NOTE: This is not a complete list of requirements. See the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog for a full listing of requirements for this program, and for information about research opportunities, the Biological Sciences Tutorial Center, and Student Organizations.
B.S. in Biological Sciences Requirements Worksheet (Students entering Spring 2008 or earlier) (PDF)
B.S. in Biological Sciences Requirements Worksheet (Students entering after Spring 2008) (PDF)
Biology (37 – 41 credits)
- BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology
- BIOL 100L Concepts of Biology Lab
- BIOL 301 Ecology and Evolution
- BIOL 302 Molecular and General Genetics
- BIOL 302L Molecular and General Genetics Lab
- BIOL 303 Cell Biology
- BIOL 303L Cell Biology Lab
- BIOL 304 Plant Biology
- BIOL 305 Comparative Animal Physiology
- BIOL 304L Plant Lab or BIOL 305L Animal Physiology Lab
- BIOL 442 Developmental Biology
- BIOL 4XX [4 credits of BIOL electives at the 400-level (except BIOL 422L, 428, or 499), taken in residence at UMBC.]
Option: Students may take a second, 4 credit, 400-level BIOL elective as a substitute for the combined requirement of Organic Chemistry II lecture and lab. (BIOL 499 is not acceptable.)
Evaluation of student performance is separate for lecture and laboratory courses. All laboratories are required for the BS degree.
Chemistry (14 – 19 credits)
- CHEM 101 Principles of Chemistry I
- CHEM 102 Principles of Chemistry II
- CHEM 102L Introductory Chemistry Lab I
- CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 351L Organic Chemistry Lab I
- CHEM 352 Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 352L Organic Chemistry Lab II
Option: Students may take a second, 4 credit, 400-level BIOL elective as a substitute for the combined requirement of Organic Chemistry II lecture and lab. (BIOL 499 is not acceptable.)
Physics (8 credits)
- Physics 111 Basic Physics I and Physics 112 Basic Physics II (may substitute Physics 121 Introductory Physics I and Physics 122 Introductory Physics II)
Mathematics & Statistics (8 credits)
- MATH 151 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- STAT 350 Statistics with Applications
A student planning to complete the B.S. major in biology should begin a first course in chemistry during the first semester of the freshman year. The mathematics sequence should also be started as soon as possible.
B.S. grade requirements
A majority of the required BIOLOGY credits must be completed in residence at UMBC. In fulfilling major requirements in the biological sciences, a student must obtain a grade of “C” or better in all required BIOLOGY (BIOL) courses. In addition, an overall “C” average or better in all required science/math courses must be achieved for graduation with a degree in biological sciences.