Majors and Minor
Majors in Biological Sciences
Notices: Impending change in major requirements; Addition of Bachelor of Science degrees
Students matriculating Fall 2025 or later will choose from 3 different degrees in biological sciences: a BA in Biological Sciences, a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, or a BS in Integrative Biology. Students must have credit for BSCI 1509 (Biological Systems) prior to taking BSCI 1510 (Molecules and Cells) or BSCI 1511 (Organisms and Ecosystems). Students receiving a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB Biology exam will receive 3 credits for BSCI 1509.
Starting Fall 2025, students currently completing a BSCI, MCB, or EEOB major will be able to change to one of the new majors if they choose. More information will be available in August, 2025.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers three majors:
- Biological Sciences (BioSci): This major is designed for students seeking a broad base in the biological sciences, though it is a highly flexible program that allows a certain amount of specialization in upper-level courses.
- Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (EEOB): This major is designed for students interested in fields such as ecology, evolution, environmental, or conservation biology.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB): This major is designed for students who want to develop an in-depth understanding of how living systems function at the molecular and cellular levels. Upper-level course options cover topics such as biophysics, biochemistry, developmental biology, molecular evolution, and toxicology.
Double majors: with planning, it is possible to combine a major in biological sciences with an additional major. While it is more common for double majors to consider related fields such as chemistry and mathematics, students have combined biological sciences degrees with such diverse areas as foreign languages, music, and fine arts. Consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies as early as possible. Double or triple majors entirely within the biological sciences department are not permitted.
General Requirements for All Majors
- Two semesters of general chemistry and lab (Chemistry 1601–1602 and 1601L–1602L) and two semesters of organic chemistry and lab (Chemistry 2221–2222 and 2221L–2222L).
- 30 credit hours of biological sciences courses, including BSCI 1510–1511, 1510L, and either 1511L or 1512L. All majors must also complete at least 2 credit hours of BSCI 3965, 3850, or 3861; though only one semester of 3965 may count toward the 30 credit hours.
- A total of no more than seven credit hours of BSCI 3850, 3861, or 3961 may count toward the major.
- If option 1 (see below) is used to meet the laboratory requirement, then BSCI 3965 or two credit hours of 3850 is required.
- All biological sciences courses count toward the major except for BSCI 1100, 1105, and 1111. Below is a listing of the required courses for the biological sciences (BioSci) major, for the molecular and cellular biology (MCB) major, and for the ecology, evolution, and organismal biology (EEOB) major. Students with specialized interests within either of the specialized majors may substitute one of the intermediate courses with an upper-level course with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies and the Biological Sciences Curriculum Committee. Intermediate biological sciences courses are as follows: BSCI 2201, 2201L, 2205, 2210, 2210L, 2218, 2219, 2238, 2238L, 2520.
Specific Requirements for Each Major
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REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE MAJOR |
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Intermediate Courses |
BSCI 2205, 2210, and one additional intermediate course (2101, 2201, 2218, 2219, 2238 or 2520) *BSCI 2101 or BSCI 3101 (but not both) can be used to fulfill elective credits. If BSCI 2101 is used to fulfill the intermediate course requirement, then BSCI 3101 can be used to fulfill elective credits. |
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Laboratory |
Option 1: Lab |
Option 2: Lab & Research |
Option 3: Research Intensive |
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Two labs: BSCI 2201L, 2210L, 2218, 2219, or 2238L (See note above regarding BSCI 3965 or 3850) |
One lab plus two semesters (at least 6 credit hours total) of directed and independent research: BSCI 3861, 3961, or 4999 |
At least 12 credit hours of research in directed, independent, and/or honors research courses: BSCI 3861, 3961, or 4999 |
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REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE MAJOR |
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Intermediate Courses |
BSCI 2201, 2210, and 2520 *BSCI 2101 or BSCI 3101 (but not both) can be used to fulfill elective credits. |
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Laboratory |
Option 1: Lab |
Option 2: Lab & Research |
Option 3: Research Intensive |
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Two labs: BSCI 2201L or 2210L; plus one of the following: BSCI 2201L, 2210L, 2218, 2219, or 2238L (See note above regarding BSCI 3965 or 3850) |
One lab: BSCI 2201L or 2210L; plus two semesters (at least 6 credit hours total) of directed and independent research: BSCI 3861, 3961, or 4999 |
At least 12 credit hours of research in directed, independent, and/or honors research courses: BSCI 3861, 3961, or 4999 |
Minor in Biological Sciences
A minor in biological sciences requires a minimum of 18 hours. At least 9 credit hours must be earned in residence at Vanderbilt. Credit hours for the minor must include: BSCI 1510, 1511, 1510L, 2210, either 1511L or 1512L, and at least one additional intermediate (BSCI 2000-level) course. No more than two credit hours of BSCI 3850, 3860, 3861, or 3961 may be counted toward the minor.
Ready to declare a Major or Minor in Biological Sciences?
To initiate the major or minor declaration process, please click HERE.
Need more information?
Current undergraduates can find more detailed information on matters including advising, research courses and immersion, and teaching opportunities, and frequently asked questions under the Resources>Undergraduate Students menu.