Biology, B.S.
Program Description
The department offers a four-year B.S. degree program for a major in biology and for a major in biology qualifying for the Secondary Collegiate Professional License. Students may not major in both biology and biotechnology.
When requested, senior biology majors are expected to participate in program assessment test activities as a graduation requirement. Assessment information helps the department modify the curriculum to meet student needs.
Credit by Examination
When evidence of sufficient background or preparation is presented, the Department of Biology offers credit by examination in many of its non-lab courses at the discretion of the course instructor or coordinator. Students seeking such credit should make arrangements with the course instructor or coordinator and obtain approval of the department head.
Teaching Licensure
Biology majors need courses in physics, geology and organic chemistry for many science education positions.
In addition to the general education and academic major requirements, biology majors desiring secondary teacher licensure must be admitted to teacher education, complete the pre-professional program in secondary education at the undergraduate level and complete the graduate level Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
It is critical that students seeking licensure consult regularly with both their education advisor and their major advisor to support their progression through the programs. For a full description of the program in secondary teaching, refer to the Department of Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education, in addition to the College of Education.
Special Requirements
In order for BIO 270/BIO 270L and BIO 290/BIO 290L credit to be transferred, both semesters of an Anatomy and Physiology course (A&P I and A&P II) must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" from the same institution. A single semester of either of these sequences transfers as BIO 000. Only BIO 290/BIO 290L can be applied towards biology major electives; BIO 270/BIO 270L does not apply towards biology electives.
Practical hands-on experience in the field and/or laboratory is important content of laboratory-based courses. Transfer credit for courses including laboratories will only be awarded for those having skill and application content comparable to that of JMU courses. Elective biology credits applicable toward the major or minor are transferred as specific courses or as BIO 200, BIO 426 or BIO 427. A maximum of eight credit hours of first year (100) level BIO courses may be applied to the biology major or minor requirements.
Biology, Forest Biology, Dual Degree
Students are able to enroll in a dual degree program that makes it possible for the student to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Master of Forestry (M.F.) degree from Virginia Tech in five years. See the dual degree program tab for more information.
Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education1 | 41 |
| Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education)2 | 3 |
| Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education)2 | 3-4 |
| Biology requirements | 40 |
| Cognate requirements | 24-30 |
| Total | 120 |
- 1
The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
- 2
The quantitative and scientific literacy requirements may be met by courses required in the major
Major Requirements
Biology majors must complete 40 credit hours of biology courses including 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level. Specific requirements include four core courses (BIO 140/BIO 140L, BIO 150/BIO 150L, BIO 240/BIO 240L and BIO 250/BIO 250L), at least two upper-division laboratory courses and one course from a list of courses with an emphasis on organismal diversity. In addition, B.S. biology majors must complete a set of cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics that are listed below. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with a faculty mentor. Credits earned doing research will count toward the biology major but some restrictions apply.
Students completing the biology major must earn a minimum grade of "C-" in BIO 140,BIO 140L, BIO 150, BIO 150L, CHEM 131, CHEM 131L and CHEM 132.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| BIO 140 & 140L | Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] and Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] | 4 |
| BIO 150 & 150L | Foundations of Biology II and Foundations of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO 240 & 240L | Genetics and Genetics Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO 250 & 250L | Quantitative Ecology and Evolution and Quantitative Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 4 |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Additional Biology Requirements | ||
| Students in the B.S. biology major must complete at least 24 credit hours of approved biology courses and at least 16 of these must be at the 300 and 400 levels. Up to 8 credit hours of 200 level BIO courses may count towards the 24 credit hour requirement, excluding BIO 270/BIO 270L. | 24 | |
At least one course must be from the list of 300/400-level organismal diversity courses (see list below). | ||
Two 300/400-level courses must have a laboratory component (see list below). | ||
Courses in both lists may count for both requirements. | ||
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Cognate Requirements | ||
| Chemistry Cognate Requirement | ||
| Chemistry beyond the minimum requirement is recommended in many areas of biology. Consult with your advisor about which courses are appropriate. Students who take BIO 361/CHEM 361 in addition to CHEM 242, CHEM 353, CHEM 354 or GEOL 355/CHEM 355 will have BIO 361/CHEM 361 applied toward their BIO 300-400-level elective requirements. BIO 361/CHEM 361 may not be used for both a chemistry cognate and a biology major elective. | ||
