Organismal Biology Major

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Major Requirements

1. Biology (ten courses)

Upper Division Courses;

Six courses including three courses with lab and selected from the three groups listed below.
Students must complete at least one from each group and at least three from group 1 or 3. Other courses also may be appropriate to fulfill the group requirements, if approved in advance by the biology faculty.

Group 1: at least one course

Students must complete at least three courses from Group 1 or Group 3.

Group 2: at least one course

Group 3: at least one course

Students must complete at least three courses from Group 1 or Group 3.

2. Chemistry (one or two courses)

3. Physics (two courses)

4. Mathematics (one course)

MATH 030 CM - Calculus I

5. Senior Thesis in Biology:

Organismal biology majors must complete a one- or two-semester thesis in biology. For further information, see Senior Thesis in Science .

Note:

The introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and physics may also be completed through both semesters of the Accelerated Integrated Science Sequence (AISS )

Study Abroad

All organismal biology majors, including dual majors, are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester in study abroad at an advanced level. Off-campus study courses may substitute for courses in Groups 1, 2, and 3. Approved summer research experience may substitute for study abroad by prior arrangement.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Program in Organismal Biology

Articulate the foundational scientific principles and findings in physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
Apply foundational principles, especially evolution, in different biological sub-disciplines.
Ability to clearly communicate scientific principles orally and in writing.
Apply critical, analytical, and scientific thinking skills, including:
a. develop scientific questions and apply a variety of research tools and methods for answering them;
b. read/understand original research;
c. use quantitative approaches to data analysis, presentation, and modeling; application of quantitative/analytical tools.
Articulate how science relates to current problems in the modern world, especially contemporary concerns such as conservation biology, climate change, and ecosystem degradation.