Biology Degree 4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your BA in Biology degree in a timely manner. The plan below is one of several possible ways for you to complete the Biology degree. Your individualized plan may look different if you have already fulfilled some requirements. Check your Financial Aid as it may require additional term credits for full-time funding. You must complete all university and program requirements successfully to complete this degree (GPA, 120 credits, LASC, WI, residency).

PDF version of the BA in Biology Roadmap

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts: Biology
  • Total Credits: 120
  • Catalog: 2023-2024

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal 3 BIOL 115/115L Organismal Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 150/150L General Chemistry I + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective3     3
Graduation Requirement: First-Year Experience Course FYE 101 First Year Experience 1
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major requirement  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal  3 BIOL 111/111L Cell Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 210/210L General Chemistry II + Lab 4
LASC Goal 1B ENGL 101 English Composition 3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 1Chem 275 can be taken in place of either general chemistry lab and counts as a LASC 2. Students in LC will either take Biol 100 or Chem 275.
  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  • 3 Make sure to consult the LASC policy and take a minimum of 40 credits of LASC courses. Some LASC courses double count, making room to add a minor or second major

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
Core Requirement: BIOL 341/341L Genetics + Lab 4
Core Requirement/ Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14
Spring (2nd Spring)
Core Requirement/ Restricted Elective:4 BIOL 348 Evolutionary Biology 3
Core Requirement/ Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   3
Related Requirement: LASC Goal Elective     3
LASC Goal WI Elective     3
Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 15

Notes:

  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  •  
  • 4 Choose one of the following core courses: BIOL 236, 345, 348, or 350. Taking more than one will count towards restricted electives.

 

Third Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (3rd Fall)
Core Requirement/ Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 35 PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional: BIOL 470 Teaching Assistant 1
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 16
Spring (3rd Spring)
Restricted Elective:7 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 35 PHYS 161/161L Physics II with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal 1A COMM 100 Speech Communication 3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Upper Level Elective:     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
       
Total Credits: 17

Notes:

  • 4 Choose one of the following core courses: BIOL 236, 345, 348, or 350. Taking more than one will count towards restricted electives.
  • 5 If you have taken or are concurrently enrolled in calculus, PHYS 200 and 201 are recommended.
  • 6 Research and/or internship credits are recommended. A maximum of one credit each may count towards restricted electives.

 

Fourth

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (4th Fall)
Restricted Elective:7 BIOL   4
Restricted Elective:7 BIOL   4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Upper Level Elective:     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (4th Spring)
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 469 Internship in 8
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 3
Upper Level Elective:     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 6 Research and/or internship credits are recommended. A maximum of one credit each may count towards restricted electives.
  • 7 Any BIOL courses are eligible, but at least 12 credits must be 300+ level.

PDF version of the BS in Biology with Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis Roadmap

  • Program: Bachelor of Science: Biology with Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis
  • Total Credits: 120
  • Catalog: 2023-2024

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal 3 BIOL 115/115L Organismal Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 150/150L General Chemistry I + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective3     3
First-Year Experience Course FYE 101 First Year Experience 1
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major requirement  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal  3 BIOL 111/111L Cell Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 210/210L General Chemistry II + Lab 4
LASC Goal 1B ENGL 101 English Composition 3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 1 Chem 275 can be taken in place of either general chemistry lab and counts as a LASC 2. Students in LC will either take Biol 100 or Chem 275.
  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  • 3 Make sure to consult the LASC policy and take a minimum of 40 credits of LASC courses. Some LASC courses double count, making room to add a minor or second major

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
Program Requirement: BIOL 341/341L Genetics + Lab 4
Program Requirement: BIOL 345/345L Principles of Ecology and Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal 1A COMM 100 Speech Communication 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14
Spring (2nd Spring)
Program Requirement: BIOL 348 Evolutionary Biology 3
Program Requirement: BIOL 478 Research Design 4
Core Requirement: BIOL 275 Quantitative Biology 4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.

 

Third Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (3rd Fall)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 35 PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional: BIOL 470 Teaching Assistant 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (3rd Spring)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 35 PHYS 161/161L Physics II with Algebra + Lab 4
Program Requirement:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
       
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 4 Courses must be selected from four lists of restricted BIOL courses for the EEB emphasis.
  • 5 If you have taken, or are concurrently enrolled in calculus, PHYS 200 and 201 are recommended.
  • 6 Three credits of research or internship credits are required. A maximum of three credits of BIOL 469 may count towards restricted electives.

