James Yoder and Douglas Graber Neufeld, advisors
Required biology courses (28-31 SH)
Biology majors start their coursework with either BIOL 173 or BIOL 155 depending on prior academic achievements (see course descriptions for more details).
- BIOL 173 Concepts in Biology: Unity and Diversity of Life - 4
- BIOL 225 Molecules, Genes and Cells - 4
- BIOL 235 Ecology: Adaptation and Environment - 4
- BIOL 245 Animal Form and Function - 4
- BIOL 485 Faith Science and Ethics OR *ENVS 325 Environmental Ethics - 2
In addition to the core courses listed above, students are required to take an upper-level course in each of three areas:
Molecular/Cellular requirement (3 SH)
Choose one of the following courses:
- BIOCH 376 Foundational Biochemistry - 3
- *BIOCH 398 Advanced Cell Biology - 3
- *BIOCH 438 Molecular Genetics - 3
- *BIOL 327 Advanced Microbiology - 3
- BIOL 337 Immunology - 3
Physiology/Systems requirement (3-4 SH)
Choose one of the following courses:
- BIOL 307 Developmental Biology - 4
- *BIOL 378 Plant Ecophysiology - 3
- *BIOL 388 Entomology - 3
- BIOL 437 Advanced Human Anatomy - 4
- BIOL 447 Advanced Human Physiology - 4
- *BIOL 478 Advanced Neurobiology - 3
Ecology/Environment requirement (2-4 SH)
Choose one of the following courses:
- *BIOL 358 Natural History of the Shenandoah Valley - 4
- *BIOL 378 Plant Ecophysiology - 3
- *BIOL 388 Entomology - 3
- *BIOL 465 Topics in Advanced Ecology - 2
- *CHEM 285 Environmental Chemistry - 4
- *CHEM 305 Alternative Energy - 2
- *ENVS 235 Sustainable Food Systems - 2
- *ENVS 335 Soil Science - 2
- *ENVS 365 Env. Risk Assessment and Policy - 2
Research requirement (2 SH)
- BIOL 255 Biology Research Seminar - 1
Choose one of the following courses:
- BIOL 279 Introductory Biology Research - 1
- BIOL 479 Independent Biology Research - 1
- BIOCH/CHEM 479 Biochemistry/ Chemistry Research - 1
The research requirement may be satisfied by completing an NSF REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program (no credit hours received). Requirement may also be satisfied by internship/practicum style experiences.
In addition, the biology major includes CHEM 223, CHEM 224, CHEM 316, physics with laboratory, and at least one semester of calculus. Coursework in statistics is not required but highly recommended, particularly STAT 220.
Enrollment in upper-level biology, biochemistry, chemistry and environmental science courses (BIOL, BIOCH, CHEM, ENVS 300s and 400s) requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all science and math courses (BIOL, BIOCH, CHEM, ENVS, MATH, PHYS). Students who fail to earn a C- in any coursework required for their major should promptly schedule a meeting with their advisor.