General Biology

May be elected as a departmental concentration program

General Biology has many of the same aims as Biology, but it is not recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate work in biology. It is an appropriate preprofessional concentration. It differs from Biology in that it requires fewer credits, less laboratory work, and has more breadth, particularly in the form of a non-science cognate course (see below).

Prerequisites to Concentration. Biology 162 (or the equivalent); Chemistry 210, 211, 215, and 216; Mathematics 115 and 116; Physics 125/127 and 126/128 or Physics 140/141 and 240/241.

Concentration Program. 27 credits in biology and cognate fields, including:

1. Required courses in genetics, biochemistry and evolution: Biology 305; one of Biology 310, 311, Biol. Chem. 415, or Chem. 451 and 452; and Biology 390.
2. Two laboratory or field courses in the Biology Department beyond the introductory level (Biology 300 or 400, independent study, elected for a minimum of 3 credits, may be used for one of the laboratory courses.)
3. Select at least one course from each of two groups I-II. (See Course Listings I-II for the available courses in each group.)
   I. Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
   II. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology.
4. One cognate course from the "General Biology Cognate List." This list, which is put together by the Biology Curriculum Committee, includes courses offered by non-natural science units that treat biology or natural science generally in the humanistic or social context. These are not science courses, but courses that treat science or scientific issues from a historical, cultural, ethical, or political perspective. A list of these may be obtained from the Biology Office, 1121 Natural Science.

Advising. Appointments with concentration advisors are scheduled at the Biology Counseling Office (1121 Natural Science Building). Office staff are also prepared to answer questions about various aspects of the program. Questions about content and appropriateness of course elections should be directed to individual instructors or advisors.

Teaching Certificate. Students interested in obtaining a secondary teaching certificate with a major or minor in Biology should consult the "Teacher Certification Program" section in this Bulletin and the School of Education Office of Academic Services.

Courses in Biology