Program Overview

Behavioral Biology, Bachelor of Arts

The Behavioral Biology major provides background and breadth in the life sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. Students must complete at least 15 credits at the 300-level or higher within the major requirements.

Requirements for the Major

• Mathematics and Chemistry Courses:
  • AS.110.106: Calculus I (Biology and Social Sciences) (4 credits)
  • AS.110.107: Calculus II (For Biological and Social Science) (4 credits)
  • AS.030.101 & AS.030.105: Introductory Chemistry I and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I (4 credits)
  • AS.030.102 & AS.030.106: Introductory Chemistry II and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II (4 credits)
• Biology Courses:
  • Students must have 2 of the following Biology Options:
    • AS.020.151 & AS.020.153: General Biology I and General Biology Laboratory I
    • AS.020.152 & AS.020.154: General Biology II and General Biology Lab II
    • AS.020.303 & AS.020.340: Genetics and Developmental Genetics Lab
    • AS.020.305 & AS.020.315: Biochemistry and Biochemistry Project lab
    • AS.020.306 & AS.020.316: Cell Biology and Cell Biology Lab
    • AS.020.374 & AS.020.377: Comparative Physiology and Comparative Physiology Lab
• Introductory Statistics:
  • Students must complete 1 of the following:
    • AS.280.345: Public Health Biostatistics (4 credits)
    • EN.553.211: Probability and Statistics for the Life Sciences
    • EN.553.310: Probability & Statistics for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
    • EN.553.311: Intermediate Probability and Statistics
    • EN.553.111 & EN.553.112: Statistical Analysis I and Statistical Analysis II
• Behavioral Biology Core Courses:
  • AS.200.141: Foundations of Brain, Behavior and Cognition (3 credits)
  • AS.290.101: Human Origins (3 credits)
  • AS.200.208: Animal Behavior (3 credits)
  • AS.080.250: Neuroscience Laboratory (3 credits)
  • AS.290.490: Senior Seminar: Behavioral Biology (1 credit)
• One Writing Intensive Behavioral Laboratory Course:
  • AS.290.303: Animal Behavior and Communication Lab (3 credits)
  • AS.290.306: Behavioral Evolution Lab (3 credits)
• Behavioral Biology Elective Courses:
  • Three courses (3 credits each) designated "biobehavioral" (BEHB-BIOBEH) (9 credits)
  • Two courses (3 credits each) designated "social science" (BEHB-SOCSCI) (6 credits)
• Behavioral Biology Research/Internship Courses:
  • Three credits (one semester) of Research, Internship, Independent Study or Department-Sponsored Intersession Trip
  • AS.290.495: Connections in Behavioral Biology (0.5 credits)

Sample Program

This is one possible course sequence that students may elect to follow:

First Year

• First Semester:
  • AS.200.141: Foundations of Brain, Behavior and Cognition (3 credits)
  • AS.110.106: Calculus I (Biology and Social Sciences) (4 credits)
  • AS.030.101: Introductory Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • AS.030.105: Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
• Second Semester:
  • AS.110.107: Calculus II (For Biological and Social Science) (4 credits)
  • AS.030.102: Introductory Chemistry II (3 credits)
  • AS.030.106: Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II (1 credit)

Second Year

• First Semester:
  • Biology Option 1 (3-4 credits)
  • Biology Lab Option 1 (1-2 credits)
  • AS.280.345: Public Health Biostatistics (4 credits)
  • AS.290.101: Human Origins (3 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • Biology Option 2 (3-4 credits)
  • Biology Lab Option 2 (1-3 credits)
  • BB Elective (BEHB-SOCSCI) (3 credits)
  • AS.200.208: Animal Behavior (3 credits)

Third Year

• First Semester:
  • BB Elective (BEHB-BIOBEH) (3 credits)
  • Research or Internship (3 credits)
  • AS.290.303: Animal Behavior and Communication Lab (3 credits)
  • AS.290.495: Connections in Behavioral Biology (0.5 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • AS.080.250: Neuroscience Laboratory (3 credits)
  • BB Elective (BEHB-SOCSCI) (3 credits)

Fourth Year

• First Semester:
  • AS.290.490: Senior Seminar: Behavioral Biology (1 credit)
  • BB Elective (BEHB-BIOBEH) (3 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • BB Elective (BEHB-BIOBEH) (3 credits)

Honors in Behavioral Biology

Students receive recognition at graduation and notation on their JHU transcripts. Requirements include:

• Cumulative and Major GPA of at least 3.5
• 6 credits of research in behavioral biology
• Letter of recommendation from research mentor
• An Honors Thesis that is based on their 6 credits of required research and is approved by their research mentor.