College of Science and Mathematics
BS in Biology
requirements for the bs degree in biology
COURSES AND COURSE CREDITS
1. Biology "core" (19 credits in Biology, 22 credits in Math, Physics and Chemistry) as follows:
General Biology 111 and 112 (lab required)
Genetics 252 (lab required)
*Cell Biology 210 (lab required)
Population Biology 290
Introductory Chemistry 103 and 104 (lab required)
Physics 107 and 108/ Labs 181-182.
Mathematics through one semester of calculus (usually Math 135 or 140 or 145).2. 20 credits at the 300 level or above in Biology. These must include at least 4 credits (or 12 class
hours) in the laboratory.In two cases, up to 8 of these required 20 credits may be taken in departments other than the Biology Department: (a) Organic Chemistry (Chem 253 & 254) may be counted toward this 20 credit requirement (departmental approval is not required), (b) course taken to complete requirements of the Biobehavioral Concentration may be counted toward this requirement, but only with prior approval of the Biology Department Chair.
The following Biology courses do not fulfill this requirement:
381, 444, 478-479, 483, 672-673.3.(a) In order to graduate as a biology major, a final grade point average of 2.0 is required in
biology courses above Biology 111-112 which are used to meet Biology major requirements.(b) Not more than one course used to satisfy requirements 1 and 2 (above) shall be taken
Pass/Fail.Majors are advised to complete Biology 111-112, Chemistry 103-104 and Math through Algebra during their first year and Biology 252, Biology 210, and Introductory Physics during their second year.
*Physiology 211 substitutes for Cell Biology 210
TRANSFER STUDENTSBIOLOGY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Transfer students must take at least 12 credit hours, including a minimum of 2 credit hours (6 class hours) in laboratory work, within the Biology Department at UMASS/Boston. These courses will be at the 300 level or above unless Chair's approval is obtained for lower level courses. Biology 381, 444, 478-479, 483 and 672 673 do not fulfill this requirement.
EXEMPTION FROM GENERAL BIOLOGYThe Biology Department accepts the CLEP exam with a score of 50 or above. Students meeting this requirement will be exempt from General Biology 111 and 112 and will receive six (6) credits towards graduation.
Students with a score of 3 on Advanced Placement Biology are exempt from Biology 111 and 112; those with an AP score of 4 or higher are exempt from Biology 111 and 112 and receive 4 credits.
HONORS IN BIOLOGYThe Biology Faculty may award departmental honors to students who have completed at least 3 credits of Independent Study (Biology 478-479) and who also meet the following requirements:
1. Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
2. Satisfactory grades in advanced biology courses (usually interpreted as no pass/fail enrollment and GPA of at least 3.0 for all biology courses 200 level or above).
3. Written thesis and oral presentation of the Independent Study Project approved by the Biology faculty. This presentation will usually be given during the last week of classes in the Spring semester. The thesis is due one week before the presentation.
ADVISERSEvery biology major must have a faculty adviser from the Biology Department. Students should see the departmental assistants to be assigned an adviser.
FURTHER INFORMATIONAdditional information can be obtained in the department's student handbook for undergraduates (available in W-3-021) and in the University catalog.
