Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biological Sciences, BA


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Program Description


Biology encompasses the broad spectrum of the modern life sciences, including the study of all aspects of life from the structure and function of the whole organism down to the subcellular levels and up through the interactions of organisms to the integrated existence of life on the entire planet. Descriptive, structural, functional, and evolutionary questions are explored through the hierarchy of the organization of life. Applications of current advances to the health and well-being of man and society, to nature and the continuation of earth as a balanced ecosystem, and to an appreciation of the place of natural science in our cultural heritage receive emphasis. Majors in Biological Sciences receive classroom, laboratory, and field training in biology with an emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and physics as necessary tools.

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences provides a strong foundation in biology and is ideal for students desiring a liberal education emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to a thorough understanding of the life sciences.

Double Major in Biological Sciences/Science Teaching-Biological Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biological Sciences and Science Teaching-Biological Sciences prepares students for teaching biology on the secondary school level and for graduate studies in any of the life science areas. See Science Teaching: Teaching Area - Biological Sciences, BA  for the curriculum.

Note: To receive a double major in Biological Sciences and Science Teaching-Biological Sciences, the student must complete a change-of-program form to declare both majors.

Program Requirements


Freshman Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 17

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Sophomore Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 17

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Junior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 17

Second Semester


  • Arts and Humanities (Non-Literature) Requirement 3 Credits 9
  • Modern Language Requirement 3 Credits 8
  • Ecology Requirement 3 Credits 15
  • Minor Requirement 6 Credits 14
Credit Hours: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 12

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 13

Total Credits: 121


Footnotes


1 Students seeking a double major in Science Teaching and Biological Sciences should substitute ED 1050  for BIOL 1010 .

2 BIOL 1100  and BIOL 1110  are strongly recommended; however, BIOL 1030 /BIOL 1050  may substitute for BIOL 1100 , and BIOL 1040 /BIOL 1060  may substitute for BIOL 1110 . The remaining 1-2 credits required must be satisfied by completing 1-2 extra credits.

3 See General Education Requirements .

4 MATH 1080 , STAT 2300 , or other approved coursework. See advisor. Medical and dental schools have different mathematics requirements. Statistics will be useful in either graduate study or professional school.

5 Most professional health sciences schools require a second semester of organic chemistry with laboratory, CH 2240 /CH 2280 .

6 CH 2010  and CH 2020  may be substituted.

7 GEN 3020  may be substituted.

8 Students must complete through 2020 in a modern language. See Modern Languages Requirement at Clemson University statement in Academic Regulations .

9 See General Education Requirements . Six of these credit hours must also satisfy the Cross-Cultural Awareness and the Science and Technology in Society Requirements. The Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT) includes questions on psychology and sociology.

10 BCHM 3010  may be substituted.

11 Four credit hours must be selected from BIOL or MICR courses at the 3000 level or above (except MICR 3000 ) or CH 2240 /CH 2280 ETOX 4300 , ETOX 4370 , WFB 4720 , or WFB 4770 . Students seeking a double major in Science Teaching/Biological Sciences should substitute EDSC 4470  for the Major Requirement.

12 At least one lecture and associated laboratory selected from BIOL 3010 , BIOL 3020 /BIOL 3060 , BIOL 3030 /BIOL 3070 , BIOL 3040 /BIOL 3080 , BIOL 3200 , BIOL 4060 /BIOL 4070 , BIOL 4250 /BIOL 4260 .

13 ENGL 3140  may be substituted.

14 See Minors .

15 At least one course selected from BIOL 4100 , BIOL 4410 , BIOL 4420 , BIOL 4430 , BIOL 4460 BIOL 4480 , BIOL 4700 , MICR 4010  or MICR 4030 .

16 Students seeking a double major in Science Teaching/Biological Sciences should substitute EDSC 4570  for BIOL 4930  or MICR 4930 .

17 PHYS 1220 /PHYS 1240  may be substituted.

18 At least one course selected from BIOL 3160 , BIOL 4010 , BIOL 4080 , BIOL 4200 , BIOL 4400 , BIOL 4590 , BIOL 4750 , BIOL 4800 , BIOL 4830 , BIOL 4840  or MICR 4140 .

19 PHYS 2210 /PHYS 2230  may be substituted.

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