Many students often wonder if they can fit in a quarter away from the Stanford campus while majoring in Biology. The answer is YES! We encourage you to explore your options for studying abroad or away from Stanford during your time as an undergraduate. It can definitely be done as long as you plan ahead of time.
Here is a full list of of courses that count toward the Biology major
The following is an overview of a few of the popular ways Biology majors have taken a quarter elsewhere:
Hopkins Marine Station
Located just 90 miles from campus, Hopkins Marine Station offers a plethora of Biology courses in very small, hands-on class environments. Most of the coursers offered at Hopkins have integrated lab components. Additionally, Bio 43 and 44Y are offered at the Station! All courses offered at Hopkins Marine Station can count toward Biology major requirements. For inquiries about how Hopkins fits into your degree program, please contact the Undergraduate Staff Advisor. If you want to receive Hopkins-specific information directly to your email inbox, add yourself to the hopkins-interest@lists.stanford.edu list. Hopkins isn't necessarily abroad, but it is an experience unlike anything you will get on the main campus. Programs offered at Hopkins include the very popular Stanford @ SEA.
Bing Overseas Program in Australia
The most popular BOSP program for Biology majors is the program in Australia. Offered every Autumn quarter, the Australia program gives students the opportunity to increase understanding of key global ecosystems, while emphasizing the challenges of human co-habitation and industry. Students’ research skills are be enhanced by the hands-on nature of fieldwork. Courses in Australia have a prerequisite of Bio 43 or Humbio 2A, and can count for some of the Biology degree options; check with the Undergraduate Staff Advisor or BioBridge for more details.
Bing Overseas Program in Oxford
Another popular BOSP program for Biology majors is the program in Oxford. While in Oxford, students participate in individual tutorials, many of which can be petitioned for credit in the Biology major. Check with the Undergraduate Staff Advisor or BioBridge for more details.
Other Programs
In addition to what is listed above, there are many additional opportunities to study off campus. Check the list of approved out of department electives to see which other BOSP courses can count toward the Biology major. If you're interested in studying abroad at a location where no courses are approved for the major, that's OK too! With advance planning, you can take a break from Biology courses and fulfill GERs while still being able to graduate on time.
If you are interested in going abroad, either through Bing Overseas Studies or through another program, please be sure to visit the BOSP office on the ground level of Sweet Hall, or online at http://bosp.stanford.edu/.
