The liberal arts track and biology core curriculum expose the student to major subject areas in biology while providing considerable flexibility for each student. For example, minimal mathematics and chemistry requirements allow students to develop minor subject areas or a second major in another science area, or in an outside field such as sociology, journalism, business or geosciences. This degree is suitable for students who may apply for admission into law school or for those who seek employment in business, environmental studies, or industry. Biology major courses may be repeated only a limited number of times including late withdrawals.

The B.A. degree will not automatically fulfill requirements for entrance into medical, dental, optometry, medical technology, other allied health programs, or most graduate school programs. Students desiring eventual admission into a professional program or laboratory-related fields should follow the B.S. in Biology degree program.

 Student Learning Goals

1. Students will have a broad understanding of biology.
2. Students will be able to analyze and critique biological data.
3. Students will know how to approach biology problems. 
4. Students will be able to synthesize information and develop creative solutions.
5. Students will demonstrate a broad range of biological skills.
6. Students will gain relevant experience orally presenting.
7. Students will gain relevant experience in scientific writing..

Biology BA Residency Requirement

In addition to the IU Southeast Residency Requirement for Bachelor's Degrees and the School of Natural Science Residency Requirement, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Biology must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in Biological Sciences, including at least two courses with associated lab, in residence at IU Southeast

General Education Core & BA Distribution Component

All students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Biology must complete the campus General Education Core Requirements.  See General Education Core for all IU Southeast Baccalaureate Degrees for a complete listing of requirements.

Students must also complete the campus BA Distribution requirements as stated in Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements.

Core Program

All courses listed below require a grade of C or better.  Courses marked with an asterisk (*) can be used to satisfy a General Education Core Requirement or a BA Distribution Requirement.

The program is divided into three tiers and students are expected to complete the courses with a C before they move to the next tier.  Failure to do so may result in poor academic performance. 

Tier 1:  Biology BIOL-L101*, BIOL-L102*, BIOL-L211, and BIOL-L317/ZOOL-Z318 or BIOL-L 346 or PLSC-B373 or PLSC-B 375 (w/permission); Chemistry: CHEM-C 101*/C121* & CHEM-C102/C122; Mathematics*: MATH-M 122, MATH-M 125, or MATH-M 126. 

Tier 2:  Biology BIOL-L311/L319, PHSL-P416/P418, PLSC-B370 or PHSL-P 215 & Organismal Diversity requirement; Computer Literacy: CSCI-C 106.

Tier 3:  Biology Ecology requirement, BIOL-L318, BIOL-L312, BIOL-L403, Required Upper Level elective(s) 5 or 6 credits.

General & Upper-Level Electives

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours and 30 credit hours at the 300-level or above.  Elective courses may be necessary to complete the minimum credit hour requirements.