Undergraduate Program

The major in biology is designed to give students a broad introduction to the many areas of biological science. In addition, students who complete the major will also have fulfilled the minimum requirements for pre-medicine, pre-veterinary medicine, and pre-dentistry.

The major can be completed only by daytime attendance. Although some undergraduate courses are offered in late afternoon (and all graduate courses open to undergraduates are offered at night), it is not possible to complete the major by taking only evening courses.

As part of the major, students have the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a research project, normally in their junior or senior year. Students receive credit for this research experience by registering for Special Problems in Biology after arranging the details with a faculty member of their choice.

Declaring your major

You are urged to declare your major as soon as you possible – even if you have not completely made up your mind. Why? When you declare your major you are automatically included on the Biology Department’s email mailing list and thus receive announcements, helpful hints, and other information you may find useful in solidifying your career goals. Declaring your major is easy: simply go to the Registrar’s Office and tell one of the staff that you wish to declare your major as biology, and that person will change your records accordingly. Should you want to change your major at a later time, follow the same procedure for your new major.

Obtaining advice

Students who decide to major in biology are urged to select an advisor as soon as possible in order to plan their schedule of courses. Any Biology Department faculty member can serve as your adviser; all you need to do is ask him or her to serve in this role. If you don’t know anyone to ask, then contact Dr. Robert Evans (210 Science Building, email) who is the principal Biology Department advisor. Dr. Evans will serve as your advisor for the duration of your undergraduate career or until you wish to select someone else.
Students who are uncertain as to whether biology is the most appropriate major for their intended career should seek advice from their Biology Department adviser and/or from the Career Center which is located in the lower level of the Camden Campus Center.

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