Here are some courses to expect if you're a biology major:
- Principles of ecology and evolution
- Genetics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biophysics
- Calculus
- Principles of molecular cell biology
What courses do you take if you major in biology?
What Courses Do Biology Majors Take?
- Physiology
- Animal Biology
- Behavior
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Embryonic Development
What are the best undergraduate programs for biology?
Universities
- Top Biology Programs: East. Offers programs of study with undergraduate specialization in behavioral biology, cell biology, molecular biology & genetics, ecology & conservation biology, neurobiology, and quantitative biology.
- Central. ...
- West. ...
- Pacific. ...
What are the career paths for a biology major?
|Top 10 Marketable Careers
- Biologist. Biologists research and explain the living world around us. ...
- Biological Technician. Basically, biological technicians help biological and medical scientists to carry out laboratory tests and experiments.
- Biochemists. ...
- Biophysicists. ...
- Zoologists. ...
- Microbiologist. ...
What education is needed for biology?
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences: General
- MS: Human Biology
- MA: Medical Sciences: Molecular Medicine
- BS: Health Sciences
Is biology a hard major?
Biology is a challenging field, and the rigors of a biology degree might prove too much for individuals who only feel lukewarm about the subject. However, for those who begin their studies with a plan for how they want to use their education, it can be one of the most rewarding degrees available.
What GPA do I need to be a biology major?
a 2.0 GPATo graduate with a degree in Biology, you must have a 2.0 GPA both overall and in Biology.
Does biology major require calculus?
Formal Requirements for the Biological Sciences Major Biological sciences majors are required to take one semester of calculus plus a second math or statistics course.
Do you need math for biology major?
An understanding of math, chemistry, and physics is required for completing a Biology major.
How long does it take to major in biology?
four yearsA bachelor's degree in biology typically takes four years to complete. Some colleges and universities offer both bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees in biology.
Is graduating with a 3.0 good?
A 3.0 GPA indicates a grade average of “B” and makes you eligible to apply to a wide range of schools, so yes! A 3.0 GPA is generally considered “good.”
Is there a lot of math in biology?
Biology can involve very little math, or be a field of mathematics itself, depending on your goals and interests. College level biology courses typically don't list math prerequisites directly. Graduate and professional work in biology requires advanced college level math classes.
Is biology hard in college?
Broadly speaking, biology is a comparatively simple science major to get into without a huge amount of training or expertise in the subject. One advantage students and professors will point out is that there is less complex mathematics to do in biology compared to your average science class in another subject.
What major does not require calculus?
The following majors do not require Calculus Anthropology. Art and Art History. Classics. Communication.
Can I study biology without chemistry?
All biologists need to have some basic, foundational understanding of chemistry, physics, math, and statistics.
Do biology majors need physics?
Yes, it should. So many biological assays or forms of observation rely on the physics of light/particles. FACs, Mass-spec, all forms of microscopy, X-ray crystallography, CT or MRI, etc. If you plan for a higher degree you will need it.
What kind of math do you need for biology?
For about as long as anyone can remember, most undergraduate natural science majors have been required to take at least two semesters of calculus.
What is a good science major GPA?
A science GPA around 3.3-3.4 is Very Good, one between 3.5-3.7 is usually Excellent and one above 3.8 is generally Superior. By way of reference, the average GPA for students attending top medical schools is 3.89.
Is biology hard in college?
Broadly speaking, biology is a comparatively simple science major to get into without a huge amount of training or expertise in the subject. One advantage students and professors will point out is that there is less complex mathematics to do in biology compared to your average science class in another subject.
How do you get a 4.0 in biology?
I finished with a 4.0, and although I worked hard, I didn't work THAT much harder than most of my peers....Here are my tips:GO TO CLASS. ... ASK QUESTIONS. ... DO THE READING. ... TAKE NOTES. ... MASTER THE MATERIAL, NOT THE EXAM. ... USE MNEMONICS FOR MEMORIZATION. ... 12 HOURS BEFORE THE EXAM.
How do I know if biology is right for me?
Is Biology the right major for you?You are interested in learning more about how humans and other living organisms work. ... You have a strong stomach. ... You are interested in pursuing a medical career. ... You have a love for nature, animals, and plants. ... Your favorite classes in high school are math and science.More items...•
What majors do you need to be a biology major?
An understanding of math, chemistry, and physics is required for completing a Biology major. What courses a student takes depends largely on their career interests, and is best discussed with their advisor or our Student Services Office.
What colleges do you need to major in biology?
College Requirements. Students majoring in Biology can do so through two colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) . Each college has additional general education requirements students are expected to complete.
What GPA do you need to take biology classes?
This coursework provide students with a broad foundation in the biological sciences. Students must maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA for these courses.
What is advanced biology?
Advanced biology coursework allows students to tailor their degree program to their interests with over 200 course options, making Biology the most flexible life-science major at Iowa State University. Advanced biology courses include traditional instructional content as well as opportunities such as field trip courses, teaching experiences, internships, and research experiences. Biology majors complete 21 credits of advanced biology coursework, including:
How many semesters of calculus are required for biology?
Biology majors complete two semesters of calculus and/or statistics. Choice of college (LAS or CALS) impact a student's mathematics requirements per the options below:
How many credits are required for a biology degree?
