Biology: General Biology, BA
Studies in biology can serve as preparation for graduate study in the biological sciences, graduate training in health-related professions, teaching, or employment in a laboratory or conservation-related job. The Biology Department offers courses in many areas of biology, ranging from the workings of cells and cellular components to species interactions and ecosystem function. Penn's curriculum keeps pace with recent developments in molecular biology and the study of evolutionary processes, including proteomics, computational genomics, molecular evolution, and epigenetics. The General Biology Major allows students to explore the wide range of topics in Biology, while also providing a strong foundation in core subject areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology and evolution.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.
With permission from the Undergraduate Chair, two course units away or LPS courses may count toward the Biology major. This limit does not apply to Study Abroad.
For more information: http://www.bio.upenn.edu/undergraduate/current-students/major-requirements
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Introductory Biology Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following Tracks: | 2 | |
| Track 1 (2 course units) | ||
| Introduction to Biology - The Molecular Biology of Life | ||
| Introductory Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Organismal Biology Lab | ||
| Track 2 (3 course units): | ||
| Introduction to Biology A | ||
| Introduction to Biology B | ||
| Chemistry Requirement | ||
| Select 2 course units of Chemistry | 2 | |
| Additional Chemistry and/or Physics Requirement | ||
| Select 2 course units of additional Chemistry and/or Physics 2 | 2 | |
| Calculus/Statistics Requirement | ||
| Select 2 course units of Calculus/Statistics | 2 | |
| Intermediate Level Biology Courses | ||
| Select one of the following Tracks: | 4 | |
| Track 1: Select four courses from four different groups (4 course units): | ||
| Track 2: Select three courses from three different groups (3 course units): | ||
| Group 1: | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
or BIOL 2010 | Cell Biology | |
| Group 2: | ||
| Molecular Biology and Genetics | ||
| Group 3: | ||
| Evolution of Behavior: Animal Behavior | ||
| Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Principles of Human Physiology | ||
| Group 4: | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Ecology: From individuals to ecosystems | ||
| Additional Biology/Biology-Related Requirement | ||
| Select 4 course units of Biology (Two of them may be Biology related courses) | 4 | |
| Total Course Units | 36 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
A third course is needed if the additional CHEM or PHYS courses total less than 2 course units.
Honors
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the major and the thesis must be approved by the departmental honors committee.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.