Biology, BS, Four-Year Plan

Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Science in Biology

Sample Plan for New Students

This is a sample plan and not the only way to complete this degree. The number of credits is in parentheses. *Some classes have prerequisites or co-requisites.

Important Major Information

  • Credits in Major: 114
  • Minimum Major GPA: 2.0 (some scholarships may require higher)
  • At least 25 credits of 3000- or 4000-level BIOL courses are required.

Resources for Success

  • Map out your plan through MySeattleU.
  • Meet with a Career Coach from the Career Engagement Center.
  • Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
  • Explore career options at the "What Can I Do with This Major?" page.

Four-Year Plan For New Students

Year 1

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 BIOL 1620 + 1621 Evolution and Ecology + Lab* (4+1) BIOL 1610 + 1611 Molecular and Cellular + Lab* (4+1) BIOL 1630 + 1631 Physiology and Dev't + Lab* (4+1)
Course 2 CHEM 1500 + 1501 General Chemistry I + Lab* (4+1) CHEM 1510 + 1511 General Chemistry II + Lab* (4+2) CHEM 1520 or 1590 Gen Chem III or Research-Based III* (4 or 5)
Course 3 BIOL 1400: First-Year Experience (1) UCOR Module I (5) UCOR Module I (5)

Year 1 Steps for Success

  • Explore your major and draft an educational plan in MySeattleU.
  • Meet with your advisor quarterly for discussion & educational plan approval.
  • Meet biology faculty mentors and peers, and get involved in campus activities.

Year 2

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 BIOL Elective (5) BIOL 2700 Genetics* (5) BIOL 2600 Ecology* (5)
Course 2 MATH 1230 Calculus for Life Sciences* (5) Chemistry/CPSC/ENSC/Math (5-6) Chemistry/CPSC/ENSC/Math (5-6)
Course 3 UCOR Module I (5) UCOR Module II* (5) UCOR Module II* (5)

Year 2 Steps for Success

  • Revise your educational plan and consult your advisor quarterly.
  • Be active in campus and local activities, and attend seminars and career events.
  • Consider how you could study abroad.

Year 3

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 MATH 1210 Statistics for Life Sciences* (5) BIOL Elective (5) BIOL Elective (5)
Course 2 PHYS 1050 + 1051 Mechanics + Lab* (4+1) PHYS 1060 + 1061 Waves, Sound, Elect., & Mag. + Lab* (4+1) PHYS 1070 + 1071 Thermo, Optics, & Modern Physics + Lab* (5)
Course 3 UCOR Module II* (5) UCOR Module III* (5) UCOR Module III* (5)

Year 3 Steps for Success

  • Revise your educational plan and consult your advisor quarterly.
  • Investigate career options, attend career events, and think about internships or post-SU educational programs.

Year 4

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 BIOL 4991 Senior Synthesis I* (2) BIOL 4992 Senior Synthesis II* (2) BIOL 4993 Senior Synthesis III* (1)
Course 2 BIOL Elective* (5) BIOL Elective* (5) BIOL Elective* (5)
Course 3 UCOR Module III* (5) General Electives (8) General Electives (5)

Year 4 Steps for Success

  • Finalize your plan for graduation and review it with your advisor and faculty mentor.
  • Apply for graduation on MySeattleU.
  • Attend career events, consult with a career coach, and consider graduate or professional school options.
  • Apply for jobs, internships, or graduate/professional programs.

University Core Requirements

UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan by module. See below for UCOR course titles listed by module:

  • Module I
    • UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
    • UCOR 1200 Quantitative Thinking #
    • UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
    • UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
    • UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
    • UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences #
  • Module II
    • UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
    • UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
    • UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning
  • Module III
    • UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
    • UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
    • UCOR 3600 Social Sciences and Global Challenges
    • UCOR 3800 Natural Sciences and Global Challenges #

Curriculum Notes

Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.  

Contact your Advising Center for support:
Science & Engineering Advising - se-adv@seattleu.edu
Seattle U Advising Services - seattleu.edu/advising

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