In general terms, the B.S. program requires students to complete additional coursework in the physical sciences and mathematics (i.e., organic chemistry, calculus-based physics, and Calculus II).

The B.A. program also has a solid foundation in biology; however, it does not include the specific requirements for organic chemistry, calculus-based physics, and Calculus II that characterize the B.S. program. As such, the B.A. program allows for additional room in a student's schedule for elective courses.

Do graduate programs prefer a Biology B.S. or B.A. degree?

Since admission requirements vary by graduate program, we urge all students to contact the graduate programs in which they are interested for specific admissions requirements. Students in the Pre-Medical Program will typically complete the B.S. degree since this option automatically fulfills pre-medical requirements as part of the degree.

Required Courses for Majors

What are the course requirements for my major?

Please visit the Biology Academic Advising Website for checklists with degree requirements.

Advanced Placement Credits

Biology AP Credits

Can I use AP credits to place out of the Biology Foundation Course Sequence (BI 200 and BI 202)?

Biology majors who earned a score of FIVE on the AP Biology exam in their senior year of high school may be eligible for the AP option within the biology major.

Students who pursue this AP option begin their biology major by enrolling directly in a "Distribution Requirement Course."

Students who pursue this option must then substitute additional biology electives in the place of BI 200/202. Any student considering this option should carefully discuss this option with a Biology Academic Advisor during Orientation in order to make the best decision.

Math AP Credits

Can I use AP credits to satisfy the math requirement for the biology major?

The basic requirement for the biology major is that students in the BS degree program should complete calculus through the level of Calculus II and students enrolled in the BA degree program need to complete calculus through the level of Calculus I only. AP credits may be used to fulfill these requirements as follows:

Calculus I Equivalency
4 or 5 on the AB Calculus Exam
3, 4, or 5 on the BC Calculus Exam

Calculus II Equivalency
4 or 5 on the BC Calculus Exam

I plan to use AP credits in calculus, but I still need to take a math course to fulfill the requirement. Which math course should I take?

The Boston College Math Department maintains an excellent website that provides students with guidance about math courses that are appropriate given their math background. Students can feel free to consult the Math Department website for more information regarding the appropriate math course.

Chemistry AP Credits

Can I use AP Chemistry credits to satisfy the general chemistry requirement?

Students should consult the Chemistry Department Website for further guidelines about applying AP credits towards the chemistry co-requisite for the biology major.

Biology Electives

What are the biology electives that are available?

Students can find a full listing of biology electives by clicking on the following link.

How many biology electives do majors need to complete?

The answer to this question depends on your degree program (B.S. or B.A.) and whether you used AP Credits to fulfill the Introductory Biology requirement (BI 200 and BI 202). Please visit the Biology Academic Advising Website for a checklist outlining your degree requirements.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Where can I learn more about Undergraduate Research Opportunities in biology?

The Biology Department emphasizes the fundamental importance of research in advancing knowledge in the life sciences. If you would like to learn more about Undergraduate Research Opportunities, please follow this link.

Study Abroad Questions

Can I balance studying abroad with the biology major?

There are two important things that biology majors should consider when planning to study abroad.

First - BS majors need to plan how to fulfill their Introductory Physics requirement (see the next question).

Second - all majors should plan out their biology electives to make sure they will complete the necessary electives for graduation. The Biology Department allows majors to carry over a maximum of ONE BIOLOGY ELECTIVE for each semester that they are abroad. Students should get their biology elective approved before they go abroad and the Study Abroad process is described in greater detail below.I plan to study abroad during my junior year.

How do I fulfill my Physics requirement?

Biology BS majors who study abroad during their junior year should also be aware that this is a time in the curriculum when students are fulfilling their Physics requirement.

Since Introductory Physics is a two-semester sequence, majors are advised to either wait until their senior year or they may take a calculus-based Physics course over the summer.

Pre-Med students who delay taking Introductory Physics until their senior year should be aware that this may mean taking the MCAT after their senior year is complete. Pre-Med students seeking additional advice about Study Abroad, please follow this link.

Where can I find further information about studying abroad?

Please visit the BC Office of International Programs to learn more about BC Study Abroad programs.

How do I get courses approved for study abroad?

Before you study abroad, you should get your electives approved.

Please bring a copy of the course description to the Biology Office (Higgins 355). Please also fill out the "Biology Major Study Abroad Form" (copies available in department office).

Summer Courses

How do I obtain Course Approval for a Summer Course?

Majors must note the guidelines listed below:

1. Students must choose courses from a four-year, accredited college or university.

2. Students should visit the website of the college or university and PRINT OUT the course description of the course that they would like to have considered for approval.

3. Bring this course description to the Biology Department in Higgins 355 for Course Approval.

4. Approved summer courses may be used to make up credit deficiences resulting from withdrawal, underloading, or failure.

5. Biology Summer Course Course Approvals: Biology Majors are only allowed to take a MAXIMUM of ONE BIOLOGY ELECTIVE in summer courses.

6. Co-Requisite Course Approvals (Chemistry, Math, and Physics): Students who wish to take a co-requisite course over the summer must bring the course description to the respective Department. The following are the locations of these academic departments:

Chemistry: Merkert 107
Math: Carney 365
Physics: Higgins 335

Are summer courses factored into my Boston College GPA?

No, summer courses are not factored into your BC GPA.

If I have further questions, who can answer them?

Students can visit the Undergraduate Program Administrator, Ms. Adrien, in the Biology Office in Higgins 355.

Ms. Adrien can help you with general advising questions and refer you to an appropriate faculty member for additional questions.