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.
Recommended Sequence of Courses for Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Track
| First Year | ||
| We advise all prospective Biology majors to start their biology core course sequence in their first year. At a minimum, complete BIO 1204 and BIO 1206 in the first year. It is advised, but not required, that a student also start their General Chemistry sequence in year one. However, if math skills require refreshing, then it is appropriate to focus on Calculus in the first year and postpone General Chemistry to the sophomore year. | ||
| Fall Term | Winter Term | May Term |
| BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Molecules and Cells OR | BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems OR | |
| BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems | BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Molecules and Cells | |
| CHEM 1055 Chemistry I OR | CHEM 1065 Chemistry II OR | |
| MATH 1144 Elementary Statistics | MATH 1144 Elementary Statistics | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Initiate or continue taking the allied courses. | ||
| Fall Term | Winter Term | May Term |
| BIO 2042 Biologists’ Toolkit (1/2 credit) (or in Winter term) | BIO 3314 Evolution | 2000-level elective (BIO 2124 Field Botany, BIO-2144 Tropical Ecology, BIO 2164 Ornithology, BIO 2504 Entomology) |
| Complete CHEM/MATH* | Complete CHEM/MATH* | |
| *Biology majors should complete all required allied courses by the end of the sophomore year. | ||
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Term | Winter Term | May Term |
| BIO 4144 Ecology | BIO 3204 Animal Behavior | 2000-level elective (BIO 2124 Field Botany, BIO-2144 Tropical Ecology, BIO 2164 Ornithology, BIO 2504 Entomology) |
| 2000 or 3000-level BIO elective | Science elective** | |
| Senior Year | ||
| In the senior year, the Biology major is expected to take Capstone in Biology. Although Capstone is taught both Fall and Winter Term, meet with an advisor to determine which term is best for your schedule. | ||
| Fall Term | Winter Term | May Term |
BIO 4432 Capstone in Biology (1/2 unit) (or in Winter term) | Science elective** | |
| Science elective** | ||
** 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. | ||