At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
Biology is the scientific study of life: the diversity and organization of organisms, from single-celled bacteria to multi-cellular plants and animals, including humans. These different levels of biological organization range from the molecules and cells that compose an organism, to the interacting organisms that make up an ecosystem. Hands-on experiences, from designing and conducting lab experiments to making field observations, using many different procedures and instruments, play an important role in gaining biological knowledge. Basic research in biology provides many benefits. Faculty in the Department of Biology at Penn State are exploring ways to cure neurological diseases, studying the ecology and physiology of microbiomes, discovering more efficient uses of plants for food and bioenergy, and investigating the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in learning about aspects of the biology of organisms that live on Earth.
- You enjoy a dynamic field of study, with new discoveries being made every day.
- You are interested in hands-on experiences, including courses with integrated laboratories and conducting research with faculty.
- You plan to pursue a career in biology research, education or outreach, or attend professional school in areas including medicine and dentistry.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a minimum of 124 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 0-5 |
| Requirements for the Major | 89-99 |
15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| CHEM 111 | Experimental Chemistry I  | 1 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CHEM 113 | Experimental Chemistry II | 1 |
| or CHEM 113B | Experimental Chemistry II--Bioscience | |
| Select one of the following: | 8-12 | |
| General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics | ||
| Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 220W | Biology: Populations and Communities | 4 |
| or BIOL 220M | Honors Biology: Populations and Communities | |
| BIOL 230W | Biology: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| or BIOL 230M | Honors Biology: Molecules and Cells | |
| BIOL 240W | Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | 4 |
| or BIOL 240M | Honors Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | |
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| or CHEM 110H | Chemical Principles I - Honors | |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| or CHEM 112H | Chemical Principles II - Honors | |
| Select 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | ||
| Honors Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | ||
| Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Calculus and Biology I | ||
| Honors Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Biometry | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 50-55 | |
Requirements for the Option
Ecology Option (50-55 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Schuylkill, University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 463 | General Ecology | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| STAT 462 | Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| or STAT 464 | Applied Nonparametric Statistics | |
| Select one of the following: | 6-8 | |
| Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Groups | ||
| Select a minimum of 15 credits of 400-level biology courses, with at least 6 credits from the Ecology group, 3 credits from the Evolution group, and 3 credits from the Practicum group. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 400, 494, 495, 496, and SC 295, 395, 495 may be used to fulfill 15 credits minimum in the 400-level biology course requirements. | 15 | |
| Ecology Group: | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Ecology of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Ecotoxicology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Ecology of Lakes and Streams | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Molecular Ecology | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Coastal Biology | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Evolution Group: | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Pathobiology of Emerging Infectious Disease | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Practicum Group: | ||
| Teaching in Biology | ||
| Biological Experimental Design | ||
| Biological Writing and Communication for Research | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Histology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| Biology Cadaver Dissection | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Research Project | ||
| Internship in Biology | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Principles and Strategies for Effective STEM Learning I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience II | ||
| Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience III | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 21-28 credits from department list | 21-28 | |
General Biology Option (50-55 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, University Park, York
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 6-8 | |
| Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Groups | ||
| Select a minimum of 18 credits of 400-level biology courses, with at least 3 credits from each of the following groups (each course may be used to satisfy a requirement in only one group). Moreover, a maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 400, 494, 495, 496 and SC 295, 395, 495 may be used to fulfill the 18 credit minimum in the 400-level biology course requirements. | 18 | |
| Plant and Fungi Group: | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Reproductive Biology | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Coastal Biology | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Plant Virology: Molecules to Populations | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Evolution Group: | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Pathobiology of Emerging Infectious Disease | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Genetics and Developmental Biology Group: | ||
| Cellular Mechanisms in Vertebrate Physiology | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Medical Embryology | ||
| Cell Signaling and Regulation | ||
| Biology of Cancer | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Reproductive Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Molecular Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Stem Cell Biology and Therapy | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Molecular Basis of Neurological Diseases | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Microbial/Molecular Genetics | ||
| Molecular Medicine | ||
| Functional Genomics | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Principles of Immunology | ||
