Information for First Year Students
Information for First Year Students Interested in Biology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What additional course components are required when registering for BIOL 101 General Biology I with Lab?
A: Students who register for BIOL 101 General Biology I with Lab must also enroll in a lab section (BIOL 101L) and a peer pod section (BIOL 101P). Both components are required to complete registration and finalize the student's schedule.
Q: Is BIOL 101 a good option for students who are not planning to major in a science discipline?
A: BIOL 101 fulfills both the Natural Science with Lab (NS-L) and Environmental Literacy (EL) distribution requirements, making it an efficient way to satisfy multiple requirements with one course. However, students should be aware that the course is designed with the pace and rigor appropriate for students intending to pursue science majors. Students seeking an alternative can consider BIOL 121 Natural World with Lab, a non-majors course, which also fulfills the NS-L and EL requirements and is offered every spring semester.
Q: When are BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 offered?
A: BIOL 101 is offered only during the fall semester, while BIOL 102 is offered only during the spring semester. BIOL 101 is a prerequisite for BIOL 102.
Q: What are the different biology-related majors offered?
A: The Biology department offers seven different biology-related majors.
Biology
Biochemistry (coordinated with the Chemistry department)
Biology-Physics (coordinated with the Physics department)
Biomedical Sciences
Conservation Biology
Environmental Science-Biology (coordinated with the Environmental Studies department)
Neuroscience (coordinated with the Psychology department)
Information about each of these majors can be found at the biology department website, https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/biology, by clicking on the “+” next to Biology Majors on the left navigation column.
Q: When should students interested in biology-related majors or health careers take BIOL 101 and BIOL 102?
A: Students planning to major in a biology-related field or pursue a health profession should take BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 during their first year.
Q: Should students with AP Biology credit or previous biology coursework still take BIOL 101 and BIOL 102?
A: Yes. Students interested in biology-related majors or health professional schools are strongly encouraged to take BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 even if they have AP Biology credit or completed similar coursework through a community college while in high school. These prior experiences often do not provide the same laboratory training and skill development offered in the SLU courses. Additionally, some health professional schools no longer accept AP credits or community college coursework to satisfy biology prerequisites, making BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 the best preparation for future academic and professional goals.
Q: What should a student do if they want to transfer credit for BIOL 101 and/or BIOL 102?
A: If a student is interested in a biology-related major or a health career and plans to transfer credit for BIOL 101 and/or BIOL 102, the student and/or advisor should consult with Ana Estevez or Judith Nagel-Myers (Biology Department Co-Chairs). The biology department co-chairs can help determine whether the transfer course should be accepted as an SLU course equivalent or as a non-course equivalent.
Q: Should students take General Biology and General Chemistry at the same time during their first year?
A: In most cases, yes. Students interested in science majors or health professions are encouraged to take General Biology and General Chemistry simultaneously during their first year. Doing so helps keep academic pathways open and can provide greater flexibility for study abroad opportunities and other co-curricular experiences.
Q: Are there situations when students may benefit from taking General Biology and General Chemistry in different years?
A: Yes. Some students may benefit from spacing out these courses, including those who have not taken biology or chemistry since early high school or those with significant time commitments outside the classroom, such as varsity athletics. Because every student's situation is different, advisors and students should carefully weigh the advantages and trade-offs of taking both courses together versus one year apart.
Q: What are the requirements for enrolling in upper-level biology coursework?
A: In order to enroll in upper-level biology coursework (200+ level), you must earn a minimum of 2.0 in both BIOL 101 and BIOL 102. You cannot use a “P” grade (from a pass/fail option) to satisfy this requirement.
Q: I’m interested in a health career. Where can I learn more?
A: Visit our pre-health program website: https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/biology/pre-health-program-php to learn how you can best prepare yourself for the various health career paths.