each of the following Biology Areas:
- Cells & Molecules
- Organisms
- Systems
This is a continuing requirement effective with class of 2004.Students intending to continue their study of biology in graduate school are strongly encouraged to take organic chemistry. Graduate and pre-health programs usually require students to have an exposure to organic chemistry, calculus, and physics.
Effective with the class of 2004, Chemistry 202 Organic Chemistry will no longer be required for completion of the Biology major. Effective with the class of 2004 all Biology majors must complete Chemistry 153 and 154.
The two semester introductory biology sequence will be required of all biology majors effective with the incoming class of the year that the courses are first offered. [anticipated beginning 2001-2002]
If you have any questions about the new requirements and how they apply to you please contact Professor Shumway.Printable Checklist of Requirements for the Biology Major for the class of 2005.
For students interested in Health Professions
Students planning a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary or other health professions should consult a health professions advisor (either S. Pastra-Landis or B. Brennessel) early in the first year, in order to plan a suitable program. Medical schools require a minimum of two semesters of Biology, two semesters of Physics, two semesters of Mathematics, four semesters of Chemistry, and two semesters of English). The MCATs include material from anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and genetics. Therefore, those 200-level courses are recommended.
Courses for the Biology Major Taken at Other Schools or in Field ProgramsIt is essential that students get permission from the Biology Department before taking courses to be counted toward the major in summer programs, field research programs, and JYA programs.
Minor in Biology
A minor in Biology consists of five courses at least one of which is at the 300 level. Only one course in the minor may overlap with the major courses.
There are groupings of courses which would be useful to individual students who want an interdisciplinary minor (for example: students interested in biological illustration, science writing, working in publishing houses, etc.). Such students should discuss their interests with the department; in some instances individual minors may be constructed.
Content by Scott Shumway (mailto:sshumway@wheatonma.edu)
and Bob Morris (mailto:rmorris@wheatonma.edu )
Design assistance by Dave Dudek '01, Academic Computing
Last update: 12/2001
