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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Biology (B.S.)
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 Return to: Programs of Study
The Biology major offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop both fundamental and in-depth knowledge within the disciplines of the biological sciences. Students will participate in comprehensive, hands-on, laboratory-based activities that will promote the development of technical skills used in biological science investigations.
The Biology major allows students to pursue specialized interests in secondary Biology education, microbiology and clinical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology, and the health-related professions including medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy and other fields at the graduate level.
There are two degrees offered by the Department of Biology: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
The Bachelor of Science degree provides comprehensive coverage of the biological sciences, as well as Mathematics and Chemistry courses that complement the Biology curriculum. This degree is the most appropriate path for students considering study in research-based graduate programs or technical careers upon graduation. It also includes courses that will prepare students for application to graduate health professions programs. The increased course load of the B.S. makes it more challenging to double-major in any discipline other than Chemistry. Therefore, students seeking to double-major with a B.S. in Biology should discuss it with their advisor early in their academic career.
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Biology Electives (Three Courses)
Take three courses from any non-core course in the BIO offerings. - One must be at or above the 200-level
- Two must be at or above the 300-level
Only one of the three Biology elective courses required may be satisfied from the following list. In order to satisfy the single elective course requirement, students must earn at least 2 credits, either by completing a single course with two or more credits, or by completing two courses with one credit each. The listed courses may not be used to satisfy a Biology elective requirement if the Biology Elective with Lab requirement is satisfied with BIO 485 and BIO 486.
Note: BIO 201 Medical Terminology Credit(s) 3 may not be used toward fulfillment of this requirement. Biology Elective with Lab (One Course)
Must be at or above the 300-level
May be fulfilled by completing both BIO 485 and BIO 486 with 4 or more credits earned. Chemistry Electives (Two Courses)
Must be at or above the 300-level Program Total: 61-66 credits
Note:
**The requirement for MATH 102 may be waived if a student: 1) has completed one year of Calculus in high school, 2) has completed one year of Precalculus in high school with an earned grade of “B” or higher or 3) places out of MATH 102 based on placement by the Math Department. Course Map
This course map is provided to help you plan your progress to a B.S. in Biology. This is a blueprint for students who plan to complete their degree in four years. This course map does not include prerequisite courses for graduate programs, which vary significantly between different programs at different universities. Students who wish to complete the requirements for a B.S. in Biology in fewer than four years, or who have additional prerequisite courses to consider, should meet with their advisor. Students who wish to prepare for admission to medical school should contact their advisor immediately. Requirement for Graduation: at least 120 credits
A 2.0 GPA in major and minor courses is required for graduation.
24 of a student’s last 30 credits must be earned at SU to earn a degree |
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