Biology Major & Minor
Studying biology gives you the tools to understand and think critically about how life works and evolves at all different levels, from molecules to cells, to organisms, to ecosystems. A degree in biology also serves as a gateway for careers in healthcare, research, teaching or scientific journalism. Studying biology at Richmond means:
- Low student to faculty ratio that ensures personal interactions with professors
- Modern biology curriculum in the context of a liberal arts education
- Opportunities to work with professors on research projects and present research at regional national, and international scientific meetings
- Innovative first-year course offerings: Introduction to Biological Thinking, SMART.
- Solid foundational coursework with flexibility to choose upper level courses that match your interests
- Upper level courses not typically found at PUIs, such as eco-epidemiology or evolutionary developmental biology
- Preparation for post-graduate studies and jobs in the biological sciences
- Opportunities to study abroad as a biology major
- Interdisciplinary opportunities including biochemistry/molecular biology, neuroscience, and environmental studies
The Bachelor of Science Degree
Note: The grade point average of the coursework in biology and chemistry must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.7).
The B.S. degree in Biology provides a broad foundation in the biological sciences, and requires competency in closely related scientific disciplines and mathematics. It prepares students to integrate the natural and quantitative sciences.
14 units, including:
BIOL-199 Introduction to Biological Thinking or BIOL-192 Science Math and Research Training with Laboratory
BIOL-200 Integrated Biological Principles I
BIOL-202 Integrated Biological Principles II
Five additional units in biology, including at least four approved courses at the 300 level and three with a lab. Students with one unit of research may take two of the five with a lab. The one unit of research may be satisfied by BIOL-394 (taken twice for 0.5 unit each), BIOL-395 (1 unit) or completion of BIOL-406 (summer undergraduate research) or by the department chair's approval of an external summer research program.
CHEM-141 Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics or CHEM-192 Science, Math and Research Training with Laboratory
CHEM-205 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM-206 Organic Chemistry II
Quantitative-Physical Science Requirement
Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major/minor. Prerequisites do not count toward the major/minor unless otherwise noted.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree
Note: The grade point average of the coursework in biology and chemistry must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.7).
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree provides excellent training in biology while allowing the student flexibility to integrate interests in other academic disciplines with their biology coursework.
14 units, including:
Biology Courses:
BIOL-199 Introduction to Biological Thinking or BIOL-192 Science Math and Research Training with Laboratory
BIOL-200 Integrated Biological Principles I
BIOL-202 Integrated Biological Principles II
Five additional units in biology, including at least four approved courses at the 300 level and three with a lab. Students with one unit of research may take two of the five with a lab. The one unit of research may be satisfied by BIOL-394 (taken twice for 0.5 unit each), BIOL-395 (1 unit) or completion of BIOL-406 (summer undergraduate research) or by the department chair's approval of an external summer research program.
Chemistry Courses:
Quantitative-physical science, one unit chosen from:
DSST-189 Introduction to Statistical Modeling
MATH-211 Calculus I
DSST-289 Introduction to Data Science
CMSC-150Introduction to Computing
PHYS-127 General Physics 1 or PHYS-131 General Physics with Calculus I
PSYC-200 Methods and Analyses
BIOL-320 Experimental Design and Biostatistics (BIOL-320 may count only for quantitative–physical science requirement or 300 level additional unit in biology, but not both)
GEOG-260 Introduction to Geographic Information
Students pursuing a B.A. will work with their advisors to identify three or more thematically-linked courses outside of the sciences that demonstrate a thoughtful connection between their biology interests and another scholarly area (e.g., supporting study in science journalism, science and religion, bioethics, art in the sciences, history of science, etc.). Only one of these courses may be counted towards another major, minor, or general education requirement. The student, after consulting with their advisor, will prepare a brief rationale explaining their selection of courses and how their proposed B.A. plan of study applies to their post-graduate interests and objectives.
The Biology Minor
Note: The grade point average of the coursework in biology and chemistry must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.7).
Six units, including:
BIOL-199 Introduction to Biological Thinking or BIOL-192 Science Math and Research Training with Laboratory
BIOL-200 Integrated Biological Principles I
BIOL-202 Integrated Biological Principles II
Two additional units in Biology, at or above the 200 level, at least one with lab
CHEM-141 Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics or CHEM-192 Science, Math and Research Training with Laboratory
Approved Courses for the Biology Major and Minor
All 200- and 300-level courses may be used to meet major or minor requirements with the following exceptions:
Biochemistry (CHEM-326) may count toward the major or minor as a non-lab 300-level biology course.
