The Bulletin is the authority on all degree, major, and minor requirements. The worksheets on this page are a helpful tool when planning out your courses and correspond to your year of entry.
Majors
Biology
The Biology major provides students with a breadth of understanding across the full range of biological disciplines as well as an opportunity to explore one of several specialized areas in greater depth. Required coursework for the major and different specializations establishes a core of fundamental knowledge in biology and related sciences.
Behavioral Biology
The Biology major with a Specialization in Behavioral Biology (SBB) offers students the opportunity to develop an individualized and interdisciplinary curriculum bridging foundational and advanced coursework in behavioral science in the departments of Biology, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Anthropology.
Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics (CMG)
Many of the greatest advances in the biomedical sciences in recent years have come from the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. These related disciplines have provided a deeper understanding of the molecular basis for the functioning of all living organisms. The Biology major with a Specialization in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics (CMG) is designed for students who wish to focus on these aspects of biology. The specialized knowledge and experience that CMG students gain in one or more CMG disciplines prepares them well for graduate or professional study in the biomedical sciences.
Biodiversity, Conservation & Global Change Biology
Biodiversity is the foundation of Earth’s life-support systems and its conservation is prerequisite to human existence. However, the future of our planet is threatened by global change, a suite of anthropogenic impacts encompassing climate change, pollution, and ocean acidification that are causing unprecedented biodiversity losses and potentially irreversible declines in the health of ecological and environmental systems. The major in Biology with Specialization in Biodiversity, Conservation & Global Change Biology (BCG) provides a foundational understanding of the evolutionary and ecological forces driving biodiversity, expertise in the natural history of one or more major taxonomic groups, and scientifically-based approaches to investigate and remediate the biological impacts of global change. Electives may be selected from a wide range of courses in ecology, evolution, marine biology, animal behavior, genomics, computational/quantitative biology, and population genetics, as well as organismal classes on plants, microbes, insects, marine invertebrates, vertebrates, birds, fishes, and primates. The BCG specialization prepares students for graduate school. For example, students can pursue the dual BA/MS in Biology and may apply for the Boston University Biogeoscience and URBAN Graduate Programs, as well as careers as researchers, educators, policymakers, and analysts in academia, government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector.
Neurobiology
The Biology major with a Specialization in Neurobiology (NB) provides an opportunity for students to understand the brain from a biological perspective, combining a broad-based biology education with access to advanced neuroscience courses. In addition, students will have research opportunities in areas such as sensory biology at cellular, network, and behavioral levels; the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurological diseases and dysfunctions including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, neuronal cell death, and traumatic brain injuries; neuroethology; computational and network analysis of sensory-motor learning; and membrane excitability at a subcellular level. Upon completion of this specialization, students are prepared for careers in the biotechnology industry and for graduate studies in the biomedical sciences and medicine.
Advising Worksheets
Biology Advising Worksheet
SBB Advising Worksheet
CMG Advising Worksheet
BCG Advising Worksheet
NB Advising Worksheet
Hub Worksheet to help students plan for completing the Hub.
BA/MS in Biology
Minor in Biology
Academic Advising
Biology majors should check MyBU to see their assigned Biology advisor. This information can be found under the Academic tab, then Advisor Information.
If you’d like to change your advisor, fill out the form below:
Academic Help
For help with any course, contact the Educational Resource Center (ERC) which offers free peer tutoring and other services to help you develop your academic skill set.
A list of academic resources by subject area is listed on the ERC’s website.