Goals for the Major

In successfully completing a major in biology, students must demonstrate:

• an understanding of the basic principles and concepts of biology.
• an in-depth knowledge of three areas of biology: 1) Hereditary biology; 2) Cell biology; 3) Ecological and evolutionary biology
• the ability to think critically and synthesize information from a variety of different sources.
• the ability to write and speak in the discipline.

Requirements for Major or Minor

For a Major in Biology: 36 credits in the department, including 110, 111, 486, and at least one course from each of the following three areas:

A) Hereditary Biology (270)
B) Cell Biology (400, 420)
C) Ecological/Evolutionary Biology (380, 441/442, 450)
In addition, CHEM 210, 211, 321, 322.
For a Minor in Biology: 20 credits in the department, including 210, 211 and at least three additional courses.
No more than a total of 5 hours from the following may apply towards a Biology major or minor: BIOL 025,  480, 485, 487, and 490.
For either a major or a minor, students with an AP Biology test score of 5, or with a score of 5 or higher in the International Baccalaureate subject exam in biology, receive 5 elective credits of Biology. They are not exempt from taking BIO 210 and 211.

For Oregon Initial Teacher Licensure in Biology: A student must complete the Linfield Teacher Education Program and the State of Oregon licensure requirements (see page 57 and 58 of the print catalog). In order to complete these requirements, a student must begin taking education courses no later than his/her sophomore year. The student must be advised by an Education Department faculty member each semester prior to registration.