The B.S. in Biology degree provides a stronger background in science and math than the B.A. degree and will better prepare students for research-oriented careers as professional biologists and/or fulfill the preprofessional requirements for professional degrees in Health Sciences. The degree may also serve as a terminal degree for a variety of biology professions. Courses in second semester calculus, as well as individual study in biological research, are recommended depending on the career goals.  Two courses in mathematics: Calculus (MATH-M 215 or MATH-M 119) and statistics (MATH-K 300) are required; second semester calculus (MATH-M 120 or MATH-M 216) is recommended for some programs such as veterinarian medicine and pharmacy.  Biology major courses may be repeated only a limited number of times including late withdrawals.

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 BS 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 Science 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.

Degree Program Admission Requirements

To be fully admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program, students must meet the School of Natural Science's Admission Requirements and complete BIOL-L 101 (Introduction to Biological Science I) or BIOL-L 102 (Introduction to Biological Science II) with a grade of C or better.

General Education Component

All students pursuing the Bachelor of Science 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.

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.

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/Z318 or BIOL-L 346 or PLSC-B373 or PLSC-B375 (w/permission); Chemistry: CHEM-C105*/C125*, CHEM-C106/C126. 

Tier 2:  Biology: BIOL-L311/L319, PHSL-P416/P418 or PLSC-B370, Organismal Diversity requirement; Chemistry CHEM-C341/C343, CHEM-C342/C344; Calculus: MATH-M 119* or MATH-M 215* & Statistics: MATH-K 300. 

Tier 3:  Biology: Ecology requirement, BIOL-L318, BIOL-L312, BIOL-L403, Required Upper Level elective(s) 5 or 6 credits; Chemistry: CHEM-C484 (or C485); Physics* one-year sequence.

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.