Departments & Programs
Biology
Major in Biology—B.A.
Purpose
The B.A. degree is designed to provide training in the major subject areas of biology while remaining the most flexible of all biology degrees offered. Minimal chemistry and mathematics requirements allow students to substitute a second major, such as computer science, chemistry, psychology, or an outside field, such as environmental studies or business. However, this degree will not automatically fulfill requirements for entrance to medical, dental, or optometry schools, or to most graduate programs.
Required Courses
Students must complete the following course work with a grade of C– or higher in each course:
- L111 Introduction to Biology: Evolution and Diversity (3 cr.), L112 Introduction to Biology: Biological Mechanisms (3 cr.), and L113 Biology Laboratory (3 cr.).
- L211 Molecular Biology (3 cr.).
- L311 Genetics and Development (3 cr.).
- L318 Evolution (3 cr.).
- Two additional lecture courses at the 300 or 400 level. L322, T312, T322, L490, and L499 do not count for lecture or laboratory credit.
- Two additional laboratory courses at the 300 or 400 level. L322, T312, T322, L490, and L499 do not count for lecture or laboratory credit.
- One of the advanced lecture courses and one advanced laboratory (300–400 level) must be taken on the Bloomington campus.
- Chemistry C117, C118 or N330, and C341 or R340. For those planning professional school, this sequence is recommended: C117, C341, C342, C343, and N330.
- Mathematics M118 or M119 or M211.
Note: L111 and L112 can be taken in either order. L112 and CHEM C117 are prerequisites of L211, which is the prerequisite of L311, which is the prerequisite of L318.
Exception: M250 may count as an advanced lecture, and M255 may count as an advanced lab. Consult with the Biology Undergraduate Advisors for a current list of acceptable lecture and laboratory classes.
Students must also meet the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, including Breadth of Inquiry.