| Ecology Group: | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Ecology of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Ecotoxicology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Ecology of Lakes and Streams | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Molecular Ecology | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Coastal Biology | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Physiology Group: | ||
| Cellular Mechanisms in Vertebrate Physiology | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Medical Embryology | ||
| Cell Signaling and Regulation | ||
| Ecotoxicology | ||
| Biology of Cancer | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Reproductive Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Histology | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Functional and Integrative Neuroscience | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Human Pathophysiolog | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| General Endocrinology | ||
| Practicum Group: | ||
| Teaching in Biology | ||
| Biological Experimental Design | ||
| Biological Writing and Communication for Research | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Histology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| Biology Cadaver Dissection | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Internship in Biology | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Principles and Strategies for Effective STEM Learning I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience II | ||
| Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience III | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 24-31 credits from department list | 24-31 | |
Genetics and Developmental Biology Option (50-55 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, Schuylkill, University Park, York
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 322 | Genetic Analysis | 3 |
| BIOL 430 | Developmental Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| BMB 401 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| or BMB 401H | General Biochemistry | |
| BMB 402 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| or BMB 402H | General Biochemistry | |
| Select 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | ||
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Honors, Writing Intensive | ||
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Writing Intensive | ||
| Select 2-5 credits from the following: | 2-5 | |
| Matrices | ||
| Calculus of Several Variables | ||
| Mathematical Methods for Biology and the Life Sciences | ||
| Introductory Microbiology | ||
| Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Groups | ||
| Select a minimum of 12 credits of 400-level courses, with at least 6 credits from the Genetics and Developmental Biology group, 3 credits from Evolution, and 3 credits from the Practicum group. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 400, 494, 495, 496 and SC 295, 395, 495 may be used to fulfill the 12 credit minimum in the 400-level biology course requirements. | 12 | |
| Genetics and Developmental Biology Group: | ||
| Cellular Mechanisms in Vertebrate Physiology | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Medical Embryology | ||
| Cell Signaling and Regulation | ||
| Biology of Cancer | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Reproductive Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Stem Cell Biology and Therapy | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Molecular Basis of Neurological Diseases | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
A maximum of 3 credits may be chosen from: | ||
| Molecular Biology of the Gene | ||
| Microbial/Molecular Genetics | ||
| Molecular Medicine | ||
| Functional Genomics | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Principles of Immunology | ||
| Evolution Group: | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Pathobiology of Emerging Infectious Disease | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Practicum Group: | ||
| Teaching in Biology | ||
| Biological Experimental Design | ||
| Biological Writing and Communication for Research | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Histology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine | ||
| Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| Biology Cadaver Dissection | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Research Project | ||
| Internship in Biology | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Principles and Strategies for Effective STEM Learning I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience II | ||
| Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience III | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 13-21 credits from department list | 13-21 | |
Neuroscience Option (50-55 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 469 | Neurobiology | 3 |
| BMB 401 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMB 402 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Functional and Integrative Neuroscience | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Select 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | ||
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Honors, Writing Intensive | ||
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Writing Intensive | ||
| Groups | ||
| Select a minimum of 12 credits of 400-level biology courses, with at least 6 credits from the Neuroscience group, 3 credits from the Evolution group, and 3 credits from the Practicum Group. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 400, 494, 495, 496 and SC 295, 395, 495 may be used to fulfill the 12 credit minimum in the 400-level biology course requirements. | 12 | |
| Neuroscience Group: | ||
| Cellular Mechanisms in Vertebrate Physiology | ||
| Cell Signaling and Regulation | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Molecular Basis of Neurological Diseases | ||
| Functional and Integrative Neuroscience | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| General Endocrinology | ||
A maximum of 3 credits may be chosen from: | ||
| Biobehavioral Aspects of Stress | ||
| Pharmacological Influences on Health | ||
| Neuroanatomical Bases for Disorders of Behavior and Health | ||
| Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism | ||
| Learning and Memory | ||
| Physiological Psychology | ||
| Clinical Neuropsychology | ||
| Evolution Group: | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Pathobiology of Emerging Infectious Disease | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Practicum Group: | ||
| Teaching in Biology | ||
| Biological Experimental Design | ||
| Biological Writing and Communication for Research | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Histology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| Biology Cadaver Dissection | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Research Project | ||
| Internship in Biology | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Principles and Strategies for Effective STEM Learning I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience II | ||
| Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience III | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 18-23 credits from department list | 18-23 | |
Plant Biology Option (50-55 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 407 | Plant Developmental Anatomy | 3 |
| BIOL 441 | Plant Physiology | 3 |
| BMB 401 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMB 402 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | ||
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Honors, Writing Intensive | ||
| Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Writing Intensive | ||
| Groups | ||
| Select a minimum of 12 credits of 400-level biology courses, with at least 6 credits from the Plant and Fungi group, 3 credits from the Evolution group, and 3 credits from the Practicum group. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 400, 494, 495, 496 and SC 295, 395, 495 may be used to fulfill the 12 credit minimum in the 400-level biology course requirements. | 12 | |
| Plant and Fungi Group: | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Reproductive Biology | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | ||
| Coastal Biology | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
A maximum of 3 credits may be chosen from: | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Plant Virology: Molecules to Populations | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
Evolution Group: | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Pathobiology of Emerging Infectious Disease | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Practicum Group: | ||
| Teaching in Biology | ||
| Biological Experimental Design | ||
| Biological Writing and Communication for Research | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Histology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| Biology Cadaver Dissection | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Research Project | ||
| Internship in Biology | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Tropical Field Ecology | ||
| Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Principles and Strategies for Effective STEM Learning I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience II | ||
| Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience III | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 18-23 credits from department list | 18-23 | |
Vertebrate Physiology Option (50-55 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Brandywine, Schuylkill, University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 472 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| BIOL 473 | Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | 2 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| BMB 401 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| or BMB 401H | General Biochemistry | |
| BMB 402 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| or BMB 402H | General Biochemistry | |
| CHEM 213 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | 2 |
| or CHEM 213M | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Honors, Writing Intensive | |
| or CHEM 213W | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry - Writing Intensive | |
| Groups | ||
| Select a minimum of 12 credits of 400-level courses, with at least 6 credits from the Physiology group, 3 credits from the Evolution group, and 3 credits from the Practicum group. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL 400, 494, 495, 496 and SC 295, 395, 495 may be used to fulfill the 12 credit minimum in the 400-level biology course requirements. | 12 | |
| Physiology Group: | ||
| Cellular Mechanisms in Vertebrate Physiology | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Medical Embryology | ||
| Cell Signaling and Regulation | ||
| Ecotoxicology | ||
| Biology of Cancer | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Reproductive Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Histology | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Molecular Basis of Neurological Diseases | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Functional and Integrative Neuroscience | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| General Endocrinology | ||
A maximum of 3 credits may be chosen from: | ||
| Physiology of Animal Reproduction | ||
| The Skull | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Microbial Physiology and Structure | ||
| Principles of Immunology | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Viral Pathogensis | ||
| Physiological Psychology | ||
| Evolution Group: | ||
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Symbiosis | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Biology of Human Infectious Diseases | ||
| Paleobotany | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Pathobiology of Emerging Infectious Disease | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | ||
| Physiological Ecology | ||
| Biology of RNA | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Honors Human Genetics | ||
| Sociobiology | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Practicum Group: | ||
| Teaching in Biology | ||
| Biological Experimental Design | ||
| Biological Writing and Communication for Research | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Evolution of Vertebrates | ||
| Histology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Field Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Experimental Field Biology | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine | ||
| Network analysis of biological systems | ||
| Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy - cadaver based | ||
| Biology Cadaver Dissection | ||
| HUMAN NEUROANATOMY | ||
| Coastal Biology Travel Experience | ||
| Biodiversity of Pennsylvania | ||
| Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania | ||
| Research Project | ||
| Internship in Biology | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | ||
| Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health | ||
| Principles and Strategies for Effective STEM Learning I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience I | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience II | ||
| Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science | ||
| Science Co-op Work Experience III | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 19-24 credits from department list | 19-24 | |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to describe how heritable changes can lead to differences in populations over time that might result in speciation; trace energy/matter transformation, storage, and mobilization; explain how information is exchanged and stored; recognize how changes in biological structures can have varying effects on function; and/or describe the interactions and interconnections among systems across biological scales and over evolutionary time scales.
