North Central College
Majoring in the Life Sciences
[Biology Student]

     North Central College offers two main majors in the life sciences: Biology and Biochemistry. For each of these majors, students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

     In Biology, the BA degree is intended primarily for secondary education majors or transfer students who are unable to take all of the support courses for a BS degree. In Biochemistry, both degrees provide appropriate preparation for employment or post-graduate study, with the BS adding additional experience.

Link to official course descriptions:  ‣ Biology   ‣ Biochemistry   ‣ Chemistry   ‣ Physics

Jump down to:  ‣ Minors and other options   ‣ Typical course schedules   ‣ Planning resources   

The majors at a glance:

 BiologyBiochemistry
 BABSBABS
Biology core:
   Introduction
   Animal systems
   Plant systems
   Cellular and molecular
   Evolution, ecology & diversity		 
BIO 151 and 152
BIO 202, 302, 305, 310 or 410
BIO 201 or 301
BIO 200, 260, 340, 360, 430, 440 or BCM 365
BIO 216, 222, 228, 400 or 416		 
BIO 151 and 152
 
 
BIO 200 or 260, BIO 360
Chemistry core:
   Introduction
   Organic
   Analytical
   Physical
   Biochemistry		 
CHM 141 and 142
recommended
recommended		 
CHM 141 and 142
CHM 220, 221 & 222
CHM 210		 
CHM 141 and 142
CHM 220, 221 & 222
CHM 210
CHM 340 or 341
BCM 365
Math:
   Calculus
   Statistics		 
MTH 141 or
PSY 250		 
through MTH 152
PSY 250 or MTH 342		 
through MTH 152		 
through MTH 152
PSY 250 or MTH 342
Physics:recommendedPHY 141, 142 & 143A or 143C (143A recommended for med school)
or PHY 115 & 116 (summer option)
Advanced electivesAny BIO or BCM courses
to meet credit hour requirement		noneAny three of:
BIO 242, 301, 302, 340, 400, 416, 430 or 440
CHM 340, 341, 405, 410 or 425
Capstone BCM 465
Credit hours34.25 hours, including:
  22.5 hours ≥ 200 level
  11 hours ≥ 300 level
  3.5 hours at 400 level		41.75 hours, including
  22.5 hours ≥ 200 level
  11 hours ≥ 300 level
  3.5 hours at 400 level		47.75 total credit hours
in biology and chemistry
Research experienceResearch course (BIO 305, 416, 430 or BCM 465), summer research or other independent project
Research seminarBIO/CHM 475 (2 terms as participant, 1 as presenter)

Minors and additional options in the life sciences:

Typical course schedules:

These generic schedules are intended only to help you plan your academic program; all students should discuss with their academic advisors how to tailor schedules to their individual abilities and needs. Students intending to apply to medical school (also dental, veterinary and similar programs) should complete both organic chemistry and physics no later than spring of their junior year. New transfer students who have not yet taken college biology and chemistry should follow the first-year schedule.

 BiologyBiochemistry
First yearBIO 151 and 152, CHM 141 and 142
MTH 151 (or 140 & 141), 152 (for Biology BS or Biochemistry)
ENG 115 and IDS 125 (or ENG 125, if ACT English > 27)
FYE 100
Second yearThree 200-level BIO core courses
Organic chemistry or physics
Analytical chemistry and/or statistics		Organic chemistry
Physics (could also be taken in third year)
BIO 200 or 260
Analytical chemistry
Statistics
Third yearAdvanced BIO courses in area of specializationPhysics (if not completed second year)
Molecular biology and/or Biochemistry
Physical chemistry (if Physics completed)
BIO or CHM electives (for BS)
Fourth yearAdvanced BIO courses in area of specializationMolecular biology and/or Biochemistry
Advanced topics (BCM 465)
Physical chemistry
BIO or CHM electives (for BS)

Links to schedule-planning resources