First- and Second-Year Preparation

Because biology study requires preparation in other sciences, students should begin meeting major requirements in the first year. It is particularly important to take CHEM 184 and CHEM 188 in the first year and, for several majors, to take CHEM 624, CHEM 625, CHEM 626, and CHEM 627 in the second year. Ideally, most majors should also take BIOL 150 and BIOL 152 during the first year. Students who have taken BIOL 100 and BIOL 102, have earned an A or B in both courses, and have decided to major in a biological science should consult a KUUB adviser to request permission to substitute BIOL 100 and BIOL 102 for BIOL 150.

Admission to the Major

Admission Requirements

Course Requirements

Admission course requirements for Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, and Molecular Biosciences:

• BIOL 150 Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology
• BIOL 152 Principles of Organismal Biology
• CHEM 188 Foundations of Chemistry II
• BIOL 350 Principles of Genetics

Admission course requirements for Microbiology:

• BIOL 150 Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology
• CHEM 188 Foundations of Chemistry II
• BIOL 350 Principles of Genetics

Grade-Point Average Requirements

Minimum Admission Grade-Point Average. 2.2

Admission Grade-Point Average Calculation (Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Molecular Biosciences). The admission GPA calculation includes BIOL 150, BIOL 152, CHEM 188, and BIOL 350 (or equivalent courses). KU's course repeat policy applies to grade-point average calculation.

Admission Grade-Point Average Calculation (Microbiology). The admission GPA calculation includes BIOL 150, CHEM 188, and BIOL 350 (or equivalent courses). Microbiology admission requirements differ from those for Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, and Molecular Biosciences, because BIOL 152 is not required for the B.A. and B.S. degrees in microbiology. KU's course repeat policy applies to grade-point average calculation.

Application Term

Application to the major should occur in the term in which admission requirements will be completed. If the student does not meet established admission grade-point average criteria or neglects to apply for admission in this term, she or he must petition the Undergraduate Biology Program for permission for late application. The Undergraduate Biology Program, as part of an approved petition, determines late admission requirements (including grade-point average and course requirements) and the final deadline for admission.