The Department of Biology seeks students interested in learning about the wonders of biology, whether that is in the behavior of molecules, the workings of cells, the interactions between cells or organisms in a community, or the changes that occur to populations over evolutionary time.
Read about the majors offered by the department. Typical first-year course work and credit for AP and IB classes are described below. Please note that all students are required to take Foundations in Biology I (BIOL 1203/1213) and Foundations in Biology II (1204/1214), no matter what AP or IB score was received, although the courses may be taken in either order and both are offered both semesters and during the summer. Research opportunities exist for students to pursue projects under the mentoring of faculty. Other questions can be answered from our FAQs or by contacting the department.
Majors Offered
The Department of Biology offers four majors. Students begin with enrolling in Foundations in Biology in the first year and are provisionally designated as Biology Majors. During the fall term of the second year, students will be asked to declare their preference for one of the 4 majors offered by the Department of Biology.
- The Major in Biology is designed to educate students in both the breadth of subject matter encompassed by the biological sciences and the rapidly advancing knowledge at the forefront of this discipline. Students can choose to concentrate their studies in Biochemistry, Molecular& Cellular Biology or in Ecology, Evolution & Behavior.
- The Biology of Global Health Major is designed to educate students in basic sciences while also integrating perspectives from policy, economics, ethics, law and sociology.
- The Major in Environmental Biology is designed to provide students with a foundation in population, whole organism, evolutionary and environmental biology as well as in chemistry and mathematics.
- The Major in Neurobiology is designed to educate students in the foundations of biology and neurobiology while providing opportunities for advanced study on a range of disciplines ranging from cell and molecular neuroscience to cognitive science and psychology as well as the interfaces of these disciplines.
AP and IB credit
- The Department of Biology accepts credit from one of the following: AP Biology Exam, AP Environmental Sciences Exam, or IB Higher-level Biology.
- Students who received a score of 5 on the AP Biology Exam or on the AP Environmental Sciences Exam (but not both) will receive 2 credits to count towards the major.
- Students who received a score of 4 on the AP Biology Exam or on the AP Environmental Sciences Exam (but not both) will receive 1 credit to count towards the major.
- Students with a score of 6 or 7 on the IB Higher-level Biology Exam (but not Standard-level Biology) will receive 2 credits of upper-division elective that will count towards the 44 credits of biology courses.
Courses in the first year
Courses in the first year may include biology, chemistry, mathematics, and core requirements (examples: a language course or first-year writing). Students often take a combination of science courses as determined by interest and level of preparation. Potentially, the first year is also a time to explore courses in other academic areas that may be of interest.
Foundations in Biology I (BIOL 1203/1213) involves learning about molecules, cells, and organ systems, while Foundations in Biology II (BIOL 1204/1214) involves learning about ecology, evolution, and behavior. Both are required for any of the majors in the Department; they are also required for Biology minors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I enroll in 5 courses my first semester? I think I can handle it.
We recommend that you take 4 courses in the fall, not 5. Foundations in Biology and General Chemistry are both 5-credit courses. Core courses or language courses bring you to 6 more credits, for a total of 16 credits, which is considered a full load (note that a humanities major might have 5 courses, but they are generally all 3-credit, adding up to 15-credits). This course load combined with starting college life away from home is generally enough. We want you to be able to get strong grades in your first term.
What does AP or IB credit in Biology mean?
If you earned a score of 5 on the Biology or Environmental Sciences Advanced Placement exam, you will be credited with 2 credits towards the major. If you earned a score of 4 on the Biology or Environmental Sciences Advanced Placement exam, you will be credited with 1 credit towards the major. A score of 6 or 7 on the Higher-level Biology IB exam is treated the same as a score of 5 on the AP exam in Biology.
Where can I go for more information?
The Undergraduate Bulletin describes the requirements for majors and minors for all departments, check the section describing courses offered by the Department of Biology. The College Dean’s Office can provide assistance in determining if requirements have been met, for planning your studies, etc. The Biology Department website and your faculty advisor can help with questions about the major or coursework.
I am interested in minoring in biology, and have several questions.
Are Foundations in Biology I and II required for the minor? Yes. You’ll need 5 courses and at least 19 credits. So, in addition to Foundations in Biology I and II (2 courses, 10 credits), you’ll need 3 more courses.
Will the 1 or 2 credits awarded for AP scores of 4 and 5, respectively, also count for the minor? Yes, in the same way that it does for majors: 2 credits applied to the 19 credits required for an AP score of 5, and 1 credit applied to the 19 credits required credits for a score of 4. AP credit does not satisfy the Foundations in Biology requirement.
Can minors include courses taken during study abroad? Yes, but they must be approved by the Committee on Undergraduate Students and Studies and the Dean’s office.
If I am interested in medical school, should I enroll in both Organic Chemistry and Physics?
Yes, but not your first year. Medical schools mandate that their incoming students have taken both Organic Chemistry and Physics. Note, however, that some medical schools now require Biochemistry in place of Organic II, so plan carefully and consult with your advisor, your dean, and the pre-med advisor.
If I am interested in graduate school, what additional courses should I take?
This is not something you need to worry about during your first year. However, as you approach junior and senior year, it’s worthwhile to note that the requirements for graduate school vary dramatically according to the program that you’re interested in, so consult with your faculty advisor for specifics. However, many molecular programs (e.g., in biochemistry or developmental biology) look for organic chemistry and physics while programs in ecology and evolution look for statistics.
I see that the Department offers concentrations in two areas. What is the purpose of these concentrations?
The concentrations are optional in the Biology major and are offered in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology and in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. The concentrations are intended for students who want to emphasize an interest in a particular area within biology. There are two criteria to fulfill for the concentration: five of the biology electives must be within the area, and the RISE project must be in the area of the concentration. See the web page describing Concentrations for more information.
Can I be a Biology major and still study abroad?
Yes, many students who major in Biology spend one, or rarely, two semesters abroad. Generally, students travel abroad in the 3rd (Junior) year. For study abroad, students should contact the Office of Global Education for information on specific places and requirements. There are many variables to consider, including but not limited to whether you are fluent in the language of instruction and whether you plan to take courses for the major or fulfill core requirements.
Are internships available?
There are many internships available for Georgetown students. Consult with the Center for Research and Fellowships.
The Department of Biology also provides opportunities for research. Research can culminate in a RISE project during senior year – Research Intensive Senior Experience. For more information, consult your Biology Department advisor.