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Biology Major Requirements (Through FA22)
Program in Biology Student Services
: 1140 Undergrad. Science Bldg. (USB) : http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology
: [email protected]u : 734-763-7984
Why study Biology?
Biology as a discipline is connected to many aspects of our everyday lives. From development and disease, to the food
we eat, to the environment around us, studying biology brings us a deeper understanding of the world around us and
allows us to benefit society through medicine, agriculture and environmental stewardship. Biology is a rapidly advancing
area as we learn more every day about biological concepts ranging from our cells to our planet. Mastering biology
opens up diverse careers in health science (medicine, dentistry, public health), biotechnology and pharmaceutical
sciences, biological research, environmental policy, conservation and wildlife biology, ecological monitoring, and
farming.
Who should major in Biology?
This major program develops an appreciation of the levels of organization of life, its diversity, and the processes by
which life has achieved its present forms. The program is recommended for those who wish to study biology as part of a
liberal arts education, to prepare for a teaching career in secondary schools, or to prepare for graduate study in biology
or the health professions. Students intending to go to medical school should compare degree requirements to the med
school requirements found here: https://lsa.umich.edu/advising/plan-your-path/pre-health. It is strongly recommended
that pre-med and other pre-health students meet with an LSA pre-health advisor.
Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology, Health, and Society;
Cellular & Molecular Biomedical Science (CMBS); Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity (EEB); Microbiology; Molecular,
Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB); Plant Biology; Neuroscience; Biochemistry; or Biomolecular Science. They
also may not elect an academic minor in Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.
How do I declare?
Students interested in any major in the biological sciences are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss their
academic plans as soon as possible! Students need not have completed all of the major prerequisites to declare, but
should have completed the introductory biology sequence with a 2.0 or better and be in good academic standing. Make
an advising appointment online through the Biology website: www.lsa.umich.edu/biology.
What courses should I take first?
The introductory biology sequence consists of: BIOLOGY 171, BIOLOGY 172 or 174, and BIOLOGY 173. Students should
take 171 or 172/174 first and then follow with the second lecture course and 173. (Note that the introductory biology
sequence courses cannot be taken pass/fail.)
• Students with an appropriate AP/IB score receive credit for BIOLOGY 195, which is the equivalent of BIOLOGY
171 & 172/174, but does NOT grant credit for 173.
• Transfer students who receive credit for BIOLOGY 191 should take BIOLOGY 192 and BIOLOGY 173 to complete
the introductory biology sequence.
BIOLOGY 171
…focuses on ecology, biodiversity, and genetics and
evolutionary processes. Students engage with
biological hypotheses dealing with prominent
current issues such as human evolutionary origins,
emerging diseases, conservation biology, and global
change.
BIOLOGY 172 or 174
(prerequisite: prior or concurrent credit for CHEM 130)
…focuses on how cells, organs, and organisms work.
(174 covers the same material as 172 but is geared
toward students who prefer a more problem-solving
approach to understand biology, rather than a more
traditional lecture-based course.)
BIOLOGY 173
(prerequisite = BIOLOGY 171, 172, 174, 191, or 195)
…is the accompanying lab component to the introductory sequence. The course provides an integrated
introduction to experimental biology. Topics focus on biochemistry, molecular genetics, evolution, and ecology.
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How do I get involved in research?
Independent research is a wonderful opportunity to take an active role in studying what you enjoy! Students participate
in a lab, field, or modeling project in which they themselves have a say in the design, implementation, and interpretation
of experiments. Please visit the Undergraduate Research web pages for the specific requirements for independent
research and advice on how to choose a research area and mentor:
lsa.umich.edu/biology/undergraduates/student-research.html.
What are the requirements for Honors?
The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the
biological sciences. Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their
understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students. The achievement is noted
on the diploma and official transcript.
In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:
(1) an overall and major GPA of at least 3.4,
(2) participation in at least two terms of independent research, and
(3) the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
(a) reported in an honors thesis and
(b) presented in a public forum.
Note that undergraduate research students typically register for an independent research course (as appropriate for
their major) during each term of research. Formal course registration is encouraged, but not required. For more
information, including the Honors Program application, consult the Program in Biology Honors Information page.
How do I find out about internships, study abroad, or summer programs?
Information about study abroad, faculty-led intercultural internships, faculty-led courses and field experiences, and
Spring/Summer language study is available through the Center for Global and Intercultural Study
(www.lsa.umich.edu/cgis). The Opportunity Hub (https://lsa.umich.edu/opportunityhub) also provides information on
fellowships, internships and other student opportunities.
Can I transfer courses from another institution?
