Here is the suggested sequence of biology classes for students with primary interests in the fields of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

The Biology major requirements consist of at least 67 credits, with a minimum grade of C required in all Biology courses counted toward the major requirements.

SECTION I: All Biology majors must fulfill the following requirements for a total of 42 credits. Suggested semesters for taking the courses are listed in parentheses.

  1. Required courses in the Biology department Biol 151 and Biol 152/153 (Freshman year) Biol 312 (Junior year)
  2. Chemistry requirement
    1. Chem 111 and 112 (Freshman year)
    2. Chem 261, 262, and 269 (Sophomore year)
  3. Statistics requirement
    1. Statistics 240 or Res Econ 211 (Freshman or Sophonore year)
  4. Mathematics requirement
    1. Math 127 or Math 128 (Freshman year)
  5. Physics requirement
    1. Physics 131 and 132 (Junior year)

SECTION II: Suggested Course Sequence for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

25 credits must be taken; 13 of these credits must be at the 300 level or above. These elective credits must include 2 courses with a laboratory or field component and at least one course related to plant biology and one course related to animal biology.

Sophomore Year (strongly recommended courses)

  1. Biol 280 Evolution
  2. Biol 287 Introductory Ecology Biol 283 Genetics

Junior and Senior Year

  1. Biol 285 Cell & Molecular Biology or Biol 288 Intro Physiology

Biology Electives: we suggest that students take at least 2 classes within each of the following 3 clusters (at least 2 classes must have lab/field experience.

  1.  ​Ecology Cluster (choose 2)
    1. Biol 421 Plant Ecology [lab]
    2. Biol 487H Tropical Field Biology [lab] Biol 550 Animal Behavior [lab]
    3. Biol 551 Animal Communication
  2.  ​Evolutionary process and Genetics Cluster (choose 2) Biol 514 Populations Genetics
    1. Biol 528 Principles of Evolution
    2. Biol 531 Principles of Molecular Evolution Biol 583 Advanced Genetics
    3. Biol 597GE Evolutionary Genetics
  3.  ​Organismal Approaches Cluster (choose 2)
    1. Biol 461 Vertebrate Collections Management Biol 521 Comparative Anatomy [lab]
    2. Biol 540 Herpetology [lab] Biol 542 Ichthyology [lab] Biol 544 Ornithology [lab] Biol 548 Mammalogy [lab]
    3. Biol 566 Comparative Physiology Biol 597AM Animal Movement