The Bachelor of Arts in Biology provides a sound liberal arts education with substantial experience in quantitative and analytical thought, along with preparation for related professions. The program provides the strong background necessary for not only graduate study in the life sciences, but also enables students to develop careers in a wide variety of disciplines, including teaching, environmental management, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, wildlife management, fisheries biology, and marine science. Furthermore, our curriculum prepares students for careers in the health sciences including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and related allied health disciplines.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
For students interested in taking the Biological Health concentration, it is advised that they have already obtained a bachelor's degree; this concentration is primarily intended for students who are interested in changing their careers to one with a biology foundation. The BA's other concentration, or the Biology, BS are great options for students early in their undergraduate studies.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core. Students in this bachelor's program must also complete the additional College Requirements for the BA Degree (see Requirements).
The writing intensive requirement is fulfilled by BIOL 308 Foundations of Ecology and Evolution (Mason Core).
- Transfer students who have transferred in BIOL 308 Foundations of Ecology and Evolution (Mason Core) but did not meet the writing intensive requirement may take MLAB 300 Science Writing (Mason Core) to meet the writing intensive requirement.
- For post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the Biological Health concentration, BIOL 308 Foundations of Ecology and Evolution (Mason Core) is not required.
Post-baccalaureate students entering this program are advised to explore the Application for a Second Bachelor's Degree and the AP. 5.3.3 sections of this catalog.
Important information and departmental policies are listed with the Department of Biology.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Important Program Requirements
Students must complete the degree requirements with:
- A minimum GPA of 2.00 in the BIOL courses listed in the degree program,
- A minimum GPA of 2.00 in the supporting courses listed in the degree program.
Additionally:
- Biology majors must earn a minimum grade of 'C' in all of the biology core courses. A grade of 'C' or better must be earned in BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) in order to advance to other core requirements.
- Students may repeat BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) once, but a second time only with permission of the Department of Biology.
- Students may not count BIOL 124 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and/or BIOL 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology II toward any biology major requirement.
- Students who take BIOL 300 BioDiversity may not count BIOL 303 Animal Biology and/or BIOL 304 Plant Biology toward any biology major requirement.
- BIOL 495 Directed Studies in Biology, and BIOL 497 Special Problems in Biology do not satisfy the requirements of the BA degree which state that students must complete at least one upper division course that includes a laboratory. The courses do, however, count as non-laboratory electives. The total limit for BIOL 493 Honors Research in Biology, BIOL 495 Directed Studies in Biology and BIOL 497 Special Problems in Biology combined is 3 credits toward 32 credits for the BA.
Teacher Licensure
Students majoring in biology who wish to pursue a career teaching secondary school may consider applying for the Secondary Education - Biology (6-12) Undergraduate Certificate offered by the College of Education and Human Development as an option in seeking an initial Virginia teaching license.
Other routes to licensure include the Biology, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Biology Concentration) or select traditional Master's programs. Please contact the undergraduate advisor in the College of Education and Human Development for more information.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Biology, BA majors are required to complete the following coursework with the option of also completing a concentration:
Biology Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 103 | Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| BIOL 214 | Biostatistics for Biology Majors | 4 |
| BIOL 300 | BioDiversity 1,2 | 4 |
| BIOL 308 | Foundations of Ecology and Evolution (Mason Core) 1,2 | 5 |
| BIOL 311 | General Genetics | 4 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
For post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the Biological Health concentration, BIOL 103 Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (Mason Core), BIOL 300 BioDiversity, BIOL 308 Foundations of Ecology and Evolution (Mason Core) are not required.
- 2
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Transfer students who have transferred in BIOL 308 but did not meet the writing intensive requirement may take MLAB 300 to meet the writing intensive requirement.
Biology Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 8-12 credits of additional biology courses 1,2 | 8-12 | |
| Total Credits | 8-12 | |
- 1
For the Biological Illustration concentration students and students without a declared concentration, at least 7 credits must be upper division, and at least one of these upper division courses must include a laboratory.
- 2
For the Biological Health concentration, the full 12 credits must be chosen in upper division courses, and at least one course must include a laboratory.
Chemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) (Natural Science course) | 4 |
| CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) (Natural Science course) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Math
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 4-6 | |
| Linear Mathematical Modeling (Mason Core) (Quantitative Reasoning courses) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | ||
| Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 4-6 | |
Computer Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
- 1
For post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the Biological Health concentration, the Computer Science requirement is not required.
