curriculum & Graduation planNING
Students can choose between taking courses for the major’s General Biology (GENB) track, or specialize in another area of the Biological Sciences. For descriptions of each specialization area, see this webpage.
CMNS Peer Mentors
Create an individualized Graduation plan
Students should consult with the college’s CMNS Peer Mentors to create and revise their individualized graduation plan, which will include the requirements for their major, specialization, and any relevant coursework for academic minors or special programs.
The Peer Mentors can meet with Terps in 1317 Symons Hall, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (no appointment needed!).
sample graduation Plans [for terps under gened]
—applies to all students admitted after Fall 2012
General Biology (GENB)
GENB Curriculum Sheet-Gen Ed
GENB Sample 4-year Plan-Gen Ed
Cell Biology & Genetics (CEBG)
CEBG Curriculum Sheet-Gen Ed
CEBG Sample 4-year Plan-Gen Ed
Ecology & Evolution (ECEV)
ECEV Curriculum Sheet-Gen Ed
ECEV Sample 4-year Plan-Gen Ed
Microbiology (MICB)
MICB Curriculum Sheet-Gen Ed
MICB Sample 4-year Plan-Gen Ed
Physiology & Neurobiology (PHNB)
PHNB Curriculum Sheet-Gen Ed
PHNB Sample 4-year Plan-Gen Ed
Individualized Studies (BIVS)
Sample graduation plans [for terps under core]
—applies only to students admitted before Fall 2012
Frequently asked Questions
What courses satisfy the lower-level math requirement?
MATH135 (Discrete Mathematics for Life Sciences) and MATH136 (Calculus for Life Sciences). This is the preferred sequence for students who do not have MATH140 and MATH141.
MATH140 (Calculus 1) and MATH141 (Calculus 2)
MATH140 and MATH135
MATH130 (Calculus 1 for Life Sciences) and MATH131 (Calculus 2 for Life Sciences) (both courses discontinued)
MATH130 and MATH135, for students who took MATH130 before it was discontinued, but have not completed MATH131
Other course combinations are possible in unusual circumstances and require approval by an advisor.
Students cannot use MATH120, MATH121, MATH220, or MATH221 towards the Biological Sciences major.
Do I need to take PHYS131 and PHYS132?
The PHYS131/132 requirement is effective Fall 2013. If you completed PHYS121 before Fall 2013, you may complete the physics sequence by taking PHYS122. Any student who did not start on the completion of the Physics requirement before Fall 2013 must take PHYS131 and PHYS132 or a more advanced physics sequence. Questions about transfer and AP/IB credit should be directed to the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program Office at (301) 405-6892.
