Department of Biology

B.A. Completion Schedule

A sample schedule for completion of the B.A. in biology
This best way to complete a major in Biology in 4 years is to begin the BIOL and CHEM courses immediately. It is not a good idea to simply "get all your general education courses out of the way." This is a recipe that ensures you will need 5 or 6 years to graduate. The schedule listed below is one of many sensible, economical means to completing the degree in 4 years. (And you can simply consider that this suggested schedule gets your science generals "out of the way.")

This sample schedule begins with a Fall semester. Because of sequencing issues, starting in the Spring semester practically guarantees that a student will be here for at least 4.5 years.

This is only a sample schedule. Variations are possible and probable; it is rare that two students follow exactly the same path. However, the scheduling of the BIOL, CHEM, and PHYS courses in years 1 and 2 are a must if one wishes to graduate in 4 years. The ordering of the 300- and 400-level courses listed below is flexible. The only requirement is that the student completes 20 credits of these courses. These are listed as "upper division course" in the sample schedule provided.

The biology curriculum consists of three parts: the "intros" (100-level and 200-level), the "upper divisions" (300 and 400-level), and the "electives." Note that individuals that participate in a research program are exempted from the electives. A student must take 4 intros, 5 upper divisions, and either two electives or an equivalent level of research credit. There is room for additional coursework.

Fall semester, year 1
BIOL 151, 154, or 142 4 credits
CHEM 121 5 cr
MATH 103 4 cr
Semester cr 13 cr Cumulative 13cr

Spring semester, year 1
BIOL 150 4cr
CHEM 122 5cr
BIOL 215 4cr
BIOL 240 4cr
Semester cr 17 cr Cumulative 30cr

Fall semester, year 2
Upper division Biology course 4cr
CHEM 240 5cr
PHYS 203 4cr
Semester cr 13 cr Cumulative 43cr

Spring semester, year 2
Upper division Biology course 4cr
PHYS 204 4cr
CHEM 230 5cr
Gen ed 3cr
Semester cr 16 cr Cumulative 59cr

Fall semester, year 3
Upper division Biology course 4cr
Biology Elective or research 4cr
CHEM 220 5cr
Gen ed 3cr
Semester cr 16 cr Cumulative 75cr

Spring semester, year 3
Upper division Biology course 4cr
Biology Elective or research 4cr
CHEM 480 5cr
Gen ed 3cr
Semester cr 16 cr Cumulative 91cr

Fall semester, year 4
Upper division Biology course 4cr
Upper division Biology course 4cr
Gen ed 3cr
Gen ed 3cr
Gen ed 2cr
Semester cr 16 cr Cumulative 107cr

Spring semester, year 4
Upper division Biology course 4cr
Gen ed 3cr
Gen ed 3cr
Gen ed 3cr
Semester cr 13 cr Cumulative 120cr

This sample curriculum includes a minor (Option I) in Chemistry. There are lots of variations of this curriculum. By default, all biology majors receive a concentration in Physical Science. For graduation, a student must direct their additional general education coursework to complete either a minor (the usual is Chemistry) or two additional concentrations.

Be sure to consult the MSU catalog to ensure that courses you take belong to the General Education curriculum. You'll be unpleasantly surprised if you assume that all courses are considered part of the curriculum. This is the link to the Catalog.