Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science Program

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science degree program designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in biology. The program is student-centered, focusing on learning outcomes and student needs, and allows students to build skills and mastery of concepts gradually.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Biology program requires students to complete the following courses:

• All Biology majors will complete (or place out of) BIOL 101 and BIOL 101 lab.
• All Biology majors will complete three fundamental courses:
  • BIOL 103: How cells function
  • BIOL 104: Biodiversity
  • BIOL 105L: Biological research skills
• There is no specific order for taking the fundamental courses, but students are encouraged to complete them early in their college career.
• Biology BS majors will complete six courses beyond the fundamental courses, including at least two of the five intermediate core level courses:
  • Cell Biology: BIOL 240
  • Ecology: BIOL 260
  • Evolution: BIOL 250
  • Molecular Genetics: BIOL 220
  • Organismal biology: a choice from a group of classes
• Each core class requires one specific biology fundamental.
• Biology BS majors will complete at least three biology labs (two labs starting Fall 2024), excluding BIOL 101L and 105L.
• A single semester of BIOL 395 can serve as a lab.
• Biology BS majors will complete at least two upper-level biology courses (≥ 400).

Non-Biology STEM Requirements

In addition to the biology courses, students must complete the following non-biology STEM requirements:

• Chemistry courses:
  • CHEM 101/L (general chemistry I and lab)
  • CHEM 102/L (general chemistry II and lab)
  • CHEM 261 (organic chemistry I)
• STEM courses:
  • MATH 231 (Calculus I)
  • PHYS 114 or PHYS 118 (physics I)
  • Two of the following four options:
    1. MATH 232 (calculus II)
    2. PHYS 115 or PHYS 119 (physics II)
    3. Programming class (COMP 110 or COMP 116 or BIOL 222)
    4. STOR 120 or STOR 151 or STOR 155
• Two allied science courses from an approved list.

Sample Scenarios

The program provides sample scenarios to help students plan their course of study:

• A pre-med/pre-dental BIO BS major with a BIOL 101/L placement
• A pre-med/pre-dental BIO BS major without a BIOL 101/L placement
• A student interested in pursuing research or work in molecular or cellular biology
• A student interested in pursuing research or work in ecology/conservation biology

These scenarios demonstrate how students can tailor their course selection to meet their individual interests and career goals. It is essential for students to meet with the biology faculty advisor and gen-ed advisors to plan their own path.