 

Fourth

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (4th Fall)
Recommended/ Optional:   National/International Student Exchange Semester  
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Elective:     3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 17
Spring (4th Spring)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Elective:     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 469 Internship in 4
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 17

Notes:

  • 4 Courses must be selected from four lists of restricted BIOL courses for the EEB emphasis.
  • 6 Three credits of research or internship credits are required. A maximum of three credits of BIOL 469 may count towards restricted electives.

PDF version of the BS in Biology with Human Health Sciences Emphasis Roadmap

  • Program: Bachelor of Science: Biology with Human Health Sciences Emphasis
  • Total Credits: 120
  • Catalog: 2023-2024

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal 3 BIOL 115/115L Organismal Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 150/150L General Chemistry I + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective3     3
First-Year Experience Course FYE 101 First Year Experience 1
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major requirement  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal  3 BIOL 111/111L Cell Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 210/210L General Chemistry II + Lab 4
LASC Goal 1B ENGL 101 English Composition 3
LASC Goal Elective2     3
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 1 Chem 275 can be taken in place of either general chemistry lab and counts as a LASC 2. Students in LC will either take Biol 100 or Chem 275.
  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  • 3 Make sure to consult the LASC policy and take a minimum of 40 credits of LASC courses. Some LASC courses double count, making room to add a minor or second major.

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
Program Requirement: BIOL 323/323L Human Anatomy + Lab 4
Program Requirement: PSY 113 General Psychology 3
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective     3
LASC Goal 1A COMM 100 Speech Communication 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 16
Spring (2nd Spring)
Program Requirement: BIOL 349/349L Human Physiology + Lab 4
Program Requirement: PSY 202 Developmental Psychology 3
Core Requirement: BIOL 275 Quantitative Biology 4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.

 

Third Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (3rd Fall)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 35 PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional: BIOL 470 Teaching Assistant 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (3rd Spring)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 35 PHYS 161/161L Physics II with Algebra + Lab 4
Core Requirement: BIOL 275 Quantitative Biology 4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
       
Total Credits: 15

Notes:

  • 4 Any BIOL courses are eligible, but at least 12 credits must be 300+ level.
  • 5 If you have taken or are concurrently enrolled in calculus, PHYS 200 and 201 are recommended.

 

Fourth

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (4th Fall)
Recommended/ Optional:   National/International Student Exchange Semester  
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
LASC Goal Elective     3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional: BIOL 470 Teaching Assistant 1
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14
Spring (4th Spring)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Upper Level Elective:     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 469 Internship in Biology 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 17

Notes:

  • 4 Any BIOL courses are eligible, but at least 12 credits must be 300+ level.
  • 6 Research and/or internship credits are recommended. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 469 and 3 credits of BIOL 497 or BCBT 397 may count towards the restricted electives credit total.

PDF version of the BS in Biology with Medical and Cellular Biology Emphasis Roadmap

  • Program: Bachelor of Science: Biology with Medical and Cellular Biology Emphasis
  • Total Credits: 120
  • Catalog: 2023-2024

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal 3 BIOL 115/115L Organismal Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 150/150L General Chemistry I + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective3     3
First-Year Experience Course FYE 101 First Year Experience 1
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major requirement  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal  3 BIOL 111/111L Cell Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 210/210L General Chemistry II + Lab 4
LASC Goal 1B ENGL 101 English Composition 3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 1 Chem 275 can be taken in place of either general chemistry lab and counts as a LASC 2. Students in LC will either take Biol 100 or Chem 275.
  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  • 3 Make sure to consult the LASC policy and take a minimum of 40 credits of LASC courses. Some LASC courses double count, making room to add a minor or second major

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
Core Requirement: BIOL 341/341L Genetics + Lab 4
Core Requirement: CHEM 350 Organic Chemistry I 3
Core Requirement: CHEM 355 Organic Chemistry I Lab 1
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal 1A COMM 100 Speech Communication 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14
Spring (2nd Spring)
Core Requirement: BIOL 349/349L Human Physiology + Lab 4
Core Requirement: CHEM 360 Organic Chemistry II 3
Core Requirement: CHEM 365 Organic Chemistry II Lab 1
Core Requirement: BIOL 275 Quantitative Biology 4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 15

Notes:

  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.

