2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
67
• articulate the relationships between science and society
• demonstrate knowledge of the core concepts of biology
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (12-13 units):
BI 115
BI 125 or HON 126
BI 215
BI 225
BI 475 or BI 499
CH 111 and CH 112, or CH 149
five elective units in BI, one of which must be at the 400 level; one elective must have
a significant field component (BI 206, BI 232, BI 332, BI 411, or BI 473); one
elective must have a significant molecular lab technique component (BI 304,
BI 402, BI 405, BI 474, or CH 428); the field or the molecular techniques course
may also satisfy the 400-level requirement; CH 308 or CH 428 may count as an
elective in biology
one research-intensive unit (BI 393, BI 402, BI 405, BI 411, BI 471, BI 473, BI 474,
or BI 493) or one experiential learning independent research experience (an on- or
off-campus experience approved by the biology department to meet this
requirement); credit-bearing research-intensive courses may count as one of the
elective units in biology and may also satisfy the 400-level requirement
Internships (BI 297, BI 397, BI 497), Exploration term projects (BI 299), and teaching
experiences (BI 298, BI 398, BI 498) may not count toward the major.
Chemistry courses required for the biology major may be used to meet minor
requirements in chemistry. Major requirements in the biology major may also be used
towards the urban environmental studies major and minor.
Capstone Experience in Biology
The biology faculty challenges our majors to move beyond a conceptual
understanding and truly embrace the discipline. We strive to establish and maintain a
community of learners actively and personally seeking to become scientists.
Although mastery of the concepts of biology is needed, only application of the
scientific method can transform a science student into a student scientist. All biology
majors will complete the following requirements:
(1) Complete a minimum of one research-intensive course or experience, concurrent
with or followed by BI 475 or BI 499. Research may be conducted as a contracted
experiential learning experience off campus if the student has at least a 3.000 grade
point average in science courses and if suitable supervision can be arranged.
Interdisciplinary research projects are also encouraged.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024