The Biology Major (updated July 2024)

As of July 2024, concentrations have been removed from the curriculum. If you declared the major prior to this date, please follow this link to review the major requirements.

The biology major requires 17 CUs to be completed. Students interested in pursuing the biology major will need to choose between the two introductory tracks

Track 1: BIOL 1121/1123/1124 + any 2000-level or higher BIOL course

OR

Track 2: BIOL 1101/1102.

BIOL 1121 is a one semester lecture introduction to the major and is designed for students with a strong foundation in high school Biology and Chemistry. The BIOL 1121 lecture covers topics similar to those found in BIOL 1101, but in greater detail and at a quicker pace. BIOL 1123/1124 are the corresponding labs and are equivalent to the labs in the BIOL 1101/1102 series. The final 2000-level or higher course will ensure that all students have 3 CUs for their introductory biology requirement.

The BIOL 1101/1102 series is a more standard, two-semester introduction to biology and the major. Biology 1101 covers topics in cellular and molecular biology and genetics, and BIOL 1102 covers topics in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.

To make a request to apply for the Biology major, please fill out the Student Information form and Course Sequence worksheet and submit it to the following link. You will also need log-in to Path@Penn and, under Academic Planning & Registration, choose and fill out the "Declare/Update Field of Study" form.

*When submitting your declaration request on Path@Penn, please do so for the upcoming semester.

**Please note: Requests will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted.

Course Requirements for the Biology Major

Biology majors should aim to complete the following introductory sequences by the end of the sophomore year.

Introductory Biology (3 CUs)

Track 1: BIOL 1121, 1123, 1124, and any 2000-level or higher BIOL course.

Track 2: BIOL 1101 and 1102

External Sciences – Physical Science, Math, Statistics, and Computer Science (4 CUs)

You may take any combination of courses from the following list to meet the 4 CU requirement:

General Chemistry I (CHEM 1011, OR 1012, OR 1151) with or without lab (CHEM 1101)

General Chemistry II (CHEM 1021, OR 1022, OR 1161) with or without lab (CHEM 1102)

Physics I (PHYS 0101 OR 0150)

Physics II (PHYS 0102 OR 0151)

Calculus (MATH 1300 AND/OR 1400 AND/OR 1410)

Statistics (BIOL 2510 OR STAT 1110 OR STAT 1020) Please note, only 1 CU of stats can be counted toward the major.

Computer Science (CIS 1200 AND/OR 1600)

Intermediate Biology (4 CUs):

Choose two courses from each group.

Cell and Molecular Biology

BIOL 2010: Cell Biology

BIOL 2110: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology

BIOL 2210: Molecular Biology and Genetics

BIOL 2810 OR CHEM 2510: Biochemistry/Principles of Biological Chemistry

Organismal Biology

BIOL 2140: Animal Behavior

BIOL 2410: Evolutionary Biology

BIOL 2610: Ecology

BIOL 2311 OR 3310: Human Physiology

Additional Biology Electives (6 CUs):

Any 2000-level or above BIOL courses that are not being used to satisfy other requirements.

Up to 3 Approved Extra-Departmental courses for biology majors (see restrictions).

Please see below for recommended courses of study that focus on specific topics in biology.