Biology, BS Curriculum

This information is presented for informational purposes. In the event of a discrepancy between this page and the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Bulletin should always be used.

General Education Curriculum

In keeping with The W's Mission, the General Education Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.

The W's General Education Program provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.

All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women general education program will demonstrate:

• Critical Thinking
• Effective Communication
• Cultural Literacy
• Quantitative & Technology Skills
• Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
• Life-Long Learning

View General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:

• 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
• 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 (or higher)
• 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
• 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course

A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.

Major Courses

(grade of C or better required)

• BSB 151 - General Biology I or BSB 171 - Biology I
• BSB 151L - General Biology I Laboratory or BSB 171L – Biology I Laboratory
• BSB 152 - General Biology II or BSB 172 - Biology II
• BSB 152L - General Biology II Laboratory or BSB 172L – Biology II Laboratory
• BSB 230 - General Genetics
• BSB 332 - Cellular and Molecular Biology
• BSB 410 - General Ecology
• BSB 446 - Evolutionary Biology
• BS 400 - Senior Seminar

Select one intermediate course (at least 3 credit hours)

(Grade of C or better required)

• BSB 251 - General Botany
• BSB 252 - Zoology
• BSM 340 - Microbiology for Majors
• BSB 201 - Humans: Origins and Ecology

Select four advanced courses (at least 14 credit hours)

(Grade of C or better required)

• Any four BSB or BSM courses at the 300-level or higher

(BSM 340 may count in this category or as the intermediate course, but not as both.)

Additional Requirements:

(no more than 8 hours of D in the following courses)

• PSC 111 - General Chemistry I
• PSC 111L - General Chemistry I Laboratory
• PSC 112 - General Chemistry II
• PSC 112L - General Chemistry II Laboratory

One sequence from

• PSC 211 - Organic Chemistry I
• PSC 211L - Organic Chemistry Lab I
• PSC 212 - Organic Chemistry II
• PSC 212L - Organic Chemistry Lab II or PSP 211 - General Physics with lab
• PSP 212 - General Physics with lab or PSP 213 - General Physics (Calculus Based) with lab
• PSP 214 - General Physics (Calculus Based) with lab

(Note: Both Organic Chemistry and Physics are highly recommended and are required for many health-related professional programs.)

Select two MA courses at the 113-level or higher.

Four semsters of SM 100 Science/Mathematics Seminar (Students are required to pass four semesters of SM 100, except for transfer students entering with 60 or more transfer hours who are required to pass three semesters of SM 100.)

2.0 Major GPA required

2.0 Departmental GPA required

Comprehensive Exit Exam

Exit Questionnaire

Total Hours Required for a BS in Biology: 124 Semester Hours