Department of Biology
The department provides its students with both a breadth of understanding in biology and an opportunity to explore many specialized areas in greater depth. The required courses in the major establish a core of fundamental knowledge in biological and related sciences. Students then build on this foundation through a variety of lecture, laboratory, field, and seminar courses that explore areas within biology from the basic level to current research topics. The development of laboratory and field skills is encouraged through coursework and participation in the department’s extensive research activities (see CAS BI 191, 192, 291, 292, 391, 392, 401, 402, 491, 492). The BA in Biology prepares students for employment as well as for professional training in research, medicine, education, government, and industry.
The department’s research laboratories are located at 2, 5, and 24 Cummington Street. Most teaching laboratories are located in the adjacent Metcalf Science Center. The biology teaching laboratories and associated support facilities (animal quarters; prep rooms; warm, cold, and environmental rooms) are among the finest undergraduate facilities at Boston University. Also part of the immediate environment are the Academic Computing Center, the Science & Engineering Library, and proximity to the chemistry and physics departments.
In addition to teaching facilities and the Science & Engineering Library at 38 Cummington Street, the department has extensive research facilities. Special features include an aquarium room for experimental work on fresh- and saltwater organisms, modern animal care facilities, and environmental chambers. Specialized equipment is available for electron, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy, tissue culture, automated DNA sequencing, and a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, and genetic applications.
Intercollege Cross-Registration: Boston Consortium
Students may cross-register for undergraduate courses at Boston College, Brandeis University, and Tufts University, but only after consultation with their advisors and with written departmental approval.