The Program in Biology will review classes taken at other institutions to determine equivalency to University of Michigan
Biology courses. (Note that 300- and 400-level courses will not be evaluated for equivalent credit.) If an external class
is determined to be equivalent to a U-M course, it can be posted to your transcript as the U-M Biology course (with a
"T") when you successfully complete the course and the transfer steps listed on the Biology website:
www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/transfercredit. Approved equivalent courses may count toward major requirements, but
transfer students are encouraged to meet with a major advisor to develop a major plan. At least 20 of the 30 credits
required for the Biology major must be taken in-residence.
[Note: You are welcome to request review of a course before you take it. You will need to provide a detailed
syllabus, and must obtain one from the instructor in advance.]
How can I get involved with student organizations?
There are several student organizations pertinent to biology-related majors. More detailed information is available on
the Program in Biology website: www.lsa.umich.edu/biology.
• Biology Student Alliance (BSA): a student org. open to all Program in Biology & Neuro. majors as well as pre-
med or other science-oriented students interested in biology research and outreach, and in collaborating and
socializing with other biology-interested students. Email bsa-ebo[email protected] for more information
• Botany Undergrads Doing Stuff (BUDS): an extremely informal group of people dedicated to botany. Contact
Faculty Advisors Robyn Burnham or Laura Olsen if interested.
• Michigan Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Society (MEEBS): The Michigan Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Society (MEEBS) is an informal club designed to create a community for EEB-interested students from any major.
Contact faculty advisor Catherine Badgley or check out the MEEBS Facebook page for more information.
• Neuroscience Students Association (NSA): an organization for students with an interest in neuroscience. Email
[email protected] for more information.
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BIOLOGY ELECTIVES
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Group I – MCDB focus
BIO 205 (4) Developmental Biology
BIO 207* (4) Microbiology
BIO 225 (3) Principles of Human and Animal Physiology (lecture)
BIO 230* (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
BIO 272 (4) Fundamentals of Cell Biology
*also satisfies lab req.
Group II – EEB focus
BIO 207* (4) Microbiology
BIO 230* (4) Introduction to Plant Biology
BIO 256 (3) Environmental Physiology of Animals
BIO 281 (3) General Ecology (lecture)
BIO 282 (3) General Ecology (lecture at UMBS)
BIO 288* (4) Introduction to Animal Diversity
EEB 381* (5) General Ecology (UMBS)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Biology Labs
BIO 202 Biological Data Analysis & Prog. (only if not used as prereq.)
BIO 207 Microbiology
BIO 226 Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIO 230 Introduction to Plant Biology
BIO 288 Introduction to Animal Diversity
EEB/MCDB 300 (3) Undergraduate Research**
MCDB 306 Intro. Genetics Laboratory
EEB 313 Geobiology
EEB 320 Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands
EEB 321 Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands (UMBS)
EEB 330 Biology of Birds (UMBS)
EEB 341 Parasitology
EEB 348 Forest Ecosystems (UMBS)
EEB 372 General Ecology Laboratory
EEB 373 General Ecology Laboratory (UMBS)
EEB 381 General Ecology (UMBS)
EEB 391 Evolutionary Processes & Macroevolution
EEB 392 Evolution (UMBS)
EEB/MCDB 400 (3) Advanced Research**
EEB 405 Biological Station Special Topics (UMBS)
MCDB 423 Cellular and Molecular Neurobio. Laboratory
MCDB 424 Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory
MCDB 429 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
EEB 431 Ecology of Animal Parasites (UMBS)
EEB 433 Ornithology
EEB 436 Woody Plants
EEB 441 Biology of Fishes Laboratory
EEB 443 Biology of Insects (UMBS)
EEB 447 Microbes in the Wild: Environ. Micro. Lab (UMBS)
EEB 450 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles
EEB 451 Biology of Mammals
EEB 453 Field Mammalogy (UMBS)
EEB 455 Ethnobotany (UMBS)
EEB 457 Algae in Freshwater Ecosystems (UMBS)
EEB 468 Biology of Fungi
EEB 482 Limnology (UMBS)
EEB 486 Biology and Ecology of Fishes (UMBS)
EEB 489 Soil Ecology
EEB 493 Behavioral Ecology (UMBS)
EEB 556 Field Botany of Northern Michigan (UMBS)
**EEB/MCDB 300 or 400 (Independent Research), elected for a minimum of 3 credits in a single term, may be used to fulfill a lab
requirement. (3 credit max. applies; see CONSTRAINTS.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BIOLOGY Cognates
ANTHRBIO 365 – Human Evolution
ANTHRBIO 368/PSYCH 338 – Primate Social Behavior
ANTHRBIO/ENVIRON 461 – Primate Conservation Biology
BIOLCHEM 650 – Eukaryotic Gene Expression
BIOMEDE 231 – Introduction to Biomechanics
CHEMISTRY – Any course numbered 230 or above
CLIMATE/EARTH/SPACE 320 – Earth Systems Evolution
CMPLXSYS 501 – Introduction to Complex Systems
CMPLXSYS 530 – Computer Modeling of Complex Systems
EARTH 418 – Paleontology
EARTH 436 – Field Studies in Stratigraphy, Paleontology, &
Sedimentology
EARTH 437 – Evolution of Vertebrates
EARTH/ENVIRON 450 – Ecosystem Science in the Rockies
EARTH/ENVIRON 453 – Tropical Conservation & Resource Mgt.
