Department of Biology
The Department of Biology provides its students with a breadth of training in modern biology, establishing a core of fundamental knowledge in biological and related sciences. Students then build on this foundation through a variety of lecture, laboratory, field, and seminar courses in one or more areas of biological study. The Biology Department offers two programs at the undergraduate level: a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a dual degree BA/MS in Biology. For the bachelor’s degree, a student may major in Biology or Biology with one of the following specializations: Behavioral Biology (SBB); Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics (CMG); Ecology & Conservation Biology (ECB); or Neurobiology (NB).
Supported by modern research facilities, our award-winning faculty is engaged in research spanning all levels of biological organization from the molecular to the organismal to the ecology of populations and entire ecosystems, including systems biology at all levels. The development of laboratory and field skills is encouraged through coursework and participation in the department’s extensive research activities, which often involve collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.
Special features include aquatic facilities for experimental work on fresh and saltwater organisms, state-of-the-art animal care facilities, and environmental chambers. Specialized equipment is available for electron, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy; tissue culture; and a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, molecular, and genetic applications.
The BA and BA/MS degrees in Biology prepare students for employment in industry, government, and education, as well as for graduate training in research, medicine, and other health professions.
Additional Information
Advanced Credit (AP, IB, and Other Exams)
Students with advanced credit in biology may be able to place out of one or both introductory biology courses (CAS BI 107 and CAS BI 108). However, students are nonetheless encouraged to take BI 107 and/or BI 108, even if they have advanced credit, in order to provide a solid foundation for upper-level biology courses. The decision to take one or both introductory courses should be made in consultation with a Biology advisor (and a preprofessional advisor, if a student is prehealth).
Department Residency Requirement
Students must take at least five (5) CAS BI or MET BI (or cross-listed) courses beyond BI 107 & BI 108 at Boston University to satisfy the department residency requirement.
Intercollege Cross-Registration
After consultation with a Biology advisor and with written departmental approval, students may cross-register for undergraduate courses at Boston College, Brandeis University, Hebrew College, and Tufts University. More information can be found on the Registrar’s website.
Prehealth Students
The Biology major as well as the ECB, NB, and SBB specializations satisfy all premedical recommendations except for biochemistry and the second semester of organic chemistry. The CMG specialization satisfies all premedical recommendations except for biochemistry. These additional courses can easily be built into a student’s schedule (and biochemistry will count as an elective for the Biology, CMG, and NB majors). Prehealth students should discuss course recommendations with an advisor in the Pre-Professional Advising office (100 Bay State Road, Room 428) as well as with a Biology advisor as early as possible.
Study Abroad Programs for Biology Students
- The Madrid Science Program in Spain is recommended for Biology and all specialization majors.
- The Marine Semester in Belize (offered through the BU Marine Program) is recommended for Biology, ECB, and SBB majors.
All study abroad decisions should be made in consultation with a Biology advisor.