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I [C3PP] | 3 |
| CHEM 131L | General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| CHEM 132 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 132L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 241 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Environmental Chemistry Field Camp (summer only) | ||
| Geochemistry of Natural Waters | ||
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Statistics Cognate Requirement | ||
| Statistics beyond the minimum requirement is desirable in many areas of biology. Consult your advisor about which courses are appropriate. Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Elementary Statistics [C3QR] | ||
| Introduction to Applied Statistics Using R [C3QR] | ||
| Subtotal | 3-4 | |
| Mathematics Cognate Requirement | ||
| Mathematics beyond the minimum requirement is desirable in many areas of biology. Consult your advisor about which courses are appropriate. Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Biometrics | ||
| Ecological Models and Data | ||
| Introduction to Data (This course does not fulfill the B.S. quantitative requirement.) | ||
| Calculus with Functions I [C3QR] | ||
| Calculus I [C3QR] | ||
| Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
| SAS Programming and Data Management | ||
| Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design | ||
| Applied Linear Regression | ||
| Applied Nonparametric Statistics | ||
| Survey Sampling Methods | ||
| Categorical Data Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Biometrics | ||
| Statistical Computing | ||
| Subtotal | 3-4 | |
| Physics Cognate Requirement | ||
| Choose one of the following options: | 4-8 | |
| Physics with Biological Applications [C3PP] and Physics with Biological Applications Laboratory [C3L] | ||
| College Physics I [C3PP] and General Physics Laboratory I [C3L] and College Physics II and General Physics Laboratory II | ||
| University Physics I [C3PP] and University Physics Laboratory I [C3L] and University Physics II and University Physics Laboratory II | ||
| Subtotal | 4-8 | |
| Total Credits | 64-70 | |
- 1
Chemistry beyond the minimum requirement is recommended in many areas of biology. Consult with your advisor about which courses are appropriate. Students who take BIO 361/CHEM 361 in addition to CHEM 242, CHEM 353, CHEM 354 or GEOL 355/CHEM 355 will have BIO 361/CHEM 361 applied toward their BIO 300-400-level elective requirements. BIO 361/CHEM 361 may not be used for both a chemistry cognate and a biology major elective.
Organismal diversity and laboratory courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose at least one organismal diversity course from the following list: | 3-4 | |
| Marine Biology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Medical Parasitology | ||
| Biological Illustration | ||
| Morphology and Anatomy of Vascular Plants | ||
| Galápagos Islands: Biodiversity and Conservation | ||
| Plant Biology | ||
| Human Uses of Plants | ||
| Field Botany | ||
| Forest Ecology | ||
| Vertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Vertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Animals and their Environments | ||
| Ornithology: Research and Current Advances | ||
| Insect Ecology | ||
| Reproductive Physiology | ||
| Aquatic Microbiology | ||
| Systematics of Vascular Plants | ||
| Choose at least two laboratory courses from the following list: | 2-8 | |
| Experimental Vertebrate Development | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Morphology and Anatomy of Vascular Plants | ||
| Laboratory in Bacterial Pathogenomics | ||
| Medical Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Paleobiology | ||
| Global Climate Change and Life: Ecological and Biological Impacts of Climate Variability | ||
| Plant Biology Laboratory | ||
| Laboratory in Human Uses of Plants | ||
| Human and Animal Physiology | ||
| Advanced Microbiology Laboratory Techniques | ||
| Field Botany | ||
| Environmental Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas | ||
| Forest Ecology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Animals and their Environments | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Biology with Laboratory | ||
| Ornithology: Research and Current Advances | ||
| Light Microscopy | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Experimental Neurobiology | ||
| Insect Ecology | ||
| Population Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Biometrics | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Ecological Models and Data | ||
| Biological Applications of Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Freshwater Ecology | ||
| Plant Biotechnology | ||
| Advanced Molecular Biology Lab | ||
| Genomics | ||
| Human Histology | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Aquatic Microbiology | ||
| Systematics of Vascular Plants | ||
| Mechanics of Animal Movement | ||
Additional Information
One Topics in Biology (BIO 426/BIO 427) may be used to fulfill the organismal diversity requirement, with departmental permission. One BIO 427 can be used to satisfy an upper-level laboratory requirement, with departmental permission. BIO 426 cannot be used to satisfy a laboratory requirement. These course numbers can be repeated with a change in topic, but only 12 credits from BIO 426/BIO 427 can be applied toward the 40-hour biology course requirement.
When choosing additional biology courses to complete the 40 credit hour requirement, students are strongly encouraged to discuss their career interests with an advisor who can help select courses best suited to their needs. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research and teaching courses with a faculty mentor, though a maximum of eight credits of BIO 492, BIO 493, BIO 494, BIO 496, BIO 497, BIO 499A/BIO 499B/BIO 499C and ISCI 450 can be counted toward the biology major.
