ADVISING HELP: Questions about the Biology Major? See Biology Major Requirements and contact BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu to make an appointment with an advisor.
Major in Biology for the Bachelor of Science Degree
Are you interested in learning about the world around you? The Biology Department at Northeastern Illinois University can give you the tools to ask and answer those pressing questions that interest you. Biology is the study of living organisms (bacteria, protozoans, fungi, algae, plants and animals); our students have the opportunity to learn about these organisms at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological levels.
Why choose the Biology Department at Northeastern Illinois University?
-
You will engage directly with faculty in a small classroom or laboratory setting.
-
You will practice relevant laboratory techniques, using updated equipment in renovated labs, through our intensive laboratory-based curriculum.
-
You can use those lab skills, gained in the classroom, to take on a research project with our faculty in a wide range of specializations.
-
You can customize your education to meet your career objectives through our flexible curriculum.
Students planning a career as a high school teacher should consider the Accelerated Teaching Track, which allows twelve credit hours to apply toward both the B.S. in Biology degree and the Master of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Education degree. This provides a pathway for qualified students to move seamlessly from the B.S. in Biology degree into the M.A.T. in Secondary Education graduate program, and to obtain teacher licensure in a shorter time period.
Advising resources
-
In addition to being assigned a biology advisor, we offer daily walk-in and virtual advising. Gain advice about recommended elective courses appropriate for your particular career goals. Please email BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu with any questions you may have and to obtain the advising schedule.
-
Interested in pursuing professional training in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, or other health-related professions? Students can meet with the Director of Pre-Professional Advising, David Nissim-Sabat (d-nissimsabat@neiu.edu) to receive guidance on recommended courses, graduate-school test preparation, and the application process.
-
At the Student Center for Science Engagement, you may gain additional advice about careers, internship applications, graduate school planning, and the STEM job search process. Visit them in BBH-235 or contact scse@neiu.edu to make an appointment with their advisors.
-
For information about earning a license to teach biology at the high-school level, contact Vanessa King, v-king@neiu.edu in the Goodwin College of Education. Please note that we offer an Accelerated Teaching Track for biology majors, which allows qualified students to share 12 credit hours between the B.S. in Biology degree and M.A. in Teaching in Secondary Education degree, thus providing teaching certification more quickly.
The Department of Biology values the different lived experiences of our students, faculty, and staff. Diversity of thoughts, opinions, and backgrounds enhances learning, teaching, and discovery in the classroom, laboratory, and community. We work to create a sense of inclusivity through collaborative learning environments that allow students to work together to collect, analyze, and interpret data, as well as promote student interactions and discussions centered around those data.
As biologists, we recognize our responsibility as stewards of the natural environment, caretakers of human health, and innovators in the ethical development and equitable distribution of resources and knowledge. We empower students to relate the biological topics they are learning to pressing societal issues such as health care inequities and the impacts of climate change. By incorporating modern, cutting-edge technologies and research advances into our laboratory classes, we equip students with the tools they need to achieve excellence in their careers.
There are no requirements for admission to the B.S. in Biology Program other than being a student in good standing.
To apply to the Accelerated Teaching Track, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and have completed at least 60 credits toward their bachelor’s degree; at least 12 of those credits must have been earned at NEIU. In addition, students must complete the online application for the M.A. in Teaching in Secondary Education and meet all admission requirements for that program. Accepted students may then begin graduate-level coursework. The advantage of the Accelerated Teaching Track is that twelve credit hours may be shared between the bachelor's and master's degrees, allowing a faster track toward becoming a high school teacher.
ADVISING HELP: Let us help you navigate graduation requirements! We offer both walk-in and virtual meetings with biology advisors. Please email BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu with any questions you may have and to obtain the advising schedule.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
---|---|
Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
Engaged Learning Experiences | |
Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Biology for the bachelor of science degree
To obtain the B.S. in Biology degree, students will choose either the Biology Track or the Accelerated Teaching Track. The Biology Track provides broad training in biology and in cognate sciences and prepares students for a wide variety of careers. The Accelerated Teaching Track is for students planning a career in high school teaching, and includes education courses that count toward both the B.S. in Biology degree and the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Secondary Education.