- 2
Recommended by the Department of Biology
BA without Concentration
Students who are interested in a career in secondary science education, or in the business of biology are well suited for this degree option.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Science | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following Mason Core: Natural Science Courses: | 6 | |
| Astronomy (Mason Core) | ||
| The Solar System (Mason Core) | ||
| Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (Mason Core) | ||
| Physical Geology (Mason Core) | ||
| Historical Geology (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Concentration in Biological Illustration (BIOI)
This optional concentration consists of a selection of courses designed to address the needs and interests of students who wish to study biology and simultaneously have the aptitude to draw, animate, or design art for textbooks, videos, papers, etc. This concentration has significant biology, chemistry, and physics components like all biology majors, and includes art classes that will prepare students for the opportunity to use their love of biology and art in one degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Science | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following Mason Core: Natural Science Courses | 6 | |
| Astronomy (Mason Core) | ||
| The Solar System (Mason Core) | ||
| Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (Mason Core) | ||
| Physical Geology (Mason Core) | ||
| Historical Geology (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| Art and Visual Technology | ||
| Choose 21 credits from the following: | 21 | |
| New Media in the Creative Arts (Mason Core) | ||
| Drawing I (Mason Core) | ||
| Drawing II | ||
| Figure Drawing | ||
| Illustration | ||
| Mixed Media | ||
| 2D Experimental Animation | ||
| 3D Experimental Animation | ||
| EcoArt (Mason Core) | ||
or AVT 497 | Senior Project (Mason Core) | |
| Advanced Drawing | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Concentration in Biological Health (BIOH)
This concentration is specially designed for students who have a previous four-year degree and wish to change careers to pursue a profession in the health sciences. Students are encouraged to work closely with an advisor on their program of study as it relates to their transfer coursework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I | 5 |
| CHEM 314 & CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II | 4-5 |
| or BIOL 483 | General Biochemistry | |
| Physics | ||
| PHYS 243 & PHYS 244 | College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 245 & PHYS 246 | College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 17-18 | |
Note for Students Expecting to Enter Graduate or Professional School
Students expecting to enter graduate or professional school are strongly encouraged to complete:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 & MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) and Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 8 |
| CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I | 5 |
| CHEM 314 & CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II | 5 |
| PHYS 243 & PHYS 244 | College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 245 & PHYS 246 | College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | 4 |
Mason Core and Elective Requirements
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees, College Requirements for the BA Degree (outlined below), and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Without concentration: 61-67 credits
- BIOI concentration: 40-46 credits
- BIOH concentration: 49-56 credits
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
College Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the program requirements and the Mason Core requirements, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill this college-level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements such as Mason Core requirements, other college-level requirements, or requirements for the major. In some cases, the requirements listed below may be superseded by requirements of the degree program and the Mason Core.
Foundational Breadth
Choose two courses from approved Mason Core: Arts, Mason Core: Literature, Mason Core: Global Understanding, and Mason Core: Social and Behavioral Sciences courses in addition to those required by the Mason Core. The two courses used to fulfill the college-level requirements must each be from different Mason Core categories. Additionally, they must be from different disciplines than the courses used to fulfill the University Mason Core requirements.
Natural Science
Choose one credit in addition to the Mason Core: Natural Science requirement for a total of 8 credits1. This combined college-level and university requirement must be fulfilled by completing two of any approved Mason Core: Natural Science courses that include a laboratory experience2.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select an additional Mason Core Natural Science course | 1 | |
- 1
For Geography, BA majors, this extra credit is not required.
- 2
BIOL 124 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology II may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language is required and may be fulfilled via one of the options below: 1 | ||
1. Completing a course in a foreign language numbered 202 (or its equivalent), or higher level courses taught in the language. | ||
2. Achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test. | ||
3. Completing a three course sequence in American Sign Language: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
4. Conferral of a baccalaureate degree. 2 | ||
- 1
Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found with the college's Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
- 2
This option is only available to students in the Biology, BA with a concentration in Biological Health who have already conferred a baccalaureate degree.
Honors in the Major
Admissions
Minimum requirements for invitation:
- GPA in biology courses must be 3.33 or better
- GPA in supporting requirements (math and other science) must be 3.00 or better
- Grade of ‘B’ or better in BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core)
Students should apply for admission to the Honors Program during their first or second year at the university. Contact the Department of Biology for information on applying.
Retention Requirements
Students in honors biology must maintain a biology GPA of 3.33 or better and a supporting GPA of 3.00 or better from the time they have accumulated 30 hours and thereafter. Students who fall below this standard will be given a one semester probationary period in which to bring their GPA back up to the minimum standard.
Requirements to Graduate with Biology Honors
Students are required to take 6 to 8 credits in honors courses in BIOL including three semesters of BIOL 494 Honors Seminar in Biology or two semesters of BIOL 494 Honors Seminar in Biology and one semester of BIOL 493 Honors Research in Biology. BIOL 498 Research Seminar may count toward one of the semester requirements of BIOL 494 Honors Seminar in Biology. The GPA requirements are as follows:
- Minimum 3.33 GPA in honors biology courses
- Minimum 3.33 GPA in biology requirements
- Minimum 3.00 GPA in supporting requirements
- Minimum 3.00 GPA overall
Biology, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Biology Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA or BS in Biology (degree without concentration) and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Biology concentration) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 143 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by the Biology Undergraduate Program and the School of Education.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and additional unit-specific criteria.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MEd program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- 3.0 overall GPA
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDRD 619 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| EDUC 547 | Scientific Inquiry and the Nature of Science | 3 |
| SEED 522 | Foundations of Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 540 | Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 573 | Teaching Science in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED 673 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Science in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED approved elective | ||
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.