Biological Sciences (BA)

College of Arts and Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

The biological sciences major is available to students enrolled in either the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Arts and Sciences. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science (BS) must meet College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts (BA) must meet College of Arts & Sciences Graduation Requirements.

Students majoring in biology and society may not double major in biological sciences. Students majoring in nutritional sciences may double major in biological sciences but can not choose human nutrition as their concentration. The program's curriculum, academic advising, and undergraduate research components are coordinated for students in both colleges by the Office of Undergraduate Biology located in 216 Stimson Hall (607-255-5233, bioadvising@cornell.edu) (biology.cornell.edu).

Students majoring in biological sciences take a set of courses in six core areas of biology. Students complete the Introductory Biology Cluster consisting of the Investigative Biology Laboratory and two courses from three foundational areas of biology: Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology; Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology; and Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment. Completion of the Introductory Biology Cluster satisfies the Introductory Biology requirement for application to medical, dental and veterinary school. Students take required courses in three additional core areas of biology: Introduction to Evolution and Diversity, Genetics and Genomics, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Introduction to Evolution and Diversity is taken in the first or second year. Both Genetics and Genomics, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are typically taken in the second  or third years. Students should complete all coursework for the six core areas prior to their fourth year. 

Whenever possible, students should complete the Introductory Biology Cluster, Introduction to Evolution and Diversity, general and organic chemistry, and mathematics sequences by the end of their second year. Additionally, majors are required to complete one of 13 concentrations within the biological sciences major.

Students are expected to work closely with their faculty advisor and professional academic advisors in the Office of Undergraduate Biology to design a suitable academic course plan. By completion of the sophomore year, all students who intend to major in biological sciences must declare the major and a concentration. Students may change their concentration at any time by notifying the OUB.

Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements and should regularly monitor their progress in the major to assess the likelihood of achieving at a level that is necessary for their academic and personal goals.  While a grade of D- or higher counts toward the major, students who receive a C- or lower in core courses are encouraged to meet with an advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Biology. This will provide an opportunity to discuss their options and determine if the major aligns with their goals and interests.