Student resources

Biology enrollment FAQs

• What happened to BIO110 and BIO112?

  The Biology Department is introducing a new curriculum beginning next year. In place of BIO110 (no lab) – BIO112 (with lab) – BIO225 (with lab), we will be offering BIO103 (with lab) and BIO 104 (with lab). In 2018-19, we will be introducing new “sophomore” level classes in physiology and molecular biology without labs

• Why did the Biology Department do this?

  The goal of the curricular realignment is to improve student learning, retention, and outcomes by redistributing the material that every biology (and related) major needs.

• I already took BIO110 and BIO112- does this affect me?

  No it does not- you should plan on taking BIO225 sometime next year.

• If I complete BIO225 next year, will I also have to take the 2 new “sophomore” classes in my junior year?

  No, but you may be allowed to take them if space allows. This will be determined later by the Biology Department.

• I took BIO110 but not BIO112 - what do I take now?

  For next year, students should take BIO104 in either the fall or winter in place of BIO112 and then take BIO225 in the spring.

• I am/want to be a biology major but I haven’t had any biology courses yet. Do I have to take both BIO103 AND BIO104?

  Yes, you will need to complete both courses if you are a biology major.

• I’m not a biology major- what should I take?

  Each Interdisciplinary Studies Program is making its own recommendations:

  BIO103

  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Science, Policy, and Engineering
  • Leadership in Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Pre-health students

  BIO104

  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Leadership in Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Pre-health students
• Do I have to take BIO103 before BIO104?

  No. The courses are designed to be taken in any order, so when petitioning, make sure you consider both courses.