- Graduates will be able to effectively apply core biological concepts to solve problems.
- Graduates will be able to critically evaluate scientific information from multiple sources, including that from the primary literature.
- Graduates will be able to apply biological principles to global societal issues.
- Graduates will be able to draw valid conclusions from quantitative data.
- Graduates will be able to formulate hypotheses that address research questions.
- Graduates will be able to correctly perform common laboratory and/or field techniques.
Biology students must complete a minimum total of 48 credits for the major, 25 of which must be in BIOL subject code at the 3000 level or above.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
Major Requirements | ||
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 3010 | Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
BIOL 3030 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
BIOL 3040 | Cell Structure & Function | 3 |
BIOL 3070 | General Ecology | 3 |
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 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
Statistics Course | ||
STAT 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
or BIOL 4790 | Biometry | |
Biology Elective Courses | 10 | |
Choose a minimum of 10 credits of upper division elective courses (numbered BIOL 3060-BIOL 4980), including one structured laboratory course. | ||
General Electives | 37-40 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Independent Research
A total of 3 credits of BIOL 3970 Independent Research in Biology (1-3 cr), BIOL 4970 Advanced Independent Research (1-4 cr), and/or BIOL 4980 Advanced Independent Study (1-3 cr) can be counted toward the B.A. 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.
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.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
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 | |
Credits | 15-16 | |
Spring | ||
Participation in First-year Mentoring Events | ||
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 |
CORE 1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
General Electives | 4 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
Participation in Second-year Mentoring | ||
BIOL 3020 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
MATH 1510 | Calculus I (satisfies CORE 3200) | 4 |
CORE 1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
CORE 1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication | 3 |
General Electives | 2 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 3040 | Cell Structure & Function | 3 |
Statistics Elective | 3-4 | |
CORE 2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
General Electives | 9 | |
Credits | 15-16 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 3010 | Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
Biology Elective | 3 | |
CORE 3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
General Electives | 6 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 3030 | Principles of Genetics | 0-3 |
Biology Elective | 3 | |
CORE 3600 | Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
CORE 4000 | Collaborative Inquiry | 2-3 |
General Electives | 7 | |
Credits | 15-19 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 3070 | General Ecology | 3 |
Laboratory Elective | 1-5 | |
CORE 3500 | Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World | 1 |
General Electives | 10 | |
Credits | 15-19 | |
Spring | ||
Biology Elective | 3 | |
General Electives | 12 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 120-130 |
- 1
See information in the program notes.
Program Notes
Statistics Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 1300X | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
BIOL 4790 | Biometry | 4 |
Laboratory Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 3060 | Cell Structure & Function Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL 3100 | Experiments in Genetics Lab | 1 |
BIOL 3260 | Biology of Plants & Fungi | 4 |
BIOL 3420 | Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | 5 |
BIOL 3470 | General Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL 3550X | Neuroscience Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL 4050 | Molecular Techniques Lab | 2 |
BIOL 4090 | Plant Ecology | 4 |
BIOL 4100 | Natural History of Vertebrates | 4 |
BIOL 4115 | Forest Park Living Lab Field Ecology Techniques | 1 |
BIOL 4120 | Field Botany | 5 |
BIOL 4130 | Field Mammalogy | 5 |
BIOL 4140 | Field Ornithology | 5 |
BIOL 4160 | Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution | 4 |
BIOL 4200 | Aquatic Ecology | 4 |
BIOL 4260 | Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles | 4 |
BIOL 4280 | Biology of Fishes | 4 |
BIOL 4320 | Cave Biology | 4 |
BIOL 4330 | Spring Flora of the Ozarks | 4 |
BIOL 4635 | Immunobiology Lab | 1 |
BIOL 4370 | Animal Behavior Lab | 1 |
BIOL 4420 | Antibiotic Resistance and Antibiotic Discovery | 2 |
BIOL 4440 | Vertebrate Histology: Structure and Function of Tissues | 4 |
BIOL 4610 | Developmental Biology Lab | 2 |
BIOL 4650 | General Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
BIOL 4760 | General Ecology Laboratory | 1 |
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.
Biology is a fast-growing field of science. Important social issues such as developing cures for widespread diseases like cancer, fuel alternatives, managing natural resources, genetically modified food sources, or climate change can only be addressed by professionals who are well-educated in biology.
Biology is a dynamic science aimed at understanding living organisms and how they interact with the environment. SLU-Madrid's biology program offers courses that emphasize concepts over facts and aim to provide a foundation for careers in the life sciences, health professions, education and advanced post-graduate study in various disciplines. The B.A. in biology at SLU-Madrid provides maximum flexibility in selecting upper-division courses and is favored by students seeking double majors. It also provides a solid foundation in biological sciences, serving as a gateway to graduate studies and preparing students for advanced academic and professional opportunities.
Curriculum Overview
SLU-Madrid B.A. in biology program is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories that meet the highest teaching standards. These advanced facilities provide students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology and equipment, fostering a dynamic learning environment that bridges theory and practice.
SLU-Madrid's academic curriculum in biology is completely integrated with that of SLU-St. Louis. Therefore, students can complete the B.A. in biology at SLU-Madrid, and they may also transfer freely between the two sites throughout the undergraduate degree program.
Faculty
The faculty at Saint Louis University-Madrid are experts in their respective fields. They are internationally recognized teachers, researchers and mentors. Learn about our faculty members, including their education, credentials, experience and contact information.
Fieldwork, Internships and Careers
The Biology Department at SLU-Madrid organizes visits to different sites in Madrid and Spain where students integrate the biology courses in a hands-on way: Grefa (a wildlife recovery center and hospital for wild animals), Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Madrid Zoo, Royal Botanical Garden, among others.
SLU's 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
Students not pursuing a degree in the medical and health professions at Saint Louis University must contact other institutions for admission information. Completing the pre-med prerequisite coursework does not guarantee entry into a medical school in the U.S. unless you have successfully completed the selection process of that medical school.
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.
Admission
Application Deadlines
- May 1 - Fall admission (Aug. 1 for EU students)
- Sept. 1 - Spring admission (Dec. 1 for EU students)
- March 1 - Summer sessions (for applicants who require a student visa)
- April 15 - Summer sessions (for applicants who do not require a student visa)
Contact Us
Tuition and Fees
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu.
For additional information about this program, please contact biology@slu.edu or call 314-977-3900.