Biology

Biology is the study of the entire process of life, its beginning, its development and reproduction, and its cessation and decay. 

What You Will Learn

1. How to understand foundational scientific principles and findings in biology.

2. How to think critically and analytically by developing specific hypotheses and testing them with controlled experiments.

3. How to read, understand, and critique original research articles.

Biology Foundation courses: 

• 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

Three† STEM Breadth courses, selected from the list below. 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 , CHEM 117L KS )
• Up to two courses in General Physics (PHYS 030L KS , PHYS 031L KS or PHYS 033L KS , PHYS 034L KS )
• One introductory course in computer programming (BIOL 099 KS, CS 051 CM, DS 001 SC, CS004 PZ, CS 005G HM, or equivalent).
• One math course for which MATH 030 or higher is listed as a prerequisite
• One upper division Environmental Science course taught by the Department of Natural Sciences (e.g., EA100KS, EA103KS, EA104KS)
• One course in the history, philosophy, or ethics of science (e.g. HIST 082 HM, PHIL 103 PZ, PHIL 038 PO, PHIL 035 CM, ANTH 123 PO, HIST101AC PO, HIST 101E PO, BIOL 047 PO, HIST 081 HM)
• NEUR 125 JT: Minds, Brains, and Programs

Six‡† Biology Elective courses, numbered 100 or higher, including at least three laboratory courses (indicated by the “L” subscript). The following courses also count as biology electives: CHEM177KS, NEUR 103 KS, NEUR 148L KS, NEUR 149 KS, NEUR 161 KS, NEUR 181 KS, SCI 119 CM. 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, complete one of the following options. Students 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

• Students wishing to complete a combined major in biology must complete one fewer upper-division elective and one fewer STEM Breadth course.
• At least two of the upper-division electives must be lab courses.
• Combined majors must also complete a science thesis, which may or may not combine the skills and knowledge of both disciplines.
• Students may not complete a combined major in Biology and the Environmental Science track of the Environmental Analysis major. 
  
  Note: Student wishing to continue their education in biology-related graduate or professional school programs may need to supplement the basic curriculum with additional course work in science.  Department faculty should be consulted for advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
   

• One year introductory biology (usually BIOL 043L KS, BIOL 044L KS), or BIOL 042L KS  and BIOL 044L KS; 
• One year general chemistry (usually CHEM 014L KS, CHEM 015L KS) or CHEM 029L KS, or CHEM 042L KS; 
• Four advanced courses in biology chosen in consultation with a member of the biology faculty. 
• Must include at least two advanced courses with laboratory.