Frequently
Asked Questions
Questions about Cognate Courses
(Chemistry,
Mathematics,
Statistics, and Physics)
Why do I
have to take
so much chemistry and math?
When should I take
chemistry?
If I drop
CHEM 131 or 132 can I stay in and complete the lab course (CHEM 131L or
132L)?
What math sequence should I
take?
What year should I take
Physics?
If I get a
“D” in a cognate requirement (chemistry, physic, math) do I have to
retake it?
If your question isn't here, please write to Jon
Monroe.
Why do I have to take
so much chemistry and math?
Because they are good
for you! No, seriously, chemistry and mathematics help you
to understand biology in different ways. Graduate programs and
employers expect you to have taken these classes. Our
requirements are typical of most biology programs.
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When should I take
chemistry?
CHEM 131 is a required
prerequisite for the sophomore-level BIO 214
core course so it is best to start the chemistry sequence as soon as
possible. If your math placement scores are high enough we
recommend
starting CHEM 131 and 131L, and calculus in the fall of the first
year. In the case of lower placement scores, your freshman
advisor may
recommend that you wait until the second semester to take CHEM 131.
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If I drop CHEM 131 or 132 can I stay in and complete the lab course
(CHEM 131L or 132L)?
Yes.
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What math sequence
should I take?
Biology and
Biotechnology majors must take calculus and one statistics
course. See the catalog for specific options. Most students opt
for Calculus with Functions I and II (MATH 231-232) but those with a
strong background and quantitative interest can take Calculus I (MATH
235). Both of these calculus paths end up at essentially the same
place. Usually students start with calculus before statistics; however,
you can discuss this with your advisor. To keep more career
options open we recommend taking the most rigorous course you can
handle.
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What year should I
take Physics?
Physics is usually
taken in the Junior or Senior year, or during the summer. So long
as you don’t want to take a class that lists Physics as a prerequisite,
there should be no harm in delaying Physics. Sometimes it is
important to consider the timing for taking professional school
admissions tests in deciding when to take the class.
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If I get a “D” in a
cognate requirement (chemistry, physic, math) do I have to retake it?
A “D” grade will count
toward graduation but to be used as prerequisites for biology courses,
grades of “C- “ or higher should be earned in CHEM 131, CHEM 131L, CHEM
132 and CHEM 132L. You will not be allowed to proceed to the second
semester of chemistry and physics sequences unless you have a “C-“ and
therefore in this case you must repeat the course. Note that a
GPA of 2.0 or greater in the BIO courses that could count toward the
major is required for graduation. The grades in cognate courses do not
count toward the major GPA. (Grades in BIO 000, 270 and 280 which do
not count toward the major, are not included in this calculation.)
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