At least 9 credits from Biology Program offerings (e.g., BIOL, EEOB, and GDCB courses)
How many credits does Iowa State University have?
Iowa State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology through its interdepartmental undergraduate Biology Program. Consisting of 120 credit hours, students can complete this degree within four years (8 semesters) to pursue a wide variety of career options.
What Biology Courses Might I Take as a Freshman?
However, for those who are set on a major in biology, it may be possible to get a head start by taking courses like intro to biology or principles of biology . Such courses often involve a lab component as well. Some schools may have different courses for majors and non-majors, so be sure to check that the course you're signing up for is the right one. Tackling other required intro-level courses, such as intro to chemistry or general descriptive chemistry, may also be an option.
What is a course catalog?
Course catalogs will list lots of classes with titles that are overly vague or oddly specific, which may not provide students with a clear idea of what they're signing up for. Some courses will have a clear progression, like Biology I to Biology II, while others may leave you wondering precisely what prerequisites you will need before you can ...
What Is a Biology Major?
A biology major studies the role of living organisms, their function and characteristics. In this major, students use an integrative approach, blending time in the classroom with time in a research laboratory. Students will work both independently and collaboratively in the lab and on research projects, where they’ll be expected to conduct studies, analyze the results and present their findings. Students in this major will gain a solid foundation in biology that prepares them for a variety of graduate-level programs or careers in the health and environmental fields.
What do you study in biology?
You’ll take math, science, chemistry and biology courses. A biology major studies the science behind living organisms. This includes the origin and history of animal and plant life, and their characteristics, function, processes and habits. Biology majors develop the fundamentals needed to pursue a career or graduate-level work in ...
What classes do you need to take to become a marine biologist?
Students in this major take several foundational biology and chemistry courses. These may include ecology and evolution, genetics, biostatistics, cell structure and function, biochemistry and molecular biology, human anatomy and physiology, and marine biology. Students are also required to take additional math and science courses, like biophysics and calculus. Beyond basic coursework, programs require a laboratory and research component. Some students also participate in study abroad programs or internships.
Why do people study biology in medical school?
Many students who seek a career in medicine study biology because it’s the basis for several medical principles they’ll explore in medical school.
What is the introduction to biology?
Introductory-level classes prepare students for advanced coursework in biology, particularly for those who choose a concentration. Many opt to narrow their studies to a particular field in biology, such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, molecular biology or microbiology. Advanced coursework varies by concentration.
What are the different types of courses that colleges require?
These are courses that draw from different fields of study -- typically foreign languages, arts, humanities, natural sciences and mathematics. If your school has a foreign language requirement, many academic advisers will suggest that you start your language coursework ...
Why is chemistry important in biology?
Because chemical reactions are the driving force for life, and bi ology is the study of the life sciences, having a background in chemistry is absolutely critical for success in biology. Biology courses provide a brief overview of chemical reactions, but without a solid understanding of these concepts, you may be unable to grasp some ...
What to do before you register for classes?
Before you register for your classes, consult with your adviser or department to make sure that your decisions will be right not only for your skill level, but also for the time it takes to complete your degree and other graduation requirements.
Do you need to take math classes for biology?
If you are planning to apply to medical or graduate school after completion of your biology degree, make sure you do not need to take additional math classes beyond the typical calculus sequence that most students take for their biology degree .
How long does it take to become a biology teacher at Towson?
The field intensive curriculum allows you to complete both a bachelor’s degree and all coursework for middle and high school teacher certification in four years. View the degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog .
What is cell and molecular biology?
The cell and molecular biology concentration provides background for advanced studies in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology and diverse fields that involve molecular tools in research. This concentration is also excellent preparation for professional degree programs in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, or for a career in biology education, biomedical research or fields that integrate biology with other disciplines such as business or law. You can view degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog .
What is functional biology of animals?
The functional biology of animals concentration is designed to give you an understanding of animal physiology consistent with the expectations of medical and dental education programs, veterinary medicine programs, anatomy and physiology graduate programs, or a career in research (as a clinical or basic science research technician). This concentration is also an option if you are interested in medically related fields. You can view degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog .
What is the ecology, evolution and conservation concentration?
The ecology, evolution and conservation concentration prepares you for advanced studies in botany, zoology, conservation biology or ecology, and/or career opportunities in environmental education, government environmental regulatory agencies and the private sector.
University Requirements
- Students enrolled in any major at Iowa State University complete a common set of general education requirements. These requirements include: For additional information about English and communications coursework, including test-out and placement tests, see the ISUComm website.
College Requirements
- Students majoring in Biology can do so through two colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Each college has additional general education requirements students are expected to complete. They key differences between these requirements for Biology majors are summarized below: The College …
Biology Major Requirements
- Biology Core Requirements
This coursework provide students with a broad foundation in the biological sciences. Students must maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA for these courses. The 300-level core courses do not need to be taken in numerical order. Students should aim to take the course which relates t… - Advanced Biology Requirements
Advanced biology courseworkallows students to tailor their degree program to their interests with over 200 course options, making Biology the most flexible life-science major at Iowa State University. Advanced biology courses include traditional instructional content as well as opportu…