Biology Track
The Biology Track requires a set of six core courses, five elective courses, a capstone, and a set of six cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics. A maximum of three electives (and five biology courses total) can be transferred toward the Biology Track. An unlimited number of the required cognate courses can be transferred.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
REQUIRED CORE COURSES: | ||
BIO-201 | General Biology I | 4 |
BIO-202 | General Biology II | 4 |
BIO-250 | Essential Skills For Biologists | 2 |
BIO-301 | Cell Biology | 4 |
BIO-303 | General Genetics | 4 |
BIO-305 | Writing Intensive Program:General Ecology | 4 |
Total Hours | 22 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
FIVE ELECTIVE COURSES: | ||
Biology electives are numbered between BIO 310 - BIO 380. The fifth biology elective may be BIO or a Cognate elective. See a biology advisor or contact BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu for lists of approved Botany, Zoology, and Cognate electives, and substitutes allowed. | ||
BIO elective from approved Botany list | ||
BIO elective from approved Zoology list | ||
BIO elective | ||
BIO elective | ||
BIO elective or approved Cognate elective | ||
At least three of the above electives must be 4-credits, with a lab. | 18-20 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT: | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
Biology Senior Seminar | ||
Internship In Biology | ||
Independent Research I and Independent Research II | ||
Seminar In Teaching Of Biology | ||
Interdisciplinary Research Skills I and Interdisciplinary Research Skills II | ||
Honors Seminar In Research & Creative Processes and Honors Thesis/ Creative Project | ||
Developing A Research Thesis and College Teaching For TA's and Preparing For Graduate Study | ||
Students should check with a biology advisor to determine prerequisites for the above options. | 3-4 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
REQUIRED COGNATE COURSES: | ||
CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
or MATH-275 | Applied And Computational Statistics | |
PHYS-201L | College Physics I With Lab | 5 |
or PHYS-206L | University Physics I With Lab | |
PHYS-202L | College Physics II With Lab | 5 |
or PHYS-207L | University Physics II With Lab | |
Total Hours | 27 |
Accelerated Teaching Track
Students planning to become a high school teacher should consider the Accelerated Teaching Track, which includes courses that will count toward both the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree and the Master of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Education degree. The Accelerated Teaching Track requires a set of six core courses, four elective courses, a set of six cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and earth science, and a set of four education courses. A maximum of two electives (and five biology courses total) can be transferred toward the Accelerated Teaching Track. An unlimited number of the required cognate courses can be transferred.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
REQUIRED CORE COURSES: | ||
BIO-201 | General Biology I | 4 |
BIO-202 | General Biology II | 4 |
BIO-250 | Essential Skills For Biologists | 2 |
BIO-301 | Cell Biology | 4 |
BIO-303 | General Genetics | 4 |
BIO-305 | Writing Intensive Program:General Ecology | 4 |
Total Hours | 22 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
FOUR ELECTIVE COURSES: | ||
Biology electives are numbered between BIO 310 - BIO 380. The fourth biology elective may be BIO or Physics II. Please note that Microbiology and Human Anatomy & Physiology are NOT allowed to substitute for Botany or Zoology electives in the Accelerated Teaching Track. See your advisor for more information. | ||
BIO elective in Botany (with lab) | 4 | |
BIO elective in Zoology (with lab) | 4 | |
BIO elective (with lab) | 4 | |
BIO elective (with or without lab) | 3-5 | |
or College Physics II (PHYS 202L) | ||
or University Physics II (PHYS 207L) | ||
Total Hours | 15-17 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
REQUIRED COGNATE COURSES: | ||
CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
or MATH-275 | Applied And Computational Statistics | |
PHYS-201L | College Physics I With Lab | 5 |
or PHYS-206L | University Physics I With Lab | |
ESCI-211 | Physical Geology | 4 |
Total Hours | 26 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
REQUIRED EDUCATION COURSES: | ||
SCED-402S | Methods Of Teaching Science In Secondary Schools | 3 |
SCED-415 | Introduction To Secondary School Curriculum | 3 |
EDFN-415 | Educational Thought And Secondary Schooling | 3 |
LTCY-502 | Disciplinary Literacy Instruction In Secondary Grades | 3 |
Total Hours | 12 |
Students in the Accelerated Teaching Track must maintain a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and earn at least a "B" in all required education courses. The undergraduate degree must be completed within four semesters of starting the graduate-level courses that will be shared between the B.S. in Biology degree and the M.A. in Teaching in Secondary Education degree.
This sample curricular plan is provided to guide you toward completing coursework for the biology major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with a biology advisor. For other course plan options, or for specific recommendations of courses not identified, please contact BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu to make an advising appointment. We also offer courses in the summer, to speed time toward graduation.
Coursework requirements for the Accelerated Teaching Track, designed for students planning to become high school biology teachers, differ slightly from the plan below. The Accelerated Teaching Track provides a pathway for qualified students to move seamlessly from the B.S. in Biology degree into the M.A. in Teaching in Secondary Education graduate program, and to obtain teacher licensure in a shorter time period. Undergraduates interested in pursuing this option should meet with an academic advisor early in the B.S. program to maximize the benefits and to determine eligibility to apply. Contact Dr. Jennifer Slate, Biology Department Chair at jeslate@neiu.edu for more information.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Term 1 | Hours | |
BIO-201 | General Biology I | 4 |
MATH-173 | College Algebra | 4 |
ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
General Education Course - FYE | 3 | |
Term Hours | 14 | |
Term 2 | ||
BIO-202 | General Biology II | 4 |
BIO-250 | Essential Skills For Biologists | 2 |
MATH-185 | Precalculus | 4 |
ENGL-102 | Writing II | 3 |
General Education Course | 3 | |
Term Hours | 16 | |
Second Year | ||
Term 1 | ||
BIO-305 | Writing Intensive Program:General Ecology | 4 |
CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
CHEM-211C | Enrichment Seminar In General Chemistry I | 1 |
MATH-187 (OR) | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH-275 | Applied And Computational Statistics | |
Term Hours | 14 | |
Term 2 | ||
BIO-301 | Cell Biology | 4 |
BIO-303 | General Genetics | 4 |
CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM-212C | Enrichment Seminar In General Chemistry II | 1 |
General Education Course | 3 | |
Term Hours | 16 | |
Third Year | ||
Term 1 | ||
CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
BIO Elective | 4 | |
BIO Elective | 4 | |
General Education Course | 3 | |
Term Hours | 15 | |
Term 2 | ||
BIO Elective | 4 | |
BIO Elective | 3 | |
Engaged Learning Experience- Boundary Crossing (ELE-X), 300-level | 3 | |
General Education Course | 3 | |
General Education Course | 3 | |
Term Hours | 16 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Term 1 | ||
BIO-390 | Biology Senior Seminar | 3 |
PHYS-201L (OR) | College Physics I With Lab | 5 |
PHYS-206L | University Physics I With Lab | |
300-level course | 3 | |
General Education Course | 3 | |
Term Hours | 14 | |
Term 2 | ||
BIO Elective | 4 | |
PHYS-202L (OR) | College Physics II With Lab | 5 |
PHYS-207L | University Physics II With Lab | |
300-level course | 3 | |
General Education Course | 3 | |
Term Hours | 15 | |
Total Hours: | 120 |