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Nov 21, 2024
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2024-2025 SCRIPPS CATALOG
Biology Major
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Please refer to the Science section of this catalog for more information.
The Biology major aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to effectively engage and evaluate biological issues and innovations in the wider world, and to prepare them as leaders in research, science education, biotechnology, and health-related career fields.
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Requirements for the Major
A single or dual major in Biology requires a minimum of 13-15* courses, including senior thesis, plus one prerequisite to the major.
A dual major in Biology requires two fewer courses (some restrictions apply) as noted below*.
Prerequisite: MATH030 SC or equivalent proficiency is prerequisite to this major.
Required Courses*
1. Foundation: Two Biology courses; one or two Chemistry courses.
2. Breadth courses: Three courses* selected from the list below:
Breadth courses may not be double-counted as Foundation or Elective courses. Courses should be selected in consultation with a Natural Sciences advisor. Note that some courses in this list may be required pre-requisites for some upper division biology courses.
- Up to two courses in Organic Chemistry (CHEM116L KS , CHEM117L KS )
- Up to two courses in General Physics (PHYS030L KS , PHYS031L KS ; or PHYS033L KS , PHYS034L KS )
- One introductory course in computer programming (BIOL099 KS, CSCI00, DS 001 SC , CSCI005 HM , CSI004 PZ or equivalent).
- One math course for which MATH 030 or higher is listed as a prerequisite
- One upper division Environmental Science course taught by the Natural Sciences Dept. (e.g., EA 100 KS , EA 103 KS , EA 104 KS )
- One course in the history, philosophy, or ethics of science (e.g. HIST082 HM , PHIL038 PO , PHIL103 PZ , PHIL035 CM, ANTH123 PO, HIST101AC PO, HIST101E PO, BIOL047 PO, HIST081 HM)
- NEUR125 JT Minds, Brains, and Programs
3. Biology Elective: Six courses*, numbered 100 or higher, including at least three laboratory courses (identified with “L” in course code).
4. Senior Thesis: Complete one of the following options:
Students must register their thesis plans with the Natural Sciences Department during the spring semester of their penultimate year.
*Attention Dual Majors: Dual majors in Biology complete one fewer upper-division elective and one fewer STEM Breadth course. At least two of the upper-division electives must be lab courses. A minimum of a single thesis (one or two semesters) that integrates the skills and knowledge of both disciplines will be required (typically this will be supervised by two faculty members, each representing one of the two majors). If not possible to produce an integrated thesis, students will need to write two theses. Students may not complete a dual major in Biology and the Environmental Science track of the Environmental Analysis major.
Honors Requirements (All Tracks, where applicable)
To be considered for departmental honors in one of the science majors, a student must:
- Achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.67 in courses in the major.
- Achieve a minimum grade of A- on the thesis.
- Complete a one- or two-semester thesis project in which the student has demonstrated excellence by making a significant contribution to the progress of the research and by producing a thesis document judged to be of honors quality by the department.
- Present an oral progress report at the end of the first semester of a two-semester thesis and a poster at the conclusion of either a one- or two-semester thesis in which the student clearly explains the rationale for the project and the conclusions drawn, engages the listener, and knowledgeably answers questions.
- Attend at least six scientific seminars during the semester (each semester for a two-semester thesis) and submit a brief and clear summary of each.
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