COURSE CURRICULUM

In the First Year (100 Level) of the Biology program, students begin with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Introductory Biology I (BIOL 103-3) and Introductory Biology II (BIOL 104-3) provide the fundamental knowledge of biological systems, while laboratory courses (BIOL 123-1 and BIOL 124-1) allow students to gain hands-on experience in biological research. General Chemistry I and II (CHEM 100-3 and CHEM 101-3) with accompanying lab courses (CHEM 120-1 and CHEM 121-1) lay the groundwork for understanding chemical principles in biological contexts. For quantitative skills, students take Calculus I (MATH 100-3) and Calculus II (MATH 101-3), along with physics courses tailored for life sciences (PHYS 100-4 or PHYS 110-4 for mechanics, and PHYS 101-4 or PHYS 111-4 for waves and electricity). These courses provide students with the essential background needed to understand biological processes at a molecular and systemic level. In the Second Year (200 Level), students build upon their foundational knowledge with courses such as Microbiology (BIOL 203-3), Genetics (BIOL 210-3), and Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 201-3). The accompanying Organic Chemistry Lab I (CHEM 250-1) and Organic Chemistry Lab II (CHEM 251-1) give students practical experience in organic chemistry techniques. The Introductory Biochemistry (CHEM 204-3) course introduces students to the biochemical processes that underpin life. Additionally, students take Basic Statistics (STAT 240-3) or Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers (STAT 371-3), which are essential for analyzing biological data. In the Third Year (300 Level), students take advanced courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, including Intermediary Metabolism (BCMB 306-3), Molecular Biology Methods (BCMB 310-3), and Biochemical Methods (BCMB 320-3). The Physical Biochemistry (BCMB 340-3) course introduces physical principles applied to biochemical systems, while Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 311-3) further deepens students' understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive cellular processes. The Fourth Year (400 Level) offers more specialized courses, such as Proteins and Enzymology (BCMB 404-3) and elective courses in areas like Basic Science of Oncology (BCMB 401-3), Macromolecular Structure (BCMB 402-3), and Advanced Nucleic Acids (BCMB 403-3). Students also have the opportunity to explore more applied areas of study, such as Molecular Cell Physiology (BIOL 312-3), Evolutionary Biology (BIOL 323-3), and Molecular Evolution and Ecology (BIOL 423-3). For those interested in biotechnology, Applied Genetics and Biotechnology (BIOL 425-3) offers hands-on applications in genetic manipulation and biotechnological techniques. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students develop a solid understanding of the biological sciences, with a particular focus on biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and applied biotechnology.