Honors Program in Biology

Honors in Biology is a distinction bestowed on those outstanding undergraduate Biology majors who have demonstrated distinct competence in overall biology coursework and who have completed an independent research project of substantial merit. This program offers motivated students the opportunity to develop research and communication skills in preparation for graduate school or a professional career. For more information and specific program requirements, contact Dr. Randall Tracy in the Biology Department. Students considering working towards Honors in Biology should take BI-205: Research Techniques and Experimental Design in the spring semester of either their second or third year.

Requirements for the Honors Program in Biology

Required Biology courses(38 credits)
BI-140Introduction to Organismal Biology4
BI-141Intro to Cellular and Molecular Biology4
BI-200Human Biology4
BI-202Principles of Ecology4
BI-203Genetics4
BI-204Microbiology4
BI-404Biology Seminar2
3 Upper Division Electives (300 or 400 level lab courses)12
Ancillary Requirements(29 credits)
MA-150Statistics I3
MA-190Pre-calculus (or Higher)4
CH-120
& CH-121		General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II		8
CH-201
& CH-202		Organic Chemistry I (lecture)
and Organic Chemistry II (lecture)		6
PY-221
& PY-222		General Physics I
and General Physics II		8
or PY-241
& PY-242		 Physics I (Mechanics)
and Physics II ( Electricity, Magnetism and Optics )
Honors Program Requirements(3-8 credits)
BI-205Research Techniques and Experimental Design2
BI-440Advanced Research Experience for Undergraduates1-6
Total Credits70-75
1

"Commendation in Biology" requires 3 credits of BI-440 and a minimum 3.0 GPA in biology courses. "Honors in Biology" requires 5 credits of BI-440 and a minimum of 3.5 GPA in biology courses.

Students who also complete CH-203 and CH-204 can earn a chemistry minor.

For more information and specific program requirements, contact Dr. Randall Tracy in the Department of Biology.