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B.S. and B.A. Programs in Biology
What are the differences between the B.S. and B.A. programs?
A comparison of the course requirements for the B.S. and B.A. in biology may be found by following this link.
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.
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Required Courses & Co-Requisite Courses for Majors
What are the course requirements for my major?
Biology majors should consult the following checklists for their degree requirements:
What are the co-requisite courses for the B.S. major?
In addition to their biology courses, Biology B.S. majors must complete the following co-requisite courses:
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General Chemistry 1 & 2 (CH109/CH110) and General Chem Labs 1 & 2 (CH111/CH112)
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Organic Chemistry 1 & 2 (CH231/CH232) and Organic Chem Labs 1 & 2 (CH233/CH234)
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Calculus through the level of Calculus II
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Intro Physics 1 & 2 - Calculus-Based (PH211/PH212) with Labs (PH203/PH204)
What are the co-requisite courses for the B.A. major?
Biology B.A. majors must complete the following co-requisites:
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General Chemistry 1 & 2 (CH109/CH110) and General Chemistry Labs 1 & 2 (CH111/CH112)
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Calculus through the level of Calculus I
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Advanced Placement Credits
Biology AP Credits:
Can I use AP credits to place out of Introductory Biology (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 our "second-year" sequence of "Molecular Cell Biology" (BI-304) along with the associated Lab (BI-310) in the fall semester. These students then continue with "Genetics" (BI-305) and the associated Lab (BI-310) in the spring semester.
Students who pursue this option must then substitute two additional biology electives in the place of Introductory Biology 1 and 2. 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 ExamCalculus 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.
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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. Students should also note that the Biology Department divides electives into the following three categories:
- Category 1: Molecular Biology, Genetics & Biochemistry
- Category 2: Cellular, Developmental & Organismal Biology
- Category 3: Ecology & Environmental Biology
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 (BI200 and BI202). The following chart outlines the number of electives that majors need to complete:
B.S. Major B.A. Major Total of 5 Bio-Electives --These 5 electives need to come from two of the three categories of electives Total of 6 Electives, comprised of the following: --3 biology electives from two out of the three categories --For the remaining 3 electives, students may select either additional biology electives OR courses from the list of "Approved Biology BA Electives" Total of 7 Bio-Electives Total of 8 Electives, comprised of the following: --5 biology electives from all three categories --Students may select either 3 additional biology electives OR electives taken from the list of "Approved Biology BA Electives"
Did not use AP Biology credits for Intro Biology
Used AP credits to fulfill Intro Biology.
--These 7 electives need to come from all three categories of electives
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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.
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Study Abroad Questions
Can I balance studying abroad with the biology major?
Yes, but one must plan ahead carefully, especially if one wants to go abroad for a whole year instead of for a single semester. The Biology Department allows biology majors to carry over a MAXIMUM of ONE BIOLOGY ELECTIVE for each semester that students are abroad.
If you are a biology major who is interested in studying abroad, please read the following steps:
- Visit the Office of International Programs Website in order to learn more about Study Abroad Programs that are available.
- Research the university that you are planning to attend by visiting their website and finding the biology electives that they offer.
- Print out the COURSE DESCRIPTION of the biology elective that you would like to take while abroad and bring the course description to the Biology Department Office (Higgins 355) for course approval.
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Summer Courses
How do I obtain Course Approval for a Summer Course?
Yes, but majors must note the guidelines listed below:
- Students must choose courses from a four-year, accredited college or university.
- 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.
- Bring this course description to the Biology Department in Higgins 355 for Course Approval.
- Approved summer courses may be used to make up credit deficiences resulting from withdrawal, underloading, or failure.
- Biology Summer Course Course Approvals: Biology Majors are only allowed to take a MAXIMUM of ONE BIOLOGY ELECTIVE in summer courses.
- 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 DEPARTMENT: Merkert 107
MATH DEPARTMENT: Carney 365
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT: Higgins 335
Are summer courses factored into my Boston College GPA?
No, summer courses are not factored into your BC GPA.
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Additional Questions?
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.