First-year Focus

Biology is the study of life. Biologists study the diversity, history, and structure of living things and their components, at community, population, individual, cellular, molecular, and biochemical levels.

One of Weinberg College's most popular majors, a Major in Biological Sciences prepares students for a variety of positions: in research and education; in medical and other health professions; in pharmaceutical, genetic testing, and other biomedical companies; and in government agencies.

Biological Sciences Advising:
The biological sciences major is open to all undergraduates in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. To declare the major, please visit Hogan Hall room 2-144. The information here will hopefully be of help, and if you have further questions during the academic year, please feel free to contact Dr. Gary J. Galbreath at gjg853@northwestern.edu.

• GETTING STARTED IN THE MAJOR -- THE FIRST YEAR:  Freshmen typically complete CHEM 101-103 (or 171-172), MATH 220 and 224, BIOL SCI  215, and a course in statistics.

• SECOND YEAR AND BEYOND:  The lecture and laboratory life science sequence BIOL SCI 216-222 is normally taken in the second year of study, along with two quarters of organic chemistry. A year of Physics (either the PHYSICS 130 or 135 sequence) is taken at some point. A 300 level course focused on the process of natural selection (BIOL SCI 341, 342, or 391) is typically taken in the Junior year, and several more 300 level biology classes (depending on Concentration -- see Bachelor's Degree Requirements) round out the requirements for the Major. We offer specialization in any of five Concentrations, and strongly encourage undergraduate students to conduct research in their fields of interest.

• ADVANCED PLACEMENT:  It is sometimes possible to place out of some of the chemistry, physics, or mathematics foundation courses. It is not possible to place out of any of the required core courses in Biological Sciences itself (with certain exceptions applying only to transfer students).

The following resources may be helpful in planning your coursework:

• Bachelor's Degree Requirements

• University Academic Advising Center

• Weinberg College Advising