Department of Biology
The Department of Biology provides its students with a breadth of training in modern biology establishes 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. A range of specializations allows students to delve deeper into specific disciplines: Behavioral Biology (SBB); Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics (CMG); Ecology & Conservation Biology (ECB); and 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. 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; automated DNA sequencing; and a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, molecular, and genetic applications.
The BA in Biology prepares students for both private and public sector employment as well as for graduate training in research, medicine, other health professions, education, government, and industry.
Additional Information
Advanced Credit (AP & IB Exams)
Students with an AP Biology examination score of 5 receive 8 credits toward two of the following courses: CAS BI 105, CAS BI 107, CAS BI 108. An AP Biology score of 4 receives 4 credits toward one of the following courses: CAS BI 105, CAS BI 107, CAS BI 108. Depending on their area of interest, students are nonetheless encouraged to take BI 107 and/or BI 108 even if they have AP Biology credits. This decision should be made in consultation with a Biology advisor.
Students who took the International Baccalaureate (IB) higher level subject Biology exam and earned a grade of 5, 6, or 7 receive 8 credits toward two of the following courses: CAS BI 105, CAS BI 107, CAS BI 108. Depending on their area of interest, students are nonetheless encouraged to take BI 107 and/or BI 108 even if they have IB Biology credits. This decision should be made in consultation with a Biology advisor.
Department Residency Requirement
Students must take at least 5 CAS 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.
Premedical 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). Premedical students should discuss premedical 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
Science Program (recommended for Biology and all specializations):
Other Study Abroad Opportunities (recommended for Biology, ECB, and SBB majors):
All study abroad decisions should be made in consultation with a Biology advisor.