Biology Concentrations
Anatomy and Physiology Concentration
Concentration Coordinator: Jess Marquardt
Email: marquajl@jmu.edu
The Biology Department offers a concentration in anatomy and physiology for all Biology majors with an interest in exploring the relationship between structure and function of humans and/or animals. Further, the concentration will provide a strong foundation for students interested in clinical health care, veterinary medicine, and/or research in related fields.
Students choosing a concentration in anatomy and physiology must meet all the requirements for the biology major as well as the following additional requirements. Courses for this concentration can also satisfy biology major requirements.
Complete a total of at least 17 credit hours from the following courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy Core Requirements | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 4 | |
| Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates 1,2,3 | ||
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Physiology Core Requirements | ||
| BIO 370 | Human and Animal Physiology 2 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Anatomy and Physiology Electives | ||
| Complete 9 hours from the following: | 9 | |
Choose at least one course from the following primarily anatomical or physiological courses: 4 | ||
| Experimental Vertebrate Development | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates 3 | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy 2 | ||
| Mammalogy 1,2 | ||
| Human Cardiovascular Physiology | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Human Metabolism | ||
| Reproductive Physiology 1 | ||
| Human Histology 2 | ||
| Mechanics of Animal Movement 2 | ||
Choose remaining credit hours from the list of primarily anatomical or physiological courses above, or from the following courses: | ||
| Introductory Neuroscience | ||
| Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Neurobiology 2 | ||
| Experimental Neurobiology 2 | ||
| Current Topics in Human Development and Evolution | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
- 1
Meets the biology major requirement for an organismal diversity course.
- 2
Meets one of the biology major requirements for laboratory/field courses.
- 3
May be used to fulfill either the Anatomy Core Requirement or as an Anatomy and Physiology Elective, but not both.
- 4
Note: BIO 270 and BIO 270L cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
Ecology and Environmental Biology Concentration
Concentration Coordinator: Bruce Wiggins
Email: wigginba@jmu.edu
The biology department offers a concentration within the biology major for students with interest in ecology, field biology, natural resources, environmental biology, conservation biology, evolution, animal behavior and organismal biology. Students choosing a concentration in ecology and environmental biology must meet all of the requirements for the biology major as well as the following additional requirements. Courses for this concentration can also satisfy biology major requirements.
Students must complete at least 20 credit hours from the following list.
With prior approval from the concentration coordinator, BIO 426 and/or BIO 427 may be substituted. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their career interests with an advisor who can help select courses best suited to their needs. In addition to the courses listed below, a maximum of eight credits of BIO 496, BIO 497 and BIO 499A/BIO 499B/BIO 499C can be counted toward the EEB concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ecology and Environmental Biology Concentration Courses | ||
| Select at least 20 credit hours from the following list: | 20 | |
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory 1 | ||
| Marine Biology 1 | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates 1,2 | ||
| Biological Illustration | ||
| Morphology and Anatomy of Vascular Plants 1,2 | ||
| Mathematical Models in Biology | ||
| Paleobiology 2 | ||
| Global Climate Change and Life: Ecological and Biological Impacts of Climate Variability | ||
| Galápagos Islands: Biodiversity and Conservation 1 | ||
| Plant Biology 1 | ||
| Human and Animal Physiology 2 | ||
| Field Botany 1,2 | ||
| Environmental Microbiology | ||
| Environmental Microbiology Laboratory 2 | ||
| Comparative Animal Behavior | ||
| Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas 2 | ||
| Forest Ecology 2 | ||
| Evolutionary Analysis | ||
| Vertebrate Paleontology 1 | ||
| Mammalogy 1,2 | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Animals and their Environments 1,2 | ||
| Ornithology: Research and Current Advances 1,2 | ||
| Evolution and Ecology of Infectious Disease | ||
| Insect Ecology 1,2 | ||
| Current Topics in Human Development and Evolution | ||
| Population Ecology 2 | ||
| Microbial Ecology and Evolution | ||
| Introduction to Biometrics 2 | ||
| Plant Physiology 2 | ||
| Ecological Models and Data 2 | ||
| Biological Applications of Geographic Information Systems 2 | ||
| Freshwater Ecology 2 | ||
| Aquatic Microbiology 1,2 | ||
| Systematics of Vascular Plants 1,2 | ||
| Subtotal | 20 | |
| Cognate Courses | ||
| Students must take two additional cognate courses: 3 | ||
| Choose one Statistics course: | 3-4 | |
| Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design | ||
| Applied Linear Regression | ||
| Applied Nonparametric Statistics | ||
| Survey Sampling Methods | ||
| Introduction to Biometrics 2 | ||
| Ecological Models and Data 2 | ||
| Choose one Geographic Information Systems course: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Cartography | ||
| Biological Applications of Geographic Information Systems 2 | ||
| Subtotal | 6-8 | |
| Total Credits | 26-28 | |
- 1
Meets the biology major requirement for an organismal diversity course.
