Biology, B.S.

Through Saint Louis University's biology major, students gain a better understanding of living organisms and how they interact with the environment. Biological research seeks to answer a broad range of questions, from factors that affect human health to ecological issues. 

SLU's biology program offers courses that emphasize concepts over facts and aim to provide a foundation for careers in the life sciences, health professions, K-12 education and advanced post-graduate study in various disciplines. Five B.S. degree concentrations allow students to focus on specific disciplinary areas. SLU also offers a B.A. in Biology. 

  • The program is enriched by interactions with the School of Medicine, Missouri Botanical Garden, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo and many St. Louis-based life science companies. Research experiences and internships provide students with opportunities to study biology beyond the classroom.
  • SLU's Department of Biology has a field station that provides unique opportunities for students to explore ecology, conservation and environmental science in an Ozark forest ecosystem. The field station offers students opportunities to take a summer class, conduct undergraduate research and participate in a semester-long program of field biology coursework.
  • Students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. Groups such as Beta Beta Beta, the biology honorary society, and Alpha Epsilon Delta, the pre-professional honor society, are social and academic organizations that further students’ interest in biology while exposing them to its relationship with other scientific disciplines.

Curriculum Overview

The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Biology is diverse and will meet a variety of interests in the rapidly expanding fields of the biological sciences. It is also designed to provide an intensive educational experience for students in other disciplines who are interested in biology. In addition to courses offered in Macelwane Hall, the department offers courses at the University’s Reis Biological Station, located by the Huzzah Creek in the Ozarks.

B.S. students may choose one of five concentrations:

Biological Science

This concentration provides students with a strong foundation in biology and prepares students for entry-level employment in the life sciences, health professions, K-12 education and graduate school.

Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology

This concentration focuses on the latest advances in biochemistry, genomics, molecular and cell biology. It is designed for students interested in careers involving biomedical research or biotechnology.

Cell Biology and Physiology

This concentration provides students with a strong foundation in the structure and function of organ systems and the tissues that comprise them. It is a good choice for students planning careers in medicine, pharmacology or health care.

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

This concentration is designed for students interested in various aspects of organismal biology. It is a good choice for students preparing for graduate study or planning a career as a research biologist or wildlife specialist.

Plant Science

This concentration is designed for students interested in various aspects of plant biology. It prepares students for careers in agricultural industries, botanical research institutes or advanced training in graduate degree programs.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The benefits of SLU's biology program include several internship and career opportunities. Advanced undergraduate students with good academic records are encouraged to apply for teaching or learning assistant positions. In addition to a stipend, students gain teaching experience and the opportunity to help others become interested in biology.

Biology majors can enroll in courses that provide credit for structured internships through collaborations with various local organizations, including the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Sigma Aldrich, Monsanto and firms in the growing biotechnology field.

Careers

The biology major develops strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills that provide excellent preparation for professional schools, such as:

  • Medical school
  • Veterinary science school
  • Dental school
  • Optometry school
  • Graduate school in a broad range of disciplines

The skills biology majors gain also open the door to a wide variety of career options in health care, biotechnology, environmental management, conservation, education and the pharmaceutical industry.

Recent biology majors have been awarded grants from Sigma Xi and the National Science Foundation and prestigious fellowships from the NSF, Fulbright Scholar Program, Mayo Clinic, Smithsonian Institution, NeuroSURF and the American Society for Microbiology.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

  1. Graduates will be able to effectively apply core biological concepts to solve problems.
  2. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate scientific information from multiple sources, including that from the primary literature.
  3. Graduates will be able to apply biological principles to global societal issues.
  4. Graduates will be able to draw valid conclusions from quantitative data.
  5. Graduates will be able to formulate hypotheses that address research questions.
  6. Graduates will be able to correctly perform common laboratory and/or field techniques.
  7. Graduates will be able to effectively apply the scientific method to test hypotheses.