 

Third Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (3rd Fall)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL 350/350L Microbiology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 34 PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional: BIOL 470 Teaching Assistant 1
Recommended/ Optional:5 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 16
Spring (3rd Spring)
Restricted Elective:6 BIOL   4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 34 PHYS 161/161L Physics II with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal Elective     3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional:5 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 2
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
       
Total Credits: 16

Notes:

  • 4 If you have taken, or are concurrently enrolled in calculus, PHYS 200 and 201 are recommended.
  • 5 Research and/or internship credits are recommended. A maximum of three credits each may count towards restricted electives.
  • 6 Courses must be selected from two lists of restricted BIOL and BCBT courses. Additional courses recommended for pre-med and pre-professional students.

 

Fourth

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (4th Fall)
Recommended/ Optional:   National/International Student Exchange Semester  
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional:5 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14
Spring (4th Spring)
Restricted Elective:4 BIOL   4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:5 BIOL 469 Internship in Biology 3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Upper Level Elective:     3
Upper Level Elective:     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 16

Notes:

  • 4 If you have taken, or are concurrently enrolled in calculus, PHYS 200 and 201 are recommended.
  • 5 Research and/or internship credits are recommended. A maximum of three credits each may count towards restricted electives.

PDF version of the BS in Biology with One Health Emphasis Roadmap

  • Program: Bachelor of Science: Biology with One Health Emphasis
  • Total Credits: 120
  • Catalog: 2023-2024

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal 3 BIOL 115/115L Organismal Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 150/150L General Chemistry I + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal Elective3     3
First-Year Experience Course FYE 101 First Year Experience 1
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major requirement  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: LASC Goal  3 BIOL 111/111L Cell Biology + Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 31 CHEM 210/210L General Chemistry II + Lab 4
LASC Goal 1B ENGL 101 English Composition 3
LASC Goal 8 BIOL 248 Introduction to Public Health 3
Recommended/ Optional:   Athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 1 Chem 275 can be taken in place of either general chemistry lab and counts as a LASC 2. Students in LC will either take Biol 100 or Chem 275.
  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  • 3 Make sure to consult the LASC policy and take a minimum of 40 credits of LASC courses. Some LASC courses double count, making room to add a minor or second major

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
Program Requirement: BIOL 345/345L Principles of Ecology and Lab 4
Program Requirement:4 BIOL 350/350L Microbiology and Lab 4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 42 MATH   3
LASC Goal 1A COMM 100 Speech Communication 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14
Spring (2nd Spring)
Program Requirement: BIOL 438 Medical Microbiology 3
Core Requirement: BIOL 275 Quantitative Biology 4
Program Requirement:5     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 2 Math courses depend on initial placement. Trig or Pre-calc is a pre-requisite to take Physics 160.
  • 4 BIOL 236/236L is an option.
  • 5 Choose PSY 113, SOC 110, or SUST 200
  • 6 Three credits of research or internship credits are required. A maximum of six credits of BIOL 469 may count towards restricted electives.

 

Third Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (3rd Fall)
Program Restricted Elective:7     4
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 38 PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra + Lab 4
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional: BIOL 470 Teaching Assistant 1
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 15
Spring (3rd Spring)
Program Requirement:9     3
Related Requirement: LASC Goal 38 PHYS 161/161L Physics II with Algebra + Lab 4
Program Restricted Elective:7     4
LASC Goal Elective     3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
       
Total Credits: 14

Notes:

  • 7 Choose at least 18 credits from restricted elective courses for the One Health emphasis.
  • 8 If you have taken, or are concurrently enrolled in calculus, PHYS 200 and 201 are recommended.
  • 9 Choose HSAD 218 (Summer only), NURS 485, or BIOL 335.

 

Fourth

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (4th Fall)
Recommended/ Optional:   National/International Student Exchange Semester  
Program Restricted Elective:7     4
Program Restricted Elective:7     4
Elective:     3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 497 Research in Biology 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 17
Spring (4th Spring)
Program Restricted Elective:7     4
Program Restricted Elective:7     4
LASC Goal Elective     3
LASC Goal Elective WI     3
Recommended/ Optional:6 BIOL 469 Internship in Biology 3
Recommended/ Optional:   LA Seminar, research, athletics, music, minor or second major  
Total Credits: 17

Notes:

  • 6 Three credits of research or internship credits are required. A maximum of six credits of BIOL 469 may count towards restricted electives.
  • 7 Choose at least 18 credits from restricted elective courses for the One Health emphasis.