PLEASE READ
We have made changes to the biology major requirements and curriculum to reflect the multidisciplinary aspects of biology. Our primary goal is to allow our students more freedom to pursue their interests in different biological topics. Please read the following carefully to determine how these changes will impact you during this transition period.
As of July 2024, the biology major will now require students to complete 17 CUs (your degree will still require 36 CUs). Students who declare the major after July 2024 will follow the new requirements. The new requirements are:
- 3 CUs of introductory biology
- Track 1: BIOL 1121/1123/1124 + any 2000-level or higher BIOL course OR
- Track 2: BIOL 1101/1102.
- 4 CUs of external sciences
- Any combination of approved MATH, STAT, CHEM, PHYS, or CIS courses.
- Any combination of approved MATH, STAT, CHEM, PHYS, or CIS courses.
- 4 CUs of intermediate biology
- Cell and Molecular: Choose two courses from this group.
- Organismal: Choose two courses from this group.
- 6 CUs of upper-level electives
- Any BIOL courses 2000-level or higher.
- Students can choose up to 3 CUs of Approved Extra-Departmental courses.
Please refer to our new Biology Major page for a more detailed overview of the requirements and approved courses.
As of July 2024, concentrations have been removed from our curriculum. Students will no longer be able to add a concentration when declaring the biology major.
***Current biology majors (declared prior to July 2024) will follow the rules and requirements established at the time of declaration. If you declared a concentration, you will be able to continue with the concentration and follow the corresponding requirements to complete your degree. However, please note that changing or adding concentrations is no longer possible.
The Department of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania welcomes you! Our program is committed to providing students with a wide range of opportunities to explore the remarkable diversity of biological systems in the modern world. In addition to the general major, students have the option to pursue studies within one of six different concentrations, each offering a more specialized introduction to theoretical and experimental work in a particular area of Biology. Beyond their curricular studies, majors are able to conduct biological research in virtually any lab on Penn’s campus, including the medical school and hospital system. In addition, many of our students study abroad, supplementing their studies at Penn with coursework at universities such as Edinburgh and advanced ecological fieldwork in places like Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. All majors are supported by an attentive and engaged network of faculty and peer advisors throughout the duration of the program.
Dr. Scott Poethig, our Undergraduate Chair, invites you to explore the Department of Biology’s Webpage.