Biology, BS, Two-Year Plan
Transfer plan for the Bachelor of Science in Biology
Sample Plan for New Students
This is a sample and not the only way to complete this plan. Number of credits are in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites.
The example below assumes that you enter Seattle University with junior standing (90 credits), have earned a transferable associate degree, and have successfully completed an equivalent to the following:
- One year of Introductory Biology with labs
- One year of General Chemistry with labs
- Two courses of calculus and/or statistics
- One course of Organic Chemistry with lab, Computer Science (CPSC ≥ 1220), or higher Math
- Math may be Statistics or Calculus I, or Calculus for Life Sciences or Business - courses equivalent to SU’s MATH 1130, 1210, 1230, or 1334.
- Plan assumes placement in MATH 1230/1334 by ALEKS exam or college credit, & if MATH 1028 (Trig, 2 credits) has not been fulfilled, it must be a MATH 1230/1334 corequisite
Visit the Transfer Equivalency Guide for more information. Some courses not listed on the Transfer Equivalency Guide may still transfer to SU. For courses not found on this tool, compare course descriptions with SU’s Course Catalog to determine equivalent courses at your college/university.
Important Major Information
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 180
- Credits in Major: 114
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Two-Year Plan for Students with Junior Standing
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL 2700 – Genetics (5) | BIOL 2600 – Ecology (5) |
| Course 2 | †BIOL 1400 – 1st Yr Experience (1) | ||
| Course 3 | PHYS 1050 – Mechanics + PHYS 1051 – Lab (4+1) | PHYS 1060 – Waves, Sound, Electricity, & Magnetism + PHYS 1061 – Lab (4+1) | PHYS 1070 – Thermodynamics, Optics, & Modern Physics + PHYS 1071+ Lab (4+1) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | Chemistry/CPSC/ENSC/MATH Nat/Phys Science (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
†Transfer students may choose to take BIOL 1400 (1) in Fall OR BIOL elective in a future term.
First Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Revise your course plan in MySeattleU and consult your professional advisor.
- Talk to biology faculty mentors.
- Participate in campus activities and local organizations.
- Investigate career options, attend seminars, and think about post-SU educational programs or internships.
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL 4991 – Senior Synthesis I (2-4) | BIOL 4992 – Senior Synthesis II (2-4) | BIOL 4993 – Senior Synthesis III + BIOL 4996 – Biology Sr Synth Seminar (1+1) |
| Course 2 | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) |
| Course 3 | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) | General Electives (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
Second Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Finalize your plan for graduation, and review it with your advisor.
- Apply to graduate on MySeattleU.
- Attend career events & consider graduate/professional school options.
- Apply for jobs, internships, and/or graduate or professional programs.
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements.
Module I
Module I is waived for students with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
Module II:
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 or 2910 or 2920 Ethical Reasoning – General, Business, or Health Care
Module III:
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities & Global Challenges OR UCOR 3600 Social Sciences & Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- Students must earn C in prerequisite biology courses and C- in other prerequisite science and math courses
- At least 25 credits of 3000- or 4000-level BIOL courses are required
- Natural/Physical Science courses (CHEM/CPSC/ENSC/MATH) may include: CHEM ≥2100, CPSC ≥1220, ENSC 3500 or 3700, MATH ≥1210
- BIOL electives (BIOL≥2210) must include the following and one plant course:
- Choose one: BIOL 2750+2751 Biotechnology + Lab, 3150 Virology, 4700 Molecular Genetics, or 4750+4751 Cell Biology + Lab
- Choose one: BIOL 2350 Invertebrate Zoology & Biodiversity Science, 2520 Plant Systematics, 3500 Evolution, or 3650 Marine Biology
- Choose one: BIOL 3250 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, 3300 Developmental Biology, 3850 Plant Physiology, or 3880 Animal Physiology
- Discuss your academic and future plans with your Biology Faculty Mentor for discipline-specific guidance and suggestions
- Additional questions? – email biology@seattleu.edu
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CSE Advising at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Find the perfect spot to study at the Lemieux Library.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degre plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.