Biology, BA
Studies in biology can serve as preparation for graduate study in the biological sciences, graduate training in health-related professions, teaching, or employment in a laboratory or conservation-related job. The Biology Department offers courses in many areas of biology, ranging from the workings of cells and cellular components to species interactions and ecosystem function. Penn's curriculum keeps pace with recent developments in molecular biology and the study of evolutionary processes, including proteomics, computational genomics, molecular evolution, and epigenetics. The Biology Major allows students to explore the wide range of topics in Biology, while also providing a strong foundation in core subject areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology and evolution.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.
With permission from the Undergraduate Chair, two course units away or LPS courses may count toward the Biology major. This limit does not apply to Study Abroad.
For more information: http://www.bio.upenn.edu/undergraduate/current-students/major-requirements
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 19 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Introductory Biology Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following Tracks: | 3 | |
| Track 1 (3 course units) | ||
| Students must take all of the following courses, plus one additional BIOL course 2000-level or higher | ||
| Introduction to Biology - The Molecular Biology of Life | ||
| Introductory Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Organismal Biology Lab | ||
| Track 2 (3 course units): | ||
| Introduction to Biology A | ||
| Introduction to Biology B | ||
| Physical Sciences, Calculus, Statistics, and Computer Science | ||
| Select 4 course units in Chemistry, MATH (Calculus), Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, 2 | 4 | |
| Introduction to General Chemistry I | ||
| Introduction to General Chemistry II | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| General Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| General Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound | ||
| General Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics | ||
| Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | ||
| Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | ||
MATH 1300 | ||
| Calculus, Part I | ||
| Calculus, Part II | ||
| Statistics for Biologists | ||
| Introductory Statistics | ||
| Introductory Business Statistics | ||
| Programming Languages and Techniques I | ||
| Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science | ||
| Intermediate Level Biology Courses | ||
| Select two courses in each of the two groups: | 4 | |
| Group 1: | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology | ||
| Molecular Biology and Genetics | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
or CHEM 2510 | Principles of Biological Chemistry | |
| Group 2: | ||
| Evolution of Behavior: Animal Behavior | ||
| Principles of Human Physiology | ||
or BIOL 2311 | Human Physiology | |
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Ecology: From individuals to ecosystems | ||
| Additional Biology/Biology-Related Requirement | ||
| Select 6 additional course units of Biology with attributes ABB2, ABXD, ABAM, ABCM, ABAN, ABCD, ABEE, ABGD, ABGG, ABMD, ABMI, OR ABMC. Three of them may be other Biology related courses | 6 | |
| Total Course Units | 36 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
A fifth course is needed if the courses total less than 4 course units.
Honors
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the major and the thesis must be approved by the departmental honors committee.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.