Biology

Curriculum Overview

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Courses in the biology curriculum include innovative investigative laboratories, emphasizing active learning and technology. The curriculum also includes significant writing and research components, preparing students for their professions in the 21st century. JU biology majors are required to take the introductory sequence of courses that include Botany, Zoology, Introduction to Cellular, Genetic & Molecular Biology, and Oral Communication in the Biological Sciences. After completing these courses, students must take a minimum of 24 credit hours of upper division biology and/or marine science across three divisions of biological sciences: organismal, ecological and cellular/molecular. Students must also complete chemistry (a full year of Introductory Chemistry, Organic Chemistry), a full year of physics, a year of math and the senior seminar. Biology majors must also complete the University core, or general education curriculum appropriate to the degree they seek.

Students who plan to pursue a major in biology should take science and mathematics courses in high school; e.g., mathematics through trigonometry, as well as biology, chemistry and physics.

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