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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Biology, Traditional Track (B.A.)
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 Return to: College of Arts & Sciences
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 Arts degree provides a strong education in the biological sciences, requiring the same number of Biology courses, but fewer courses in Chemistry and none in Mathematics. This course of study is ideal for those who wish to pursue additional coursework in the social sciences or humanities, complete two minors, double major or complete their degree requirements in three years.
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Courses Required for the B.A. in Biology
Students enrolled in the Biology (B.A.) major must also complete a second major, a minor, or the Teacher Education Professional Studies Certificate program. A grade of “C-” or better is required of each course counted toward a major, minor, or certificate. Biology Electives (Four Courses)
Take four courses from any non-core courses in the BIO offerings: Two must be at or above the 200-level
Two must be at or above the 300-level Only one of the four 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.
Note: BIO 201 Medical Terminology Credit(s) 3 may not be used toward fulfillment of an elective requirement.
Chemistry Elective (One Course with Lab)
Must be at or above the 200-level Total: 4 Credits Program Total: 49-54 credits
Course Map
This course map provides a general blueprint for students who plan to complete their degree in four years. There are many opportunities to customize this course of study to your goals and interests. 3rd Year
- BIO 316 Genetics Credit(s): 3 (Fall, if not already taken)
- BIO 321 Ecology Credit(s): 4 (Fall)
- BIO 340 Evolution Credit(s): 3 (Fall)
- Biology elective 300-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
- Chemistry elective 200-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
- ShenEd, second major, minor and professional school prerequisite courses or general electives Credit(s): 12-15
4th Year
- BIO 321 Ecology Credit(s): 4 (Fall, if not already taken)
- BIO 340 Evolution Credit(s): 3 (Fall, if not already taken)
- BIO 409 Cell Biology Credit(s): 4 (Fall or Spring)
- Biology elective 300-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
- Remaining ShenEd, second major, minor and professional school prerequisite courses or general electives Credit(s): variable
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 |
Return to: College of Arts & Sciences
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