- 2
Meets one of the biology major requirements for laboratory/field courses.
- 3
Note: Biology courses that fulfill these additional cognates (BIO 454, BIO 456, and BIO 457) can also be used to fulfill other Biology major requirements.
Ecology and Environmental Biology Concentration Additional Information
It is highly recommended that students take additional upper-level degree elective courses in geography/GIS (such as GEOG 466 or GEOG 467) and in statistics (such as MATH 322 or MATH 324). Students should consult with their advisor about which courses are appropriate.
Microbiology Concentration
Concentration Coordinator: Steve Cresawn
Email: cresawsg@jmu.edu
The biology department offers a concentration within the biology major for students with interest in bacteriology, virology, immunology, parasitology and infectious disease. Students choosing a concentration in microbiology must meet all the requirements for the biology major, including the following specific requirements.
Complete a total of at least 18 credit hours from the following courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Microbiology Requirements | ||
| BIO 245 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 245L | General Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 246 | Microbiology Seminar | 1 |
| Subtotal | 5 | |
| Laboratory Requirement | ||
| Choose at least one of the following laboratory courses: | 1-3 | |
| Viral Discovery | ||
| Viral Discovery | ||
| Viral Genome and Bioinformatics | ||
| Viral Genome and Bioinformatics | ||
| Laboratory in Bacterial Pathogenomics 1 | ||
| Medical Microbiology Laboratory 1 | ||
| Advanced Microbiology Laboratory Techniques 1 | ||
| Environmental Microbiology Laboratory 1 | ||
| Immunology Laboratory 1 | ||
| Aquatic Microbiology 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 1-3 | |
| Microbial Requirements | ||
| If a student takes an elective course that is listed in both Microbial Pathogenesis and Microbial Ecology categories below, the course may only satisfy one category requirement, but not both. | ||
| Microbial Pathogenesis - Choose at least one of the following: | 3 | |
| Medical Parasitology 2 | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Virology 3 | ||
| Evolution and Ecology of Infectious Disease 3 | ||
| Microbial Ecology - Choose at least one of the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Microbiology | ||
| Virology 3 | ||
| Evolution and Ecology of Infectious Disease 3 | ||
| Microbial Ecology and Evolution | ||
| Aquatic Microbiology 2 | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Microbiology Electives | ||
| Microbiology courses from any of the above listed courses to reach 18 credit hours. | 4-6 | |
| Subtotal | 4-6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Meets one of the biology major requirements for an upper-level BIO 300-400 level laboratory course.
- 2
Meets one of the biology major requirements for an organismal diversity course.
- 3
May be used to fulfill either the Microbial Ecology or Microbial Pathogenesis requirement, but not both.
Neuroscience Concentration
Concentration Coordinator: George Vidal
Email: vidalgx@jmu.edu
The biology department offers a concentration within the biology major for students with interests in cell and molecular, systems, and behavioral aspects of the nervous system and its functionality. Students choosing a concentration in neuroscience must meet all of the requirements for the biology major in addition to the following requirements. Courses for this concentration can also satisfy biology major requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroscience Concentration Courses | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Neuroscience | ||
| Biopsychology | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 1 | ||
| Neurobiology 2 | ||
| Subtotal | 6-7 | |
| Neuroscience Concentration Electives | ||
| Complete 9 credits of the following: | 9 | |
| Choose at least one course from the following principally neurobiology courses: | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 1 | ||
| Understanding Techniques in Neuroscience | ||
| Neurobiology 1,2 | ||
| Experimental Neurobiology 2 | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Aging and Neurodegeneration | ||
| Choose remaining credit hours from the list of principally neurobiology courses above, or from the following courses: | ||
| Animal Development 2 | ||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | ||
| Advanced Molecular Biology Lab 2 | ||
| Genomics 2 | ||
| Human Histology 2 | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 15-16 | |
- 1
BIO 445 and BIO 415/CSD 415: The course not taken as part of required neuroscience concentration core may be used to fulfill elective requirements.
