Biology

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Biology

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

The biology major offers diverse exposure to the key areas of study in the life sciences. Undergraduate study may lead to acceptance to graduate schools, including schools of medicine and dentistry; careers in laboratory sciences in hospitals, government, or industry; and teacher licensure. Students who want to enter medical or dental school are advised by an interdepartmental preprofessional committee.

For more information about the biology major, contact Dr. Joseph Berger of the Chemistry/Biology Department at (413) 748-3337 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Biology Program Checksheet

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Program Checksheet for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

BIOL 121 - Bioscience I Credits: 3
BIOL 122 - Bioscience II Credits: 3
BIOL 123 - Bioscience I Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 124 - Bioscience II Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 260 - General Ecology Credits: 3
BIOL 261 - General Ecology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 270 - Plant Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 271 - Plant Biology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 280 - Genetics Credits: 3
BIOL 281 - Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 315 - General Microbiology Credits: 3
BIOL 317 - General Microbiology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 482 - Seminar in Biology Credits: 3
CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHEM 123 - General Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1
CHEM 124 - General Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 1
CHEM 221 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHEM 222 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHEM 223 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1
CHEM 224 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 1
PHYS 210 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHYS 211 - General Physics II Credits: 4

Related Requirements

Select two of the following courses. One satisfies a General Education Program requirement.

MATH 125 - Precalculus Mathematics Credits: 3
MATH 131 - Introduction to Calculus with Applications Credits: 3
MATH 140 - Calculus I Credits: 3
MATH 142 - Calculus II Credits: 3
MATH 215 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3

B. Additional Requirements

Select three additional courses and labs from the selectives listed below (9 - 12 credits):

BIOL 230 - Animal Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 241 - Developmental Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 242 - Developmental Biology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 250 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 3
BIOL 251 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 3
BIOL 252 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 253 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 264 - Flora of New England Credits: 3
BIOL 265 - Introductory Horticulture Credits: 3
BIOL 266 - Flora of New England Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 267 - Introductory Horticulture Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 310 - Evolution Credits: 3
BIOL 311 - Human Histology Credits: 3
BIOL 312 - Human Histology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 316 - Applied Microbiology, Virology and Immunology Credits: 3
BIOL 318 - Applied Microbiology, Virology and Immunology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 408 - Research Methods in Cell Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 409 - Research Methods in Cell Biology Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 420 - Cellular Physiology Credits: 3
BIOL 421 - Cellular Physiology Laboratory Credits: 1
CHEM 331 - Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 341 - Analytical Chemistry Credits: 2
CHEM 342 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 2
CHEM 351 - Physical Chemistry with Biological Applications Credits: 3
CHEM 352 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Program Standards

All biology majors must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses required for the major, including selectives.

Academic Catalog