Biology

Biology is the study of life and the staggering variations and similarities that all living organisms demonstrate — from bacteria to chili peppers, tadpoles to humans. Our knowledge of the natural world is continually evolving, making this one of the most dynamic fields to study.

At Elms College, our program emphasizes hands-on experience, small classes, personal attention, career guidance, and extracurricular opportunities. In addition to classroom learning in well-equipped labs, you have the opportunity to present your own research at scientific conferences and co-author articles along with faculty and other students.

Our program provides you with a broad theoretical and research background in the major areas of biology as preparation for teaching, graduate study, research, or medical, veterinary, or other professional graduate programs. The curriculum can be tailored to meet your career goals through electives that round out the required courses in the major.

Our alumni are found in classrooms, pathology laboratories, research laboratories, colleges and universities, hospitals, doctors' offices, and government agencies.

Students often major in biology to prepare for further study in the health field. Click here for more information on our pre-health, pre-medical professional.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Major in Biology

(Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits/Minimum GPA: 2.5)

Major Requirements (66 credits)

Biology Courses (36 credits)
BIO 110 Environmental Biology (3 credits)
BIO 123 General Biology I (4 credits)
BIO 124 General Biology II (4 credits)
BIO 301 Developmental Biology (4 credits)
BIO 321 Genetics (4 credits)
BIO 404 Biology Seminar (3 credits)
Biology electives (14 credits)

Other Science Or Math Courses (30 credits)
CHE 121 General Chemistry (4 credits)
CHE 122 General Chemistry (4 credits)
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
CHE 212 Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
PHY 105 General Physics (4 credits)
PHY 106 General Physics (4 credits)
Math electives (6 credits)

Minor in Biology (24 Credits)

Students electing biology as a minor field of concentration must take 24 semester hours chosen from the department course offerings in consultation with a faculty member from the department. The choice of courses will be related to the student's major and subsequent career goal.

Biology Teacher Preparation

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Major in Biology/Education

(Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits/Minimum GPA: 2.5)

Note: Education majors need a minimum of 2.8 GPA in that major.

Major Requirements (61 credits)

Biology Courses (34 credits)
BIO 110 Environmental Biology (3 credits)
BIO 123 General Biology I (4 credits)
BIO 124 General Biology II (4 credits)
BIO 301 Developmental Biology (4 credits)
BIO 321 Genetics (3 credits)
BIO 404 Biology Seminar (3 credits)
Biology Electives (12 credits)

Other Science Or Math Courses (27 credits)
CHE 121 General Chemistry (4 credits)
CHE 122 General Chemistry (4 credits)
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
CHE 212 Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
PHY 105 General Physics (4 credits)
PHY 106 General Physics (4 credits)
Math Elective (3 credits)

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Major in Natural Science/Elementary Education

(Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits/Minimum GPA: 2.5)

Note: Education majors need a minimum of 2.8 GPA in that major.

Major Requirements (43 credits)

BIO 105 Human Applications (3 credits)
BIO 110 Environmental Biology (3 credits)
BIO 221 Microbiology (4 credits)
BIO 226 Cell Biology (3 credits)
BIO 321 Genetics (3 credits)
BIO 326 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
CHE 103 The World of Molecules (3 credits)
CHE 121 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
CHE 122 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
CHE 338 Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
PHY 102 Matter and Motion (3 credits)
PHY 104 Astronomy (3 credits)
PHY 109 Earth and Space Science (3 credits)
MAT 108 College Mathematics (3 credits)
MAT 120 Elementary Functions (3 credits)
MAT 131 Differential Calculus (3 credits)
MAT 132 Integral Calculus (3 credits)