- Students will be able to apply the elements of the process of science such as posing questions, generating novel hypotheses based on the scientific literature; developing appropriate technical skills for research; designing/conducting experiments to test hypotheses in laboratory and/or field settings; summarizing/interpreting data; integrating/evaluating findings in the broader scientific field to construct new knowledge; and/or participating in the peer review/revision process.
- Students will be able to discriminate among scientific claims presented in a variety of sources based on the strength of evidence; find appropriate published scientific literature; and/or analyze and critically evaluate data/conclusions from the scientific peer-reviewed literature.
- Students will be able to apply basic quantitative competencies such as algebra, probability, statistics, unit conversions, and fundamental biological equations; organize, summarize, and interpret quantitative data; use modeling/simulation to approach problems from across various scales; and/or find and analyze large databases using statistical methods and/or other approaches.
- Students will be able to integrate knowledge among biological subfields and between biology and other disciplines.
- Students will be able to engage with diverse communities and leverage the skills in the community to pose and solve biological questions; demonstrate the ability to work in teams to solve biological problems; and/or communicate in a variety of formal and informal ways in the discussion of biological research.
- Students will explore the impacts of scientific research on society and the environment and how society influences/relies on research to inform decision-making; evaluate the ethical implications of biological research; recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings; and/or describe how different perspectives and the resulting alternative approaches might be evaluated using ethical principles to identify a solution to an issue.
- Students will be able to communicate in a professional manner and learn/use professional behaviors in all aspects of college and career building activities, including participation in opportunities such as research, internships, cooperative education, teaching and tutoring, study abroad, and/or volunteer work.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Abington
Les Murray
Program Chair
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
ldm12@psu.edu
Altoona
Corien Bakermans
Professor of Microbiology
Hawthorn Building 204
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-940-3313
cub21@psu.edu
Beaver
Stephanie Cabarcas-Petroski
Associate Teaching Professor
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3562
smc1088@psu.edu
Berks
Maureen Dunbar
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Luerssen 101H
Reading, PA 19610
640-396-6328
BKBiology@psu.edu
Brandywine
Elizabeth Dudkin, Ph.D.
Associate Teaching Professor, Biology
Main Building, 312 A
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1459
ead9@psu.edu
Harrisburg
Sairam V. Rudrabhatla, Ph.D.
Program Chair
Science and Technology Building, TL 174
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6560
svr11@psu.edu
Lehigh Valley
Brenna Traver, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biology
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5000
bet12@psu.edu
Schuylkill
Lee Silverberg
Division Coordinator, STEM
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
ljs43@psu.edu
Scranton
Megan Van Etten, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biology
Dawson Building 212A
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2528
mlv18@psu.edu
University Park
Barbara DeHart
Director, Undergraduate Biology Advising
227 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-2329
bioadvising@psu.edu
York
Anne Vardo-Zalik
Associate Professor of Biology
1 Elias Science Building
York, PA 17403
717-718-6705
amv12@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
General Biology Option: Biology, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS) | 3 | BIOL 240W (GN)* | 4 |
| MATH 140 or 140B (GQ)*† | 4 | MATH 141 or 141B (GQ)† | 4 |
| BIOL 110 (GN)*† | 4 | CHEM 112 (GN)*† | 3 |
| CHEM 110 (GN)*† | 3 | CHEM 113 (GN) | 1 |
| CHEM 111 (GN)*† | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Health and Wellness | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 230W (GN)* | 4 | STAT 200 or 250 (GQ) | 3-4 |
| BIOL 220W (GN)* | 4 | CHEM 212 | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | 3 | CHEM 213 | 2 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 17-18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| PHYS 250 (GN) | 4 | PHYS 251 (GN) | 4 |
| CAS 100A or 100B (GWS) | 3 | General Education Health and Wellness | 1.5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C (GWS) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 14.5 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 126-127 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Course Lists
GROUP I - PLANTS AND FUNGI
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 441 Plant Physiology (3 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 482 Coastal Biology (3 cr.)