ENVIRON 310 – Toxicology: Study of Environ. Chems. & Disease
ENVIRON 317 – Conservation of Biological Diversity
EPID 543 – Virus Diseases
EPID 560 – Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis
HUMGEN 541 – Molecular Genetics
MATH – Any course numbered 200 or above
MICRBIOL 405 – Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease
MICRBIOL 415 –Virology
MICRBIOL 430 – Microbial Symbiosis
MICRBIOL/IMMUN 440 – Immunology
MICRBIOL/INTMED 460 – Eukaryotic Microbiology
PHRMACOL 310 – Pharmacology and Therapeutics
PHRMACOL 425 – Development of New Medications
PHYSICS 290 - Physics of the Body and Mind (Only if not used as
prereq.)
PSYCH 337 – Hormones and Behavior
STATS 401 – Applied Statistical Methods II
STATS 412 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics
STATS 425 – Introduction to Probability
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BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
TERM:
COURSE:
GRADE:
□ Choose Sequence A, B, or C:
A: BIO 171, BIO 172 or 174, & BIO 173
B: BIO 195 (AP/IB) & BIO 173
C. BIO 191 (transfer credit), BIO 192, & BIO 173
*Students may declare the major after completing the intro bio sequence with a C average*
□ CHEM 210 & 211
□ CHEM 215 & 216
□ Quantitative Analysis 1: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295
□ Quantitative Analysis 2: One course from: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296; STATS 180 (AP),
206, 250, or 280; STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits); BIOLOGY 202; BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290; EECS 183,
203, or 280; EARTH 468; or other course with a MATH 115 prereq. approved by a major advisor [Note: Any
course used here cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e., a course cannot "double-count."]
□ PHYSICS I (lecture + lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 125 & 127; 135 & 136; 140 & 141;
150 & 151; or 160 & 161. [PHYSICS 139 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.]
□ PHYSICS II (lecture + lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 126 & 128; 235 & 236; 240 &
241; 250 & 251; or 260 & 261. [PHYSICS 239 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.]
□ Group I - MCDB Elective: Choose 1 from: BIO 205, BIO 207*, BIO 225, BIO 230*, or BIO 272
□ Group II - EEB Elective: Choose 1 from: BIO 207*, BIO 230*, BIO 256, BIO 281, BIO 282, BIO 288*, or
EEB 381*
□ Genetics: BIO 305
□ Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
□ Evolution: EEB 390, 391*, or 392*
□ Choose one course in EEB or MCDB at the 300- or 400-level
• Exclusions: EEB/MCDB 301, EEB/MCDB 302, EEB/MCDB 399, EEB/MCDB 499, MCDB 412, MCDB
461, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED.
• EEB/MCDB 300 or 400 (Independent Research), elected for a min. of 3 credits in a single term, may
be used to fulfill this requirement. (3 credit max. applies; see CONSTRAINTS below.)
Lab Courses for Biology (This requirement may OVERLAP with other major reqs.):
□ Lab Requirement (3 courses from the approved list are required; see attached.)
• EEB/MCDB 300 or 400 (Independent Research), elected for a min. of 3 credits in a single term, may
be used to fulfill a lab requirement. (3 credit max. applies; see CONSTRAINTS below.)
Additional Course(s):
□ Choose additional BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB courses at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level, to reach 30
major credit hours.
• Exclusions: BIO 241, BIO 299, EEB/MCDB 301, EEB/MCDB 302, EEB/MCDB 800, MCDB 412, and
non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED.
• A max. of 2 approved cognate courses may be used as additional courses; see attached list.
CONSTRAINTS:
• Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are
EXCLUDED from the 30 cr. required for the major.
• A maximum of 3 credits of independent research (BIO 200, EEB/MCDB 300 or 400, et al.) may be
counted toward the major.
□ Minimum 30 cr. in Major
□ Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major: GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for
major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.