The biology major has the dual mission of introducing students to the information and technological tools of various disciplines of biology while instilling the confidence to critically assess a biological phenomenon and to design and carry out an appropriate research program.
Typical First-Year Schedule (with Chemistry taken in the first year)
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- CHEM 122 or 125
- MATH 119 (offered Fall only)/120/126/128 or OLE Core/Elective
- World Language
MATH 120 can be taken in Fall, January Term, or Spring. MATH 119 is only offered in Fall.
january term
- MATH 120 or OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- CHEM 126
- BIO 150 or MATH 120/126
- World Language
Typical First-Year Schedule (with Chemistry taken in the second year)
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- BIO 150 or OLE Core/Elective
- MATH 119 (offered Fall only)/120/126/128 or OLE Core/Elective
- World Language
MATH 120 can be taken in Fall, January Term, or Spring. MATH 119 is only offered in Fall.
january term
- MATH 120 or OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- MATH 120/126 or OLE Core/Elective
- BIO 150 or OLE Core/Elective
- World Language
Additional Information
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS COURSEWORK
- 100-level elective credit toward the major is given for: AP score of 4 or 5, IB HL score of 5-7, or Cambridge A-level score of A (unless other credit is arranged).
- Credit for transfer courses is done in consultation with the Registrar and the Biology Department Chair.
Placement
The first biology course in the major is BIO 150 for all students. Rare exceptions include certain transfer courses or a score of A on Cambridge A-level Biology.
For chemistry, students should follow their placement recommendation found in the Student Information System (SIS).
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chair, Department of Biology – Steve Freedberg (freedber@stolaf.edu)
Associate Professor of Biology – Jean Porterfield (porterfi@stolaf.edu)