 Biology students must complete a minimum total of 74 credits for the major, 35 of which must in the BIOL subject code at the 3000 level or above.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
Required Introductory Courses
BIOL 1240
& BIOL 1245		General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory		4
BIOL 1260
& BIOL 1265		General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory		4
BIOL 3010Evolutionary Biology3
BIOL 3020Biochemistry and Molecular Biology3
BIOL 3030Principles of Genetics3
BIOL 3040Cell Structure & Function3
BIOL 3070General Ecology3
CHEM 1110
& CHEM 1115		General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory		4
CHEM 1120
& CHEM 1125		General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory		4
MATH 1510Calculus I4
Statistics Course
MATH 1300XElementary Statistics with Computers3-4
or BIOL 4790 Biometry
Additional Science Lab Courses *16
Complete four of the following seven combinations: *
CHEM 2410
& CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory *
CHEM 2420
& CHEM 2425
Organic Chemistry 2
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory *
PHYS 1310
& PHYS 1320
Physics I
and Physics I Laboratory
PHYS 1330
& PHYS 1340
Physics II
and Physics II Laboratory
EAS 1420
& EAS 1425
Introduction to Atmospheric Science
and Introduction to Atmospheric Science Lab
EAS 1430
& EAS 1435
Introduction to the Solid Earth
and Introduction to the Solid Earth Lab
EAS 1450
& EAS 1455
Introduction to Oceanography
and Intro to Oceanography Lab
Concentrations
Select one of the following Concentrations:19
Note: all Concentration Biology Electives must be at the 3000 level or above.
Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology
Biological Sciences
Cell Biology & Physiology
Ecology, Evolution & Conservation
Plant Science
Senior Inquiry1
Select one of following:
BIOL 4910
Internship in Conservation
BIOL 4911
Integrated Bioinformatics Internship
BIOL 4912
Internship in Plant Science
BIOL 4970
Library Project
BIOL 4980
Advanced Independent Study
BIOL 5xxx
BIOL 5000-level elective
General Electives14
Total Credits120
*

Students in the Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology concentration must take CHEM 2410 Organic Chemistry 1 (3 cr), CHEM 2415 Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1 cr), CHEM 2420 Organic Chemistry 2 (3 cr), and CHEM 2425 Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1 cr). 

Laboratory Requirement

All B.S. students must complete three structured upper-level Biology laboratory experiences as part of their concentration.

Independent Research

A total of 4 credits of BIOL 4960 Independent Research, BIOL 4970 Library Project, and/or BIOL 4980 Advanced Independent Study can be counted toward the B.S. degree. These courses do not count as structured lab courses.

Continuation Standards

Students must have a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) in all courses used to fulfill major requirements.   Students who fall below the 2.0 GPA in major coursework will be placed on program probation.   If a student's major GPA falls below a 2.00 for two consecutive semesters, the student will be eligible for dismissal from the major.

Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology Concentration

Select two courses with a 'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Elective' attribute.6
Select two courses with a 'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Lab' attribute.3-6
Complete a minimum of one additional structured laboratory experience.1-5
Biology Elective Courses (a minimum of 19 credits is required for the concentration)9-12
Total Credits19
'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Elective' Attribute
BIOL 4700Molecular Biology3
BIOL 4070Advanced Biological Chemistry3
BIOL 4030Introduction to Genomics3
BIOL 4430Principles of Virology3
BIOL 4520Biochemical Pharmacology3
BIOL 4650General Microbiology Laboratory2
BIOL 4720Cancer Biology3
'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Lab' Attribute
BIOL 3060Cell Structure & Function Laboratory1
BIOL 3100Experiments in Genetics Lab1
BIOL 4050Molecular Techniques Lab2
BIOL 4160Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution4
BIOL 4650General Microbiology Laboratory2

Biological Sciences Concentration

Complete a minimum of three structured laboratory experiences.3-13
Biology Elective Courses (a minimum of 19 credits is required for the concentration)6-16
Total Credits19

Cell Biology and Physiology Concentration

Required Course
BIOL 4540Human Systemic Physiology3
Select one course with a 'Cell Biology-Related Lab' attribute1-4
Select two courses with a 'Cell Biology/Physiology Elective' attribute.6-9
Select one course with a 'Physiology-Related Lab' attribute.1-5
Complete a minimum of one additional structured laboratory experience.1-5
Biology Elective Courses (a minimum of 19 credits is required for the concentration)0-7
Total Credits19
'Cell Biology/Physiology Elective' Attribute
BIOL 3400XIntroduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic3
BIOL 3420Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates5
BIOL 3490Plant Physiology3
BIOL 4160Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution4
BIOL 4250Neurobiology of Disease3
BIOL 4410Comparative Animal Physiology3
BIOL 4430Principles of Virology3
BIOL 4440Vertebrate Histology: Structure and Function of Tissues4
BIOL 4460Exercise Physiology3
BIOL 4510Behavioral Endocrinology3
BIOL 4520Biochemical Pharmacology3
BIOL 4600Developmental Biology3
BIOL 4630Foundations of Immunobiology3
BIOL 4640General Microbiology3
BIOL 4720Cancer Biology3
'Physiology-Related Lab' Attribute
BIOL 3420Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates5
BIOL 3470General Physiology Laboratory1
BIOL 3550XNeuroscience Laboratory1
BIOL 4440Vertebrate Histology: Structure and Function of Tissues4
'Cell Biology-Related Lab' Attribute
BIOL 3060Cell Structure & Function Laboratory1
BIOL 3550XNeuroscience Laboratory1
BIOL 4160Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution4
BIOL 4050Molecular Techniques Lab2
BIOL 4600Developmental Biology3
BIOL 4635Immunobiology Lab1
BIOL 4650General Microbiology Laboratory2

