Concentration: General Biology

Are you on track to graduate?

Use My LSA Audit Checklist to check your progress. 

 

 

General Biology Major

Effective Fall 2011

May be elected as an interdepartmental major

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in General Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

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 major. 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 the Major.

  • BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 and 173;
  • CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
  •  MATH 115 and 116;
  •  PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/136 and 235/236; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

Program of study in a major. 24 credits in biology and cognate fields (Students who have taken BIOLOGY 162 or 163 must take 27 credits to complete the major), including:

  1. Select at least one course from each of two groups I-II. (See Course Listings I-II for the available courses in each group.) Students should enroll in these courses as early as possible.
    1. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:
      • BIOLOGY 205      (3) Developmental Biology
      • BIOLOGY 207*    (4) Introductory Microbiology
      • BIOLOGY 222      (3) Introduction to Neurobiology
      • BIOLOGY 225      (3) Animal Physiology
      • BIOLOGY 230      (4) Introductory Plant Biology

    2. Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 225 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 226* - Animal Physiology Laboratory (2 credits).

    3. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology:
      • BIOLOGY 230*    (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
      • BIOLOGY 252*    (4) Chordate Anatomy/Phylogeny
      • BIOLOGY 255*    (4) Plant Diversity
      • BIOLOGY 281      (3) General Ecology
      • BIOLOGY 288*    (4) Animal Diversity

      Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 281 also are encouraged to take EEB 372* - General Ecology Lab (3 credits).

      An asterisk (*) indicates a laboratory course or a lecture course with a laboratory component

  2. Required courses in genetics, biochemistry, and evolution:
    1. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305;
    2. Biochemistry: one of MCDB 310, or BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 451 and 452, or BIOLCHEM 451 and 452; and
    3. Evolution: EEB (BIOLOGY) 390.
  3. Two laboratory or field courses in biology beyond the introductory level.  Library "research" and introductory biology laboratories do not qualify.  A maximum of three credits of independent research (EEB 300 or 400, or MCDB 300 or 400), under the direct supervision of a faculty member, or, under a faculty member of another University of Michigan department with an EEB or MCDB faculty co-sponsor, may be used as one of the laboratory experiences.  Three credits of independent research must be completed in one term to satisfy a laboratory requirement.  A maximum of three credits of any independent study course may count toward the major program. 
  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, 1111 Natural Science.

Advising. Appointments with department advisors are scheduled in 1111 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.

Honors Biology Program

General Biology major (Fall 2009-Summer 2011) +

Effective Fall 2009-Summer 2011 

May be elected as an interdepartmental major

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in General Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

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 major. 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 the Major.

  • BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 and 173;
  • CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
  •  MATH 115 and 116;
  •  PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/141 and 235/241; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

Program of study in a major. 24 credits in biology and cognate fields (Students who have taken BIOLOGY 162 or 163 must take 27 credits to complete the major), including:

  1. Select at least one course from each of two groups I-II. (See Course Listings I-II for the available courses in each group.) Students should enroll in these courses as early as possible.
    1. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:
      • BIOLOGY 207*    (4) Introductory Microbiology
      • BIOLOGY 208      (3) Embryology
      • BIOLOGY 222      (3) Introduction to Neurobiology
      • BIOLOGY 225      (3) Animal Physiology
      • BIOLOGY 230       (3) Introductory Plant Biology

    2. Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 225 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 226* - Animal Physiology Laboratory (2 credits).

    3. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology:
      • BIOLOGY 230*    (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
      • BIOLOGY 252*    (4) Chordate Anatomy/Phylogeny
      • BIOLOGY 255*    (4) Plant Diversity
      • BIOLOGY 281      (3) General Ecology
      • BIOLOGY 288*    (4) Animal Diversity

    4. Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 281 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 282* - General Ecology Lab (3 credits).

      An asterisk (*) indicates a laboratory course or a lecture course with a laboratory component.

  2. Required courses in genetics, biochemistry, and evolution:
    1. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305;
    2. Biochemistry: one of MCDB 310, or BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 451 and 452, or BIOLCHEM 451 and 452; and
    3. Evolution: EEB (BIOLOGY) 390.
  3. Two laboratory or field courses in Biology beyond the introductory level (EEB 300 or 400, or MCDB 300 or 400, independent study, elected for a minimum of 3 credits, may be used for one of the laboratory courses. Three credits of independent research must be completed in one term to satisfy a laboratory requirement.).
  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, 1111 Natural Science.
  5. Only three credits of any independent study course may count toward the major program.

Advising. Appointments with department advisors are scheduled in 1111 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.

