The general biology major is designed for students who would like a broad-based biology curriculum. The foundation courses for the general major include the Bio Core and labs, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Within the upper-division electives, students experience a breadth of courses by satisfying the Central Menu requirement: 1 course in 3 of 4 Central Menu areas (Molecular, Cell/Developmental, Organismal and Ecology/Evolution). Beyond the Central Menu requirement, students can take their remaining upper-division electives from Biology (BIO) and Hopkins (BIOHOPK) course offerings, and also from the Approved Out-of-Department Elective list.

Students following the general major requirements have the option to add honors. In order to do honors within Biology, students must apply for and complete the requirements for the departmental honors program, which include 10 units of BIO 199 or 199X, an independent honors thesis, and a poster or oral presentation at the conclusion of senior year. Students must apply for honors at least two quarters prior to graduating. For most students with a graduation quarter of Spring, this means that they should apply for honors no later than Autumn quarter of their senior year. For more information, please visit our Honors website.