Academics 
General Biology
General Biology
Programs of Study
The Program of Study in General Biology provides an alternative for students who wish to explore several biological disciplines instead of concentrating on only one specific area of biology for in-depth study. Students obtain a breadth of knowledge by taking coursework from at least three different Programs of Study, but also are exposed to advanced topics by taking a minimum of two upper-level courses. Laboratory coursework beyond that involved in