Biology, BS, Four-Year Plan
Four-Year 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.
Plan assumes placement in MATH 1230 – Calculus for Life Sciences/MATH 1334 – Calculus I by ALEKS exam or college credit, & if MATH 1028 – Trigonometry has not been fulfilled, it must be a MATH 1230 – Calculus for Life Sciences/MATH 1334 – Calculus I corequisite
Important Major Information
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 180
- Credits in Major: 114
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Four-Year Plan For New Students
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL 1620 – Evolution & Ecology + BIOL 1621 – Lab (4+1) | BIOL 1610 – Molecular & Cellular + BIOL 1611 – Lab (4+1) | BIOL 1630 – Physiology & Development + BIOL 1631 – Lab (4+1) |
| Course 2 | BIOL 1400 – 1st Yr Experience (1) | ||
| Course 3 | CHEM 1500 – General Chem I + CHEM 1501 – Lab (4+1) | CHEM 1510 – General Chem I + CHEM 1511 – Lab (4+2) | CHEM 1520 – General Chem III (4) OR CHEM 1590 – Research-Based III (5) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Explore your major and draft an educational plan in MySeattleU.
- Meet with your advisor quarterly for discussion & educational plan approval.
- Meet biology faculty mentors and peers, and get involved in campus activities.
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL 2700 – Genetics (5) | BIOL 2600 – Ecology (5) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1230 – Calculus for Life Sciences AND MATH 1028 – Trigonometry [if needed] (3+2) | CHEM/CPSC/ENSC/Math (5-6) | CHEM/CPSC/ENSC/Math (5-6) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Revise your educational plan and consult your advisor quarterly.
- Be active in campus and local activities, and attend seminars and career events.
- Consider how you could study abroad.
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | MATH 1210 – Statistics for Life Sciences (5) | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) |
| Course 2 | 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 3 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Revise your educational plan and consult your advisor quarterly.
- Participate in local activities and organizations.
- Investigate career options, attend career events, and think about internships or post-SU educational programs.
| 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 (1) |
| Course 2 | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL Elective (5) | BIOL 4966 – Senior Synthesis Seminar |
| Course 3 | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | General Electives (8) | BIOL Elective (5) |
| Course 4 | General Elective (5) | General Electives (5) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Finalize your plan for graduation and review it with your advisor and faculty mentor.
- Apply for graduation on MySeattleU.
- Attend career events, consult with a career coach, and consider graduate or professional school options.
- Apply for jobs, internships, or graduate/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:
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
Module II:
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning
Module III:
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities & Global Challenges
- 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 – Biotechnology + BIOL 2751 – Lab, BIOL 3150 – Virology, BIOL 4700 – Molecular Genetics, OR BIOL 4750 – Cell Biology + BIOL 4751 – Lab
- Choose one: BIOL 2350 – Invertebrate Zoology & Biodiversity Science, BIOL 2520 – Plant Systematics, BIOL 3500 – Evolution, OR BIOL 3650 – Marine Biology
- Choose one: BIOL 3250 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, BIOL 3300 – Developmental Biology, BIOL 3850 – Plant Physiology, OR BIOL 3880 – Animal Physiology
- Discuss your academic and future plans with your Biology Faculty Mentor for discipline-specific guidance and suggestions
- Questions? Visit Sinegal (SINE) 401 or 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.