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Concentration

BIOL 4760General Ecology Laboratory1
Select one course with a Tools Elective attribute2-4
Complete three courses with the Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Elective attribute9-15
Complete a minimum of two additional structured lab experiences.2-10
Biology Elective Courses (a minimum of 19 credits is required for the concentration)0-5
Total Credits19

Courses with the Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Elective attribute 

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Electives
BIOL 3220Biology of Invertebrates4
BIOL 3260Biology of Plants & Fungi4
BIOL 3420Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates5
BIOL 3450Economic Botany3
BIOL 4010Sex, Evolution, and Behavior3
BIOL 4090Plant Ecology4
BIOL 4100Natural History of Vertebrates4
BIOL 4120Field Botany5
BIOL 4130Field Mammalogy5
BIOL 4140Field Ornithology5
BIOL 4200Aquatic Ecology4
BIOL 4240General and Medical Entomology4
BIOL 4260Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles4
BIOL 4280Biology of Fishes4
BIOL 4330Spring Flora of the Ozarks4
BIOL 4360Animal Behavior3
BIOL 4410Comparative Animal Physiology3
BIOL 4480Conservation Biology3
BIOL 4580Applied Population Genetics3
BIOL 4640General Microbiology3
BIOL 4670Population Biology3

Courses with the Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Tools Elective attribute

BIOL 4030Introduction to Genomics3
BIOL 4050Molecular Techniques Lab2
BIOL 4160Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution4
BIOL 4190GIS in Biology3

Plant Science Concentration

Required Courses
BIOL 3260Biology of Plants & Fungi4
BIOL 3490Plant Physiology3
BIOL 4090Plant Ecology4
Complete a minimum of one additional structured lab experience. 1-5
Biology Elective Courses (a minimum of 19 credits is required for the concentration)3-8
Total Credits19

Program Notes

Ecology, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Elective with Lab

BIOL 3070General Ecology3
BIOL 3220Biology of Invertebrates4
BIOL 3260Biology of Plants & Fungi4
BIOL 3420Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates5
BIOL 4100Natural History of Vertebrates4
BIOL 4115Forest Park Living Lab Field Ecology Techniques1
BIOL 4120Field Botany5
BIOL 4130Field Mammalogy5
BIOL 4140Field Ornithology5
BIOL 4160Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution4
BIOL 4200Aquatic Ecology4
BIOL 4260Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (with Lab)4
BIOL 4280Biology of Fishes4
BIOL 4320Cave Biology4
BIOL 4330Spring Flora of the Ozarks4
BIOL 4360
& BIOL 4370		Animal Behavior
and Animal Behavior Lab		4

Plant Elective*

BIOL 3260Biology of Plants & Fungi4
BIOL 3450Economic Botany3
BIOL 3490Plant Physiology3
BIOL 4090Plant Ecology0-4
BIOL 4330Spring Flora of the Ozarks4
BIOL 4120Field Botany5
*

Plant electives with labs may also fulfill the Ecology, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology elective requirement or Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology elective requirement.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
  • Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
& BIOL 1245		 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (BIOL 1240 satisfies CORE 3800)		 4
CHEM 1110
& CHEM 1115		 General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory		 4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
General Electives 1
 Credits15-16
Spring
BIOL 1260
& BIOL 1265		 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory		 4
CHEM 1120
& CHEM 1125		 General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory		 4
MATH 1510 Calculus I (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab * 4
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 2
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab * 4
Statistics ElectiveMATH 1300X or BIOL 4790 3-4
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
General Electives 2
 Credits14-16
Year Three
Fall
BIOL 3010 Evolutionary Biology 3
BIOL 3030 Principles of Genetics 3
Course with a 'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Elective' attribute 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab * 4
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
 Credits16
Spring
Course with a 'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Elective' attribute 1-2
BIOL Elective 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab * 4
CORE 3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
General Electives 2
 Credits15-17
Year Four
Fall
Course with a ‘Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Elective’ attribute 3
Structured Lab 1-5
BIOL 3070 General Ecology 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 7-3
 Credits15
Spring
Biology Elective 3
Course with a 'Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology Lab' attribute 1-4
Senior Inquiry 1-3
General Electives 10-5
 Credits15
 Total Credits120-125
*

Note:  CHEM 2410, 2415, 2420, and 2425 are required for the BCMB concentration.

