40-hour B.S. in Biology
This degree, designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in biology and careers in the life sciences, offers rigorous training and provides excellent preparation in all major areas of the discipline. It does not require a minor or second major.
Foundations
B.S. students in biology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.S. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions.
Biology Courses
| BIO 171 | Unity of Life | 4 credits | |
| BIO 172 | Diversity of Life | 4 credits | |
| BIO 270 | Genetics and Genome Evolution | 4 credits | |
| Two courses from BIO 290 to BIO 380 | 5-7 credits | ||
| Two courses from BIO 420 to BIO 490 (excluding BIO 486 and BIO 489) |
8 credits | ||
| Two credits from BIO 493 | Seminar in Biology | 2 credits | |
| Two credits from BIO 495 | Research in Biology | 2 credits | |
| At least six additional credits from BIO 290 to BIO 499 | 6-8 credits | ||
| Additional required courses: | |||
| Two semesters of general chemistry | 8 credits | ||
| One semester of organic chemistry | 4 credits | ||
| TOTAL (minimum) | 40 credits | ||
No more than 48 credits in any given discipline may be credited toward a bachelor’s degree.
Depending on career goals and special requirements for graduate schools and professional programs, students are advised to include courses in advanced chemistry, advanced mathematics (including calculus), computer science, physics, and statistics in their plans of study.
Biology majors are also encouraged to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member as part of the graduation requirements, with research opportunities at many highly-recognized programs sponsored by national laboratories or other institutions.