Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this
overview of the Academic Program and refer to the
Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.
Where should I start if I am just sampling this subject as a non-major?
- Any biology course at the 100-level,
particularly courses with a molecular biology focus, up to and
including Fundamentals
of Cellular Life (BIOL 150)
depending on interests. See Online Course Schedule for this year’s options.
- Fundamentals of Cellular Life (BIOL 150) is the Department’s
first majors’ course and is appropriate for students deeply interested in
biology.
- Concepts of Chemistry (CHEM 100)
- General Chemistry I (CHEM 110) is the Department’s
first majors’ course and appropriate for students deeply interested in
chemistry.
Where should I start if I might use this as part of a major or as a potential major?
- Fundamentals of Cellular Life (BIOL 150)
- General Chemistry I (CHEM 110) and General
Chemistry II (CHEM 120). Students are encouraged to take these
courses during their first year. However, the chemistry recommendation on
the student placement record will help determine the appropriate path.
Based on placement, a student may either be prepared to take General
Chemistry I and General Chemistry II in their first year or be
advised to take Concepts of
Chemistry (CHEM 100) first, and then take General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II in their second year.
- At least one Mathematics course
based on your Placement Records (found on your Campus Web), up
through Calculus I (MATH 130)
Note: First-year students are strongly
encouraged to take no more than two science or mathematics courses per
semester, for a total of three to four such courses during the first year.
Where should I start if I have some experience in this discipline before college?
Students with previous experience in biology are strongly encouraged to start in Fundamentals of Cellular Life (BIOL 150) since course pacing and
laboratory experience vary greatly.
- For concurrent high school/college
credits – please consult with the Department
- For advanced placement credits –
please refer to Advanced Placement Credits or International Baccalaureate Credits in the College Catalog.
- Regardless of previous experience, Genetics (BIOL
250) is not typically available to first-year students. First-year students
with an unusually strong background in biology wishing to consider genetics must consult with the course instructor or the Biochemistry/Molecular department chair.
When should I declare a major?
- All students must declare a major by the deadline to drop a course without a grade during the spring of the sophomore year.