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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
•
write clearly and concisely in a scientific format
•
demonstrate knowledge of the broad fundamental concepts of biology
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (11 units):
BI 110 or HON 126
BI 115
BI 215 or BI 220
BI 225
CH 120 or CH 149
four elective units in BI, one of which must be at the 400 level;
one elective must have a significant field component (BI 206, BI 232, BI 332, or
BI 411); for students who fulfill the core genetics requirement with
BI 215, as opposed to BI 220, one elective must have a significant molecular lab
technique component (BI 304, BI 402, or BI 405); the field or the molecular lab
technique course may satisfy the 400-level requirement
two units in the capstone experience from BI 470 and BI 472, or BI 470 and BI 499
Independent study courses (BI 293, BI 393, BI 493) are intended for students interested
in additional research experience, and may not be applied toward the major. Internships
(BI 297, BI 397, BI 497), Exploration term projects (BI 299), and teaching experiences
(BI 298, BI 398, BI 498) may not count toward the major.
Capstone Experience in Biology
The biology faculty challenges our majors to move beyond their coursework and
truly embrace the discipline. We strive to establish and maintain a community of
learners actively and personally seeking to become scientists. Excellence in
coursework is needed, but only research experience can transform a science student
into a student scientist. All biology majors will complete the following requirements:
(1) Complete a minimum of two terms of research in biology (BI 470, and either BI
472 or BI 499). BI 470 must precede BI 472 or BI 499. Research may be conducted
off campus if the student has at least a 3.000 grade point average in science courses,
and if suitable supervision can be arranged. Interdisciplinary research projects are
also encouraged. These two terms may be completed in the fall and spring terms of
the senior year, the fall and Exploration terms of the senior year, the spring of the
junior year and the fall of the senior year, the summer before the senior year and the
fall term of the senior year, the spring term of the junior year and the summer before
the senior year, or, in exceptional instances, the Exploration and spring terms of the
junior year.
When research is performed during the spring, summer, or fall terms, students will
register for BI 470 or BI 472 Directed Research, for one unit of credit per term; in the