Biology

120 Credit Hour Degree Requirement

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree program includes general education, elective, and biology courses, in addition to several chemistry courses, as well as a capstone or independent research course. The capstone is an independent, creative effort by the student that is integrative and builds on the student’s previous work in the major; it may include research projects, independent study and projects, a practicum, a seminar, and/or a field experience.

Written Communication (6 cr.)

ENG-W131 Reading, Writing, and Inquiry (3 cr.)

A second writing course with ENG-W131 as a prerequisite: 

ENG-W270 (3 cr.), or ENG-W230 (3 cr.)

Oral Communication (3cr.)

COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 cr.)

Students must have first-year proficiency in a world language e.g. a first-year sequence including a 131 and 132-level course in a world language. (8 cr.) or world language first semester (4 cr.) and a Cultural Understanding Gen Ed Elective (3 cr.)

Art & Humanities Gen Ed Elective (3 cr.)

Social Sciences Gen Ed Elective (3 cr.)

Arts & Humanities or Social Science (3 cr.)

Chemistry

Two semesters of Principles of Chemistry with laboratories. (10 cr.)

CHEM-C105/CHEM-C125 (3 cr./2 cr.) Chemistry I

CHEM-C106/CHEM-C126 (3 cr./2 cr.) Chemistry II

Two semesters of organic chemistry lecture and one semester of laboratory. (8 cr.)

CHEM-C341/CHEM-C343 (3 cr./2 cr.) Organic I

CHEM-C342 (3 cr.) Organic II

Physics

Two semesters of basic physics (8 cr.)

PHYS-P218 (4 cr.) Physics I

PHYS-P219 (4 cr.) Physics II

MATH 15300 (3 cr.) College Algebra

MATH 15400 (3 cr.) Trigonometry w/ Analytical Geometry

CSCI-N207 (3 cr.) Data Analysis Using Spreadsheets

(or other computer science course with approval)

Minimum Grade = C-, Minimum 2.0 GPA

Required Core Sequence

Concepts of Biology I and II (10 cr.)

  • BIOL-K101 (5 cr.) Biology I
  • BIOL-K103 (5 cr.) Biology II

BIOL-K322 Genetics and Molecular Biology (3 cr.) (spring semester, every year)

BIOL-K324 Cell Biology (3 cr.) (fall semester, even years)

BIOL-K341 Principles of Ecology and Evolution (3 cr.) (fall semester, every year)

Upper-Level Courses

  • At least one lecture course from each of areas I-II listed below.
  • Three laboratory courses beyond BIOL-K101 / BIOL-K103 selected from areas below.
  • Capstone Experience. This requirement is met by taking either BIOL-K493 Independent Research (1 cr.) or BIOL-K490 Capstone (1 cr.) in the senior year.

Lecture Courses

I. Molecular/Cellular Area (3 cr.)

· BIOL-K384 Biochemistry [3 cr.] [spring semester, odd years]

II. Organismal Area (3 cr.)

· BIOL-K356 Microbiology [3 cr.] [fall semester, odd years]

· BIOL-K411 Global Change Biology [3 cr.]

Laboratory Courses (select 3)

· BIOL-K323 Genetics [2 cr.] [spring semester, every year]

· BIOL-K325 Cell Biology [2 cr.] [fall semester, even year]

· BIOL-K342 Principles of Ecology and Evolution [2 cr.] [fall semester, every year]

· BIOL-K357 Microbiology [2 cr.] [fall semester, odd year]

*Must earn 30 credits of course work at the 300 level at Indiana University.

Academic advising

As a biology student at IU Columbus, you'll work closely with your academic advisor to select and register for classes that apply toward your degree program. Your advisor will help you monitor your progress to ensure you are on the right track to graduate on time.


Learn more about academic advising

Capstone experience

Apply what you've learned in the capstone experience, which is an independent, creative effort that is integrative and builds on the your previous coursework; it may include research projects, independent study and projects, a practicum, a seminar, and/or a field experience.

Earn a minor in biology

The Division of Science offers a biology minor specialized for students majoring in other subjects. A minor from the Division of Science can help you diversify your undergraduate degree with additional business skills.


Learn more about a biology minor