Biological Sciences

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
& BIOL 1245		 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (BIOL 1240 satisfies CORE 3800)		 4
CHEM 1110
& CHEM 1115		 General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory		 4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
General Electives 1
 Credits15-16
Spring
BIOL 1260
& BIOL 1265		 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory		 4
CHEM 1120
& CHEM 1125		 General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory		 4
MATH 1510 Calculus I (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 2
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
Statistics ElectiveMATH 1300X or BIOL 4790 3-4
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-17
Year Three
Fall
BIOL 3010 Evolutionary Biology 3
BIOL 3030 Principles of Genetics 3
Biology Elective 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
 Credits16
Spring
Biology Elective 3
Laboratory Elective 1-2
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
General Electives 2
 Credits15-17
Year Four
Fall
Biology Elective 3
Laboratory EEOB Elective 1-5
BIOL 3070 General Ecology 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 7
 Credits15-19
Spring
Biology Elective 3
Laboratory Elective 1-5
Senior Inquiry 1-3
General Electives 10-4
 Credits15
 Total Credits121-130

Cell Biology & Physiology

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
& BIOL 1245		 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (BIOL 1240 satisfies CORE 3800)		 4
CHEM 1110
& CHEM 1115		 General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory		 4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
General Electives 1
 Credits15-16
Spring
BIOL 1260
& BIOL 1265		 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory		 4
CHEM 1120
& CHEM 1125		 General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory		 4
MATH 1510 Calculus I (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 2
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
Statistics ElectiveMATH 1300X or BIOL 4790 3-4
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-17
Year Three
Fall
BIOL 3010 Evolutionary Biology 3
Course with ‘Cell Biology/Physiology Elective’ attribute 3
BIOL 4540 Human Systemic Physiology 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
 Credits16
Spring
BIOL 3030 Principles of Genetics 3
Course with 'Cell-Related' attribute 1
Course with 'Physiology-Related Lab' attribute 2-5
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
 Credits15-19
Year Four
Fall
Course with 'Cell Biology/Physiology Elective' attribute 3
BIOL Elective 3
BIOL 3070 General Ecology 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
Laboratory Elective 4-5
Laboratory Elective 1-5
Senior Inquiry 1-3
General Electives 9-2
 Credits15
 Total Credits121-128

Ecology, Evolution & Conservation

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
& BIOL 1245		 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (BIOL 1240 satisfies CORE 3800)		 4
CHEM 1110
& CHEM 1115		 General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory		 4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
General Electives 1
 Credits15-16
Spring
BIOL 1260
& BIOL 1265		 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory		 4
CHEM 1120
& CHEM 1125		 General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory		 4
MATH 1510 Calculus I (satisfies core 3200) 4
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 2
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
Statistics ElectiveMATH 1300X or BIOL 4790 3-4
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-17
Year Three
Fall
BIOL 3010 Evolutionary Biology 3
BIOL 3030 Principles of Genetics 3
BIOL 3070
& BIOL 4760		 General Ecology
and General Ecology Laboratory		 4
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
 Credits17
Spring
Course with a 'Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal' attribute 3-4
Course with a 'Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal' attribute 3-4
Laboratory Elective 1-2
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
 Credits16-20
Year Four
Fall
Course with a 'Tools Elective' attribute 2-4
BIOL Elective 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 9
 Credits15-17
Spring
Course with a 'Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal' attribute 3-5
Laboratory Elective 1-5
Senior Inquiry 1-3
General Electives 7
 Credits12-20
 Total Credits120-137

Plant Science

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BIOL 1240
& BIOL 1245		 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (BIOL 1240 satisfies CORE 3800)		 4
CHEM 1110
& CHEM 1115		 General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory		 4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
General Electives 1
 Credits15-16
Spring
BIOL 1260
& BIOL 1265		 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory		 4
CHEM 1120
& CHEM 1125		 General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory		 4
MATH 1510 Calculus I (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 2
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
Statistics ElectiveMATH 1300X or BIOL 4790 3-4
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-17
Year Three
Fall
BIOL 3010 Evolutionary Biology 3
BIOL 4090 Plant Ecology 4
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
General Electives 1
 Credits15
Spring
BIOL 3490 Plant Physiology 3
BIOL 3030 Principles of Genetics 3
CHEM, EAS, or PHYS course w/lab 4
CORE 3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
 Credits15-16
Year Four
Fall
BIOL ElectiveMany Plant Science concentration students chose to take BIOL 3450 as a BIOL elective 3
BIOL 3070 General Ecology 3
Laboratory Elective 1-2
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 7
 Credits15-16
Spring
BIOL 3260 Biology of Plants & Fungi 4
BIOL Elective 3
Senior Inquiry 1-3
General Electives 7
 Credits15-17
 Total Credits120-127

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.