GROUP II - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 427 Evolution (3 cr.)
BIOL 429 Animal Behavior (3 cr.)
BIOL 433 Evolution of Vertebrates (3 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
GROUP III - GENETICS
BIOL 416 Biology of Cancer (3 cr.)
BIOL 422 Advanced Genetics (3 cr.)
BIOL 430 Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
BMB 400 Molecular Biology of the Gene (2-3 cr.)
MICRB 410 Principles of Immunology (3 cr.)
MICRB 415 General Virology: Bacterial and Animal Viruses (3 cr.)
GROUP IV - ECOLOGY
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 429 Animal Behavior (3 cr.)
BIOL 436 Population Ecology and Global Climate Change (3 cr.)
BIOL 482 Coastal Biology (3 cr.)
GROUP V - ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 409 Biology of Aging (3 cr.)
BIOL 416 Biology of Cancer (3 cr.)
BIOL 430 Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
BIOL 437 Histology (4 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
BIOL 469 Neurobiology (3 cr.)
BIOL 472 Human Physiology (3 cr.)
BIOL 479 General Endocrinology (3 cr.)
GROUP VI - PRACTICUM
BIOL 402 ( cr.)
BIOL 437 Histology (4 cr.)
BIOL 461 Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine (3 cr.)
BIOL 473 Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology (2 cr.)
Disallowed Courses
Students may select free elective courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major, regardless of option, not even as free electives.
-
Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills. NOTE: Only 3 credits of CHEM 017 and only 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
-
Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.
-
No more than 6 credits of ROTC and 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in the “Free Electives” category.
-
No more than 5 credits of KINES may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
-
** On rare occasions, with adequate justification, a student may be permitted to use one or more of these courses to satisfy degree requirements. A petition must be submitted to request such an exception and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Genetics and Developmental Biology Option: Biology, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS) | 3 | BIOL 240W (GN)*# | 4 |
| MATH 140 or 140B (GQ)*# | 4 | MATH 141 or 141B (GQ)† | 4 |
| BIOL 110 (GN)*# | 4 | CHEM 112 (GN)*† | 3 |
| CHEM 110 (GN)*# | 3 | CHEM 113 (GN) | 1 |
| CHEM 111 (GN)† | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Health and Wellness | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 230W (GN)*# | 4 | STAT 200 or 250 (GQ) | 3-4 |
| BIOL 220W (GN)* | 4 | CHEM 212 | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | 3 | CHEM 213 | 2 |
| General Education Course | 3 | MICRB 201 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | MICRB 202 | 2 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16-17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 422 (or BIOL 400-Level Selection [consult with an academic adviser for options]) | 3 | BIOL 430 (or BIOL 400-Level Selection [consult with an academic adviser for options]) | 3 |
| PHYS 250 (GN) | 4 | PHYS 251 (GN) | 4 |
| CAS 100A or 100B (GWS) | 3 | General Education Health and Wellness | 1.5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C (GWS) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| 16 | 14.5 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 422 (or BIOL 400-Level Selection [consult with an academic adviser for options]) | 3 | BMB 402 | 3 |
| BMB 401 | 3 | BIOL 430 (or BIOL 400-Level Selection [consult with an academic adviser for options]) | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 125-126 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Course Lists
GROUP I - CHOOSE 6 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
BMB 400 Molecular Biology of the Gene (2-3 cr.)
BIOL 416 Biology of Cancer (3 cr.)
BIOL 427 Evolution (3 cr.)
BIOL 437 Histology (4 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
BIOL 469 Neurobiology (3 cr.)
MICRB 410 Principles of Immunology (3 cr.)
GROUP II - CHOOSE 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 427 Evolution (3 cr.)
BIOL 429 Animal Behavior (3 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
MICRB 415 General Virology: Bacterial and Animal Viruses (3 cr.)
GROUP III - CHOOSE 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
BIOL 402 ( cr.)
BIOL 437 Histology (4 cr.)
BIOL 473 Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology (2 cr.)
BIOL 496 Independent Studies
BMB 442 Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning (3 cr.)
