Concentration in Biological Sciences
The required courses for this concentration are as follows:
- Introduction to Chemical Principles (CHEM 10171)1
- Organic Chemistry (CHEM 10172, 20273, 21273)1
- Physics (PHYS 10310, 10320)1
- Biology I,II (BIOS 10171,10172)
- Calculus I, II (MATH 10550, 10560)1
- Introduction to Applied Mathematics Methods I, II (ACMS 20550, 20750)
- Scientific Computing (ACMS 20210 or 20220)
- Applied Linear Algebra (ACMS 20620)
- Introduction to Probability (ACMS 30530)
- Statistical Methods in Data Analysis I (ACMS 30600)
- Numerical Analysis (ACMS 40390)
- Mathematical/Comp Modeling (ACMS 40730) or Stochastic Modeling (ACMS 40760) or Math/Comp Modeling in Neuroscience (ACMS 40740)
- ACMS electives (6 credits in ACMS courses numbered 30000 and above)2, 3
- Genetics (BIOS 20303)
- Cellular Biology (BIOS 30341) or Ecology (30312)
- Biology Elective (3 credits in BIOS which has BIOS 10172 or BIOS 20202 as a prerequisite)
- Elective in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (3 credits)
These requirements total 40 credits in ACMS and MATH and 79 credits in Science.
ACMS/BIOS Sample Curriculum:
Click here for a printable copy.
First Year
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 10550. Calculus I | 4 | MATH 10560. Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 10171. Chemical Principles | 4 | CHEM 10172: Organic Structure and Reactivity | 4 |
| BIOS 10171. Biology I | 4 | BIOS 10172. Biology II | 4 |
| History or Social Science | 3 | Philosophy or Theology | 3 |
| WR 13x00. Writing | 3 | University Seminar | 3 |
| FYS 10101. First Year Experience | 1 | FYS | 1 |
| Total Credits | 19 | Total Credits | 19 |
Sophomore Year
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACMS 20550. Applied Math Methods I | 3.5 |
ACMS 20750. Applied Math Methods II |
3.5 |
| ACMS 20620. Applied Linear Algebra/ ACMS Scientific Computing | 3/3.5 | ACMS 20620. Applied Linear Algebra/ ACMS Scientific Computing | 3/3.5 |
| CHEM 20273/ 21273: Organic Reactions & Appl./ Lab | 4 | ACMS 30530. Introduction to Probability | 3 |
| Language | 3 | Language | 3 |
| Philosophy or Theology | 3 | Philosophy or Theology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16.5/17 | Total Credits | 15.5/16 |
Junior Year
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACMS 30600. Stat. Mthd & Data Analysis I | 3.5 | ACMS Elective | 3 |
| PHYS 10310. General Physics I | 4 | PHYS 10320. General Physics II | 4 |
|
BIOS 30341 or 30312: Cell Biology / General Ecology |
3 | Biology/Chemistry/Physics Elective | 3 |
| Language | 3 | Literature or Fine Arts | 3 |
| Philosophy or Theology | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15/15.5 | Total Credits | 15 |
Senior Year
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACMS 40390. Numerical Analysis/ (ACMS 40730. Math/Comp Modeling/ACMS 40760. Stochastic Modeling)** | 3 | ACMS 40390. Numerical Analysis/ (ACMS 40730. Math/Comp Modeling/ ACMS 40740. Math/Comp Modeling in Neuroscience)** | 3 |
| BIOS 20303. Genetics | 3 | ||
| Biology Elective | 3 | ||
| ACMS Elective | 3 | ACMS Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Electives | 9 |
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
** One of the ACMS 40730, 40740,40760 will satisfy the modeling course requirement. If two or more courses are taken, the other can be counted as ACMS elective. At least one of the three courses will be offered each semester.
Notes:
- Equivalent or higher sequences in science may be substituted, e.g., MATH 10850, 10860 for MATH 10550, 10560.
- Some ACMS courses, ACMS 30440 in particular, are not acceptable as electives for the major. The list of acceptable courses for ACMS majors can be obtained from the student’s advisor. Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (MATH 20630) is also an acceptable elective.
- Students with an interest in attending graduate school in mathematics or applied mathematics are encouraged to take Algebra (MATH 30710).
- An appropriate class in bioinformatics, biophysics, or a related topic, may be substituted for 3 credits in ACMS coursework with the permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- A student should take three core requirement courses during the first year, including one course that is designated a University Seminar. It is recommended that one course in history or social sciences be taken in the first year and one philosophy and one theology be taken by the end of sophomore year.