General Biology major (Fall 2008 through Summer 2009) +

Effective Fall 2008 through Summer 2009 

 

May be elected as an interdepartmental major

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in General Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

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 major. 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 the Major.

  • BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 and 173;
  • CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
  •  MATH 115 and 116;
  •  PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/141 and 235/241; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

Program of study in a major. 24 credits in biology and cognate fields (Students who have taken BIOLOGY 162 or 163 must take 27 credits to complete the major), including:

  1. Select at least one course from each of two groups I-II. (See Course Listings I-II for the available courses in each group.) Students should enroll in these courses as early as possible.
    1. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:

    2. BIOLOGY 207*    (4) Introductory Microbiology
      BIOLOGY 208      (3) Embryology
      BIOLOGY 222      (3) Introduction to Neurobiology
      BIOLOGY 225      (3) Animal Physiology
      BIOLOGY 230       (3) Introductory Plant Biology

      Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 225 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 226* -- Animal Physiology Laboratory (2 credits).

    3. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology:

      BIOLOGY 230*    (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
      BIOLOGY 252*    (4) Chordate Anatomy/Phylogeny
      BIOLOGY 255*    (4) Plant Diversity
      BIOLOGY 281      (3) General Ecology
      BIOLOGY 288*    (4) Animal Diversity



      Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 281 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 282* --General Ecology Lab (3 credits).

    An asterisk (*) indicates a laboratory course or a lecture course with a laboratory component

  3. Required courses in genetics, biochemistry, and evolution:
    1. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305;
    2. Biochemistry: one of MCDB (BIOLOGY) 310 or 311, or BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 451 and 452, or BIOLCHEM 451 and 452; and
    3. Evolution: EEB (BIOLOGY) 390.
  5. Two laboratory or field courses in Biology beyond the introductory level (EEB 300 or 400, or MCDB 300 or 400, independent study, elected for a minimum of 3 credits, may be used for one of the laboratory courses. Three credits of independent research must be completed in one term to satisfy a laboratory requirement.).
  6. 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, 1111 Natural Science.
  7. Only three credits of any independent study course may count toward the major program.

Advising. Appointments with department advisors are scheduled in 1111 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.

General Biology major (through Summer 2008) +

General Biology

Effective through Summer 2008 

May be elected as an interdepartmental major

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 major. 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 the Major.

  • BIOLOGY 171, 172 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 and BIOLOGY 173; or BIOLOGY 162; or BIOLOGY 163;
  • CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
  • MATH 115 and 116;
  • PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/141 and 235/241; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

 

Program of study in a major. 27 credits in biology and cognate fields (24 credits for those who elected the new introductory Biology series BIOLOGY 171, 172, 173; or BIOLOGY 195 and 173), including:

  1. Select at least one course from each of two groups I-II. (See Course Listings I-II for the available courses in each group.) Students should enroll in these courses as early as possible.
    1. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:
      • 207* (4) Introductory Microbiology
      • 208 (3) Embryology
      • 222 (3) Introduction to Neurobiology
      • 225 (3) Animal Physiology
      • 230* (4) Introduction to Plant Biology

      Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 225 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 226* - Animal Physiology Laboratory (2 credits).

    2. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology:
      • 230* (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
      • 252* (4) Chordate Anatomy/Phylogeny
      • 255* (4) Plant Diversity
      • 281 (3) General Ecology
      • 288* (4) Animal Diversity
      • 230* (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
      • 252* (4) Chordate Anatomy/Phylogeny
      • 255* (4) Plant Diversity
      • 281 (3) General Ecology
      • 288* (4) Animal Diversity

      Note: Students taking BIOLOGY 281 also are encouraged to take BIOLOGY 282* - General Ecology Lab (3 credits).

      An asterisk (*) indicates a laboratory course or a lecture course with a laboratory component
  2. Required courses in genetics, biochemistry, and evolution:
    1. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305;
    2. Biochemistry: one of BIOLOGY 310, 311, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 451 and 452; and
    3. Evolution: BIOLOGY 390.
  3. Two laboratory or field courses in Biology beyond the introductory level (EEB 300 or 400, or MCDB 300 or 400, independent study, elected for a minimum of 3 credits, may be used for one of the laboratory courses. Three credits of independent research must be completed in one term to satisfy a laboratory requirement.).
  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, 1111 Natural Science.
  5. Only three credits of any independent study course may count toward the major program.

Advising. Appointments with department advisors are scheduled in 1111 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.


College of Literature, Science, and the Arts 500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI  48109 © 2013 Regents of the University of Michigan