BA in Biology
The principal requirements for the biology major comprise nine courses in the department and a number of related science courses. Following two prerequisite semesters of Introductory Biology (CAS BI 107 and BI 108 or 118), students select one course in each of the following areas: CAS BI 315 or 325 to fulfill the breadth requirement in physiology, endocrinology, and neurobiology (PER/Neuro); CAS BI 203, 213, or 206 to fulfill the breadth requirement in cell & molecular biology (CM); and CAS BI 260, 303, 306, 309, or 407 to fulfill the breadth requirement in ecology, behavior, and evolution (EBE). Of the seven courses taken beyond CAS BI 107 and BI 108 or 118, five must be taken in the department, at least three must be at the 300–500 level, and three must have a laboratory or field component. A grade of C or higher is required for credit toward the major in all of the following: biology courses numbered 191 or higher, required related courses, and recommended related courses. Course recommendations for specific programs are available from the student’s advisor.
Required Mathematics and Physics Courses
Two courses in mathematics or in mathematics and computer science: CAS MA 121 and 122; or MA 123 and 124; or MA 213 and 214; or CAS CS 108 or CS 111 and any one of CAS MA 121, 122, 123, 124, 127, 129, 196, 213, 214; or a combination, chosen from the MA courses listed above, of one course in calculus and one in statistics. Two courses in physics: CAS PY 105/106 or 211/212 or 211/106 or 241/242.
Prerequisite and Corequisite Chemistry Courses
Three courses in chemistry are prerequisite or corequisite for the biology major: CAS CH 101/102 (or 109/110 or 111/112) and CH 203 (or 211); or CAS CH 171/174 and 273. CAS CH 101/102 (or 171/174) should be taken concurrently with CAS BI 107/108 or 118. CAS CH 203 (or 211 or 273) is corequisite for BI 203 and a prerequisite for BI 206.
Optional Related Courses
The following related courses may be credited toward the major: GRS CH 621, 622; CAS ES 452; SAR HS 251, 360, 369, 370 (HS 360, 369, and 370 do not fulfill the biology laboratory requirement); and CAS PS 338. No more than three courses outside the Biology Department may count toward the biology degree.
Undergraduate Research Options
CAS BI 191/192 or BI 291/292 may be taken for elective credit. Up to a total of 8 credits from the following courses may be counted toward the major in biology, but no more than 4 credits may apply toward lab credit: CAS BI 391/392 or BI 401/402 or BI 491/492.
Advanced Placement (AP)
A student with an AP examination score of 5 may receive 8 credits and place out of either BI 107 and BI 108 or BI 105 and BI 107. A score of 4 on the AP examination allows 4 credits (for BI 105, BI 107, or BI 108), at the student’s discretion. AP decisions should be made in consultation with a biology advisor.
Premedical Students
Premedical students majoring in biology should discuss premedical requirements with their advisors and with the Premedical Advising Office (CAS Room B2) as early as possible.
Modular Medical Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC) Program
Juniors and seniors in good standing, with the prerequisites and approval from CAS Room B2, may register for certain courses that have been developed for the Modular Medical Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC). This program has been designed by the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine faculties to satisfy certain preclinical School of Medicine requirements. Those interested in early admission to the Boston University School of Medicine through the MMEDIC program should apply in CAS Room B2 in the second semester of their sophomore year.
The following courses may count toward credit for the biology major for students enrolled in the MMEDIC program: GMS AN 705 and 706, BI 555, BI 556, BI 751, MI 700, MI 713, and PH 730.
Note: Students enrolled in the MMEDIC program may petition for up to three MMEDIC courses to be accepted toward the biology major. MMEDIC students must take a minimum of four courses beyond the introductory level in the Department of Biology in order to fulfill their department residency requirement. Biology majors not enrolled in the MMEDIC program may count no more than two approved MMEDIC courses toward the biology major.
Transfer Students Entering with Advanced Standing
Must take at least five principal courses beyond the introductory level in the Department of Biology to satisfy residency and major requirements listed above.
