Major Requirements
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Bio 111 Evolution and Ecology
Bio 112 Cells and Genes
(Biology 111 and 112 can be taken in any order.)
Four 200-level courses, at least three of which must have a laboratory.
Three 300-level biology courses, at least two of which must have a laboratory.
Chem 153 Chemical Principles
Chem 154 Inorganic Reactions
Three related courses from biology, chemistry, mathematics/computer science or physics.
The 200- and 300-level biology courses must include a minimum of one course from each of the following biology areas: cells and molecules, organisms, systems.
Capstone
The capstone in biology can be fulfilled in several ways. Students may conduct an independent research project that is approved by the department and supervised by faculty (Bio 499) or conduct research as part of an honors thesis (Bio 500). In some cases, a specially designed (Bio 399) course (Independent Study) may fulfill the capstone requirement. The capstone may also be experienced in specially designed and designated seminars (Bio 400), which are usually taken in the senior year.
Area requirements
To ensure students are exposed to all levels of biological organization, biology majors must take at least one course in each of the three following areas: cells and molecules, organisms, systems.
Cells and molecules
Bio 211 Genetics
Bio 219 Cell Biology
Bio 221 Microbiology and Immunology
Bio 222 Bacteriology
Bio 254 Developmental Biology
Bio 305 Biochemistry
Bio 307 Cell Evolution
Bio 316 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Bio 321 Immunology
Bio 324 Neurobiology
Bio 347 Endocrinology
Organisms
Bio 205 Nutrition
Bio 207 The Biology of Exercise
Bio 220 Evolution of Invertebrates
Bio 226 Comparative Animal Behavior
Bio 244 Introductory Physiology
Bio 252 Parasitology and Symbiosis
Bio 255 Vertebrate Evolution and Anatomy
Bio 262 Plant Biology
Bio 331 Advanced Marine Biology
Bio 348 Advanced Physiology
Bio 375 Ornithology
Systems
Bio 201 Environmental Science
Bio 215 Ecology
Bio 231 Marine Biology
Bio 298 Concepts in Ecology
Bio 303 Evolution
Bio 317 Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Bio 318 Tropical Field Biology
Bio 361 Vernal Pool Conservation Biology
Bio 364 Freshwater and Marine Botany
Bio 398 Conservation Biology
Related majors
Students interested in the biological sciences may consider declaring a major in Biochemistry, Environmental Science or Psychobiology, and should meet with the designated program coordinators to discuss the program of interest.
Health professions
Students planning a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary or other health professions should consult a health professions advisor early in the first year in order to plan a suitable program. Medical schools require a minimum of two semesters of biology, two semesters of physics, two semesters of mathematics, four semesters of chemistry and two semesters of English. The MCATs include material from anatomy, microbiology, physiology and genetics. Therefore, those 200-level courses are recommended.
Also see information on Wheaton's pre-med advising. For more information on pre-med advising contact Dean Alex Trayford in Academic Advising and Co-Curricular Learning.
Honors/ graduate school
Biology departmental honors will be awarded on the basis of a B+ or better average in the major, an overall average of B or better, and a grade of B+ or better on the individual research project.
Students intending to continue their study of biology in graduate school are strongly encouraged to take organic chemistry. Graduate and pre-health programs usually require students to have an exposure to organic chemistry, calculus and physics.