Students wishing to complete a combined major in biology must complete a minimum of 12 courses (one fewer upper divison elective and one fewer STEM Breadth course than the full Biology major).
Required Courses*‡
Biology Foundation Courses (4-5)
- Introductory Biology: BIOL 043L KS and BIOL 044L KS ; or BIOL 040L KS and BIOL 044L KS ; or BIOL 042L KS and BIOL 044L KS ;
- Introductory Chemistry: CHEM 014L KS and CHEM 015L KS ; or CHEM 040L KS and CHEM 015L KS ; or CHEM 014L KS and CHEM 042L KS ; or CHEM 029L KS
- Calculus I: MATH030 or equivalent
STEM Breadth Courses (2†)
Breadth courses may not be double counted as Foundation or Elective courses. Courses should be selected in consultation with a Department of Natural Sciences advisor. Note that some courses in this list may be required pre-requisites for some upper division biology courses.
- Up to two courses in Organic Chemistry (CHEM 116L KS -Organic Chemistry , CHEM 117L KS -Organic Chemistry )
- Up to two courses in General Physics (PHYS 030L KS -General Physics Life Sciences , PHYS 031L KS -General Physics Life Sciences or PHYS 033L KS -Principles of Physics , PHYS 034L KS -Principles of Physics )
- One introductory course in computer programming (BIOL 099 KS -Introduction to Python , CSCI 051 CM -Introduction to Computer Science, DS 001 SC -Intro to Python & Data Analysis , CSCI 004 PZ -Intro to Comp Sci for Non-majors, CSCI 005GRHM -Intro to Biology & Computer Sci , or equivalent).
- One math course for which MATH 030 PZ -Calculus I or higher is listed as a prerequisite
- One upper division Environmental Science course taught by the Department of Natural Sciences (e.g., EA 100L KS -Global Climate Change w/Lab, EA 103 KS -Soils and the Environment, EA 104 KS -Oceanography)
- One course in the history, philosophy, or ethics of science (e.g. HIST 082 HM -Science&Technol in Modern World, PHIL 035 CM -Intro: Science/Tech/Human Values, PHIL 038 CM -Intro: Reason and Reality, ANTH 123 PO -Anthropology of Genetics, HIST 101ACPO -Dark Ecologies , HIST 101E PO -Science and Empire , BIOL 047 PO -Being Human in STEM , HIST 081 HM -Sci and Tech Early Modern World )
- NEUR 125L JT -Minds, Brains, and Programs
Biology Elective Courses (5‡†)
These five courses should be numbered 100 or higher, including at least two laboratory courses (indicated by the “L” subscript). The following courses also count as biology electives: CHEM 177 KS -Biochemistry , NEUR 103 KS -Neurobiol Motiv,Reward,Addiction, NEUR 148L KS -Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, NEUR 149 KS -Systems & Behavioral Neuroscienc , NEUR 161 KS -Neuroendocrinology , NEUR 181 KS -Neurological Disorders , SCI 119 CM -The Senses. Other courses may count as well, please consult your advisor. Elective courses may not be double counted as foundation or breadth courses.
Senior Thesis in Biology (1-2)
Students should complete one of the following options. The thesis may or may not combine the skills and knowledge of both disciplinesStudents must register their thesis plans with the Department of Natural Sciences during the spring semester of their penultimate year.
- BIOL 191 KS , one-semester thesis in biology
- BIOL 188L KS and BIOL 190L KS , two-semester thesis in biology
- BIOL 189L KS and BIOL 190L KS , two-semester thesis in biology with a summer research component
* Note: Students wishing to continue their education in biology-related graduate or professional school programs may need to supplement this basic curriculum with additional course work in science. Department faculty should be consulted for advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
**Note: All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
