Biology Major

Gustavus Biology majors investigate the structure, function and response of living systems—from molecules to genes, to cells and multicellular organisms, and in populations and ecosystems. Students’ education includes hands-on training, quantitative analyses, professional writing and scientific reasoning. They learn how to conduct research in courses and can pursue research with faculty mentors. Majors also are employed by the Department. Students become well-prepared for careers as well as graduate or professional studies.

Students develop breadth and depth from their coursework. Biology majors complete a ‘core’ sequence of courses (BIO-110/111, Principles; 120/121, Organismal; 250/251, Cell & Molecular; and 260/261, Ecology, Evolution & Behavior). Two Chemistry courses (CHE-107/108, Foundations of Chemistry II or CHE-110/111, General Chemistry, and CHE-120/121, Organic Chemistry I) must be taken prior to BIO-250/251. BIO-260/261 requires completion of CHE-107/108 or 110/111. Completion of the core courses by the end of junior year is expected. Most 300-level electives are generally taken in junior and/or senior year and require the completion of the Biology ‘core’ sequence. One calculus (MCS-121 or higher) or statistics course (MCS-142 or higher) is required of majors, preferably within the first two years. All students must also complete four additional level 200 or 300 BIO electives. At least one of the four elective courses must carry a WRIT designation (WRIT-D or WRIT-L). CHE-270/271 or GEO-282/283 may be used as a level 200 course toward the major. Three electives must be level 300 BIO courses. Before taking 300-level electives, students must earn a C- or above for all prerequisite Biology and Chemistry courses, including labs, and have a Major GPA of 2.0 or above. 200-level electives require minimum grades of C- or above from all the prerequisite courses. For graduation with the major, a combined average GPA of 2.0 or higher from all courses counted toward the major (i.e., all Biology, Chemistry and MCS courses), as well as grades of C- or better from all Biology and Chemistry ‘core’ courses (BIO-110/111, BIO-120/121, BIO-250/251, BIO-260/261, and two chemistry courses with labs), are required.

Students select courses in the liberal arts and their major(s) and develop a professional 4-year plan in consultation with a Department faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to initiate these conversations early to prepare for valuable experiences.