Major Course Sequence

Our Biology majors follow a diverse set of career paths after graduation from Transylvania University. In response to this, we have developed three Biology tracks (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB); Molecular and Cellular Biology; and Biology (MCB)). All biology majors take four core biology courses (Integrated Concepts of Biology: Molecules and Cells, Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems, Biologist’s Toolkit ½ credit, and Capstone in Biology ½ credit), at least 2 semesters of chemistry, and either calculus or statistics.  The additional 9 courses in the major are determined by the track the student chooses to follow. We recommend all first year students to complete the Integrated Concepts of Biology sequence (Bio 1204/6), which can be taken in any order, and begin the general chemistry sequence.  

In the sophomore year, students enroll in Biologist’s Toolkit (BIO 2042) which will prepare them to take upper-level courses in the major.  Students should also continue on allied course requirements and begin taking upper-level biology courses.

In the junior year, students should choose biology electives based on their declared track and in consultation with their advisors.  Students in the Biology and EEB tracks are encouraged to choose up to three courses in other natural science fields as electives in the major.  Students in the MCB track should complete the organic chemistry sequence.  

All biology students are encouraged to participate in research via independent study, summer research with a Transylvania faculty member, or through a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at another institution that may serve as the basis of their senior capstone project the following year.

In the senior year, students complete advanced biology coursework, enroll in Capstone in Biology and complete other allied courses.  Students who have completed an approved research experience will formally present the results of their work via poster or oral presentation and writing a scientific paper including a literature review.  Students who have not yet completed a research experience will propose an hypothesis can be explored via publicly available data sets, test the hypothesis with the available data, and present their work as an oral or poster presentation and a written scientific manuscript.

First Year

Fall Term

  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Molecules and Cells OR
    BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
  • MATH 1304 Calculus I OR
    MATH 1144 Elementary Statistics OR
    CHEM 1055 Chemistry I

Winter Term

  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems OR
    BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Molecules and Cells
  • CHEM 1065 Chemistry II OR
    MATH 1304 Calculus I OR
    MATH 1144 Elementary Statistics

Second Year

Initiate or continue taking the allied courses.

Fall Term

  • BIO 2042 Biologists’ Toolkit (1/2 credit) (or in Winter term)
  • Complete CHEM/MATH*

Winter Term

  • 2000-level BIO elective
  • Complete CHEM/MATH*

May Term

  • 2000-level BIO elective

Third Year

Fall Term

  • 2000 or 3000-level BIO elective
  • 3000 or 4000-level BIO elective

Winter Term

  • 2000 or 3000-level BIO elective
  • 3000 or 4000-level BIO elective

May Term

  • Science elective**

Fourth Year

In the senior year, the Biology major is expected to take Capstone in Biology. Since Capstone is taught both Fall and Winter Term, meet with an advisor to determine which term is best for your schedule.

Fall Term

  • BIO 4432 Capstone in Biology (1/2 unit) (or in Winter term)
  • Science elective**

Winter Term

  • Science elective**

May Term

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** Three science electives may come from biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or mathematics

Biology majors wishing to declare a minor in secondary education (for teaching certification) are advised to consult the director of education program as soon as possible.