- 2
Meets one of the biology major requirements for a laboratory/field course.
Neuroscience Concentration Additional Information
Students should choose additional BIO courses at the 300-400 level, including a course that fulfills the organismal diversity major requirement, and are strongly encouraged to discuss their career interests with an advisor who can help select courses best suited to their needs. With prior approval from the concentration coordinator, BIO 426 and/or BIO 427 may be substituted. It is recommended that students participate in independent research (BIO 496/BIO 497/BIO 499A/BIO 499B/BIO 499C) with a faculty mentor.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First semester first year biology majors are encouraged to start with a 14-15 hour course load. This will generally include BIO 140/BIO 140L, CHEM 131/CHEM 131L, and/or a math course plus General Education. The work load will then be increased in the second semester based on the level of first semester success.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 140 & 140L |
Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] and Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] 1 |
4 |
| BIO 150 & 150L |
Foundations of Biology II and Foundations of Biology II Laboratory |
4 |
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I [C3PP] 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 131L | General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| CHEM 132 | General Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 132L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Mathematics courses 1 | 7 | |
| General Education | 9 | |
| Credits | 32 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIO 240 & 240L |
Genetics and Genetics Laboratory |
4 |
| BIO 250 & 250L |
Quantitative Ecology and Evolution and Quantitative Ecology and Evolution Laboratory |
4 |
| CHEM 241 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics course | 3 | |
| General Education | 12 | |
| Credits | 29 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Upper-level biology laboratory courses | 8 | |
| Biology elective | 3 | |
| General Education | 7 | |
| Electives | 11 | |
| Credits | 29 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Upper-level biology laboratory course | 4 | |
| Biology electives | 9 | |
| Physics courses | 4 | |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Fulfills General Education: The Natural World.
Program Description
James Madison University Liaison: Heather Griscom
Phone: (540) 568-5525
Email: griscohp@jmu.edu
This dual degree program makes it possible for the student to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biology from James Madison University and a Master of Forestry (M.F.) degree from Virginia Tech in five years.
During the first three years at JMU, the student must complete 89 credit hours, including all JMU general education requirements, the cognate courses in chemistry and mathematics, a course in geology and at least 24 semester hours in biology courses, as shown below.
During the fourth year of study, when the student is in residence at Virginia Tech as an undergraduate student in an accelerated advanced degree program, the student will take further courses (31 credits) approved by the JMU Department of Biology for credit toward the B.S. in biology from JMU.
A total of 38 semester hours of biology and biology-related courses (taken at JMU and Virginia Tech) will be required for the JMU B.S. in biology, which will be conferred after the fourth year of study. If the student’s academic record is satisfactory, they will be admitted into the graduate program of the Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech, where they will spend an additional year taking forest biology and natural resources courses to obtain the degree of Master of Forestry. To apply for the dual degree program, the student must have the permission of the dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. Information about the program can be obtained from the faculty liaison. Students are encouraged to inquire as early as possible in their undergraduate careers.
Recommended Schedule
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| First Year (JMU) | ||
| BIO 110 | First Year Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO 140 | Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] | 3 |
| BIO 140L | Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I [C3PP] | 3 |
| CHEM 131L | General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| Madison Foundations: Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Madison Foundations: Communication | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 150 | Foundations of Biology II | 3 |
| BIO 150L | Foundations of Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 132 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 132L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 220 | Elementary Statistics [C3QR] | 3 |
| Madison Foundations: Writing Credits | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Second Year (JMU) | ||
| BIO 250 | Quantitative Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| BIO 250L | Quantitative Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 241 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| MATH 321 | Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities: Visual and Performing Arts | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 240 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 240L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 355 | Geochemistry of Natural Waters | 3 |
| GEOL 110 | Physical Geology [C3NS] | 3 |
| American and Global Perspectives: The American Experience | 4 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Third Year (JMU) | ||
| BIO 402 | Forest Ecology | 4 |
| American and Global Perspectives: The Global Experience | 3 | |
| Arts and Humanities: Human Questions and Contexts | 3 | |
| Sociocultural and Wellness Area: Wellness Domain | 3 | |
| Elective or BIO | 4 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 457 | Biological Applications of Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| ECON 201 | Introduction to Microeconomics | 3 |
| Sociocultural and Wellness Area: Sociocultural Domain | 3 | |
| Arts and Humanities: Literature | 3 | |
| Elective or BIO | 4 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Fourth Year (Virginia Tech) | ||
| FOR courses at Virginia Tech | 15 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| FOR courses at Virginia Tech | 15 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |