Biology Department

Upper Division Lab Requirement

Since research is an integral part of the biology major, students are required to complete an upper-division laboratory course. 

There are three options that are available to students to fulfill this requirement, as described below:

Option 1:  3-credit Laboratory Course

These courses involve students in original research projects which may lead to publication in a scientific journal or presentation at a scientific conference.  These courses are designed to give students an experience similar to working in a research laboratory and they are listed here:

  • BI-480  Biochemistry Lab
  • BI-482  Research in Cell Biology
  • BI-483  Research in Molecular Biology
  • BI-484  Research in Biochemistry

Option 2:  3-Credit Elective with 1-Credit Lab

The following courses must be taken with the associated 1-credit lab in order to satisfy the Upper-Division Lab Requirement.

  • BI-412/413  Bacteriology with Lab
  • BI-426/427  Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab
  • BI-554/555  Physiology with Lab
  • BI-556/559  Developmental Biology with Lab
  • BI-442/441  Principles of Ecology with Lab
  • BI-443/448  Coastal Field Ecology with Lab

Option 3:  Undergraduate Research

One semester of undergraduate research under the supervision of a faculty member will satisfy the Upper-Division Lab Requirement for the biology major.

Please follow this link to Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Biology.