Biology majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- Mechanisms of Life I and lab (BIOL 105 & 115)
- General Chemistry lecture & lab (CHEM 103 & 113)
- A liberal arts foundations course, such as PSY 201; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
About Your First Semester Courses
You should take BIOL 105, which is a lecture and laboratory course addressed to general principles in modern biology. Topics emphasize molecular and cell biology, evolution, and basic biological and chemical principles and provide the knowledge base necessary for all subsequent courses in biology.
All first year Biology majors should also take CHEM 103 and 113.
For your fifth course, you can choose what you like. You can take a liberal arts elective or a free elective course in a subject of your interest. Or, you may wish to begin study in a secondary subject area, perhaps for a minor or certificate. You may, in particular, be interested in PSY 201, General Psychology.
Biology majors cannot typically fit a foreign language course in their first year schedules due to course conflicts with labs, but must satisfy the foreign language requirement before graduation. If you have previously studied a language and can place into an upper-level language course you may be able to find a class that will fit your schedule or test out of your language requirement.
Similarly, Biology majors typically do not take calculus until their sophomore year. However, you may still opt to take the math placement exam now to get a sense of the level at which you will begin. Consult with your advisor to determine the best course of action.
To learn more about the Biology major, consult the Biology Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.