Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life, from microscopic organisms to plants, animals, humans, and other life forms. A solid foundation in modern biology includes the study of cell theory, genetics, homeostasis, and energy.
As a biology student, you will evaluate and better understand how new discoveries lead to informed decisions in the use of scientific knowledge to benefit all living organisms. Along the way, you will take classes that emphasize high-quality teaching and learning environments with opportunities for faculty-student research.
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.
*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.
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.
