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 /120/126/128*
- World Language (based on placement)*
*Can be replaced with OLE Core/Elective course
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 (based on placement)*
*Can be replaced with OLE Core/Elective course
Typical First-Year Schedule (with Chemistry taken in the second year)
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- BIO 150*
- MATH 119 /120/126/128*
- World Language (based on placement)*
*Can be replaced with OLE Core/Elective course
january term
- MATH 120 or OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- MATH 120/126*
- BIO 150*
- World Language (based on placement)*
*Can be replaced with OLE Core/Elective course
Additional Information
MATH 120 is offered each term. MATH 119 is only offered in the Fall.
AP/IB/CAL/PSEO can substitute for MATH 120.
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)