Disallowed Courses
Students may select free elective courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major, regardless of option, not even as free electives.
-
Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills. NOTE: Only 3 credits of CHEM 017 and only 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
-
Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.
-
No more than 6 credits of ROTC and 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in the “Free Electives” category.
-
No more than 5 credits of KINES may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
-
** On rare occasions, with adequate justification, a student may be permitted to use one or more of these courses to satisfy degree requirements. A petition must be submitted to request such an exception and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Vertebrate Physiology Option: Biology, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS) | 3 | BIOL 240W (GN)* | 4 |
| MATH 140 or 140B (GQ)*† | 4 | MATH 141 or 141B (GQ)† | 4 |
| BIOL 110 (GN)*† | 4 | CHEM 112 (GN)*† | 3 |
| CHEM 110 (GN)*† | 3 | CHEM 113 (GN) | 1 |
| CHEM 111 (GN)† | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Health and Wellness | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 230W (GN)* | 4 | STAT 200 (GQ) | 4 |
| BIOL 220W (GN)* | 4 | CHEM 212 | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | 3 | CHEM 213 | 2 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 472 | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| BIOL 473 | 2 | PHYS 251 (GN) | 4 |
| PHYS 250 (GN) | 4 | General Education Health and Wellness | 1.5 |
| CAS 100A or 100B (GWS) | 3 | ENGL 202C (GWS) | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 18 | 14.5 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 401 | 3 | BMB 402 | 3 |
| BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 | BIOL 400-Level Selection (consult with an academic adviser for options) | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 129 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Course Lists
GROUP I - CHOOSE 6 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 409 Biology of Aging (3 cr.)
BIOL 416 Biology of Cancer (3 cr.)
BIOL 430 Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
BIOL 437 Histology (4 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
BIOL 469 Neurobiology (3 cr.)
BIOL 479 General Endocrinology (3 cr.)
MICRB 410 Principles of Immunology (3 cr.)
GROUP II - CHOOSE 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
BIOL 406 Symbiosis (3 cr.)
BIOL 427 Evolution (3 cr.)
BIOL 429 Animal Behavior (3 cr.)
BIOL 443 Evo-devo: Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (3 cr.)
BIOL 460 Human Genetics (3 cr.)
MICRB 415 General Virology: Bacterial and Animal Viruses (3 cr.)
GROUP III
BIOL 473 Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology (2 cr.)
Disallowed Courses
Students may select free elective courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major, regardless of option, not even as free electives.
-
Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills. NOTE: Only 3 credits of CHEM 017 and only 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
-
Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.
-
No more than 6 credits of ROTC and 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in the “Free Electives” category.
-
No more than 5 credits of KINES may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
-
** On rare occasions, with adequate justification, a student may be permitted to use one or more of these courses to satisfy degree requirements. A petition must be submitted to request such an exception and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Career Paths
A Biology BS degree provides an excellent foundation and the skills required for a wide range of technical careers. While many majors use a Biology degree to prepare for entrance into health professional schools, others follow career paths in research, education, and business. Students also pursue graduate study at universities both across the U.S. and internationally.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE BIOLOGY PROGRAM
Contact
Abington
DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
ldm12@psu.edu
https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/biology
Altoona
DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-940-3313
cub21@psu.edu
https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/biology
Beaver
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3562
smc1088@psu.edu
https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/biology
Berks
DIVISION OF SCIENCE
Luerssen Science Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6328
BKBiology@psu.edu
https://berks.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate-degrees/bs-biology
Brandywine
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
25 Yearsley Mill Rd
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1459
ead9@psu.edu
https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/biology
Harrisburg
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Science & Tech Building, TL 177
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-4387
mrr53@psu.edu
https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/biology-bs
Lehigh Valley
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5000
bet12@psu.edu
https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/biology-bs
Schuylkill
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
ljs43@psu.edu
https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/bacc-degrees/biology
Scranton
Dawson Building 212A
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2528
mlv18@psu.edu
https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/biology-degree
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
228 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-2329
bioadvising@psu.edu
https://science.psu.edu/bio/contact-us
York
1 Elias Science Building
York, PA 17403
717-718-6705
amv12@psu.edu