Sequencing Guide for Biology Majors
Emporia State University

The purpose of the major in biology is to provide a student with the basic knowledge that is needed to become a biologist or to go on to more advanced study in either graduate or professional school. A student who wishes to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology must complete 45 hours of biology courses and at least 23 hours of cognate courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, depending upon the area of interest. Much of the skills and information that is learned in upper-level courses requires knowledge and skills that is learned in lower-level classes. Thus it is important that classes be taken in a logical sequence. Failure to complete lower-level classes before taking upper-level courses contributes to poor performance in the upper-level classes. In addition, there is body of knowledge and skills that the faculty feel are required of all biology students. This set of core knowledge is embodied in the core curriculum and cognate classes.

All students must meet with an advisor to plan the sequence of courses and to determine the classes required for each program of study. The upper-level courses are determined by the program of study that the student has chosen and his/her area of interest. Courses in large, bold type are required of all biology majors; the other classes are required in some concentrations.

-----------------------Level One Courses--------------------
GB 140/141	CH 123/124	CW 101	MA 110
These courses represent the foundation upon which all of your science classes are built. It is important that you do well in these courses, because more advanced courses assume that you have mastered this material. The courses in bold type would usually be taken the first semester.
-----------------------Level Two Courses--------------------
ZO 214/215	BO 212/213	MC 316/317	CH 126/127
PH 140/141	MA 161 or PY 520	ZO 362/363	PH 143/144
These courses represent the second tier of science courses. These course build upon the material in the lower tier and serve as a foundation for the upper level courses to come. These courses should be taken as soon as the first tier of courses is completed, which means they are usually taken the second semester of the freshmen year or during the sophomore year.
----------------------Level Three Courses-------------------
EB 480/481	GB 425/426	CH 370/371	MC 350/351
These courses represent the last set of core courses to be completed before students take the advanced upper level courses (500-level courses). In general, these courses should be completed by the end of the junior year. Courses numbered at the 500 level are based upon the knowledge learned in the core classes as well as the cognate classes in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

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Last updated on 19 January 2007.
Provide comments to Dwight Moore at mooredwi@emporia.edu.
Return to the Biological Sciences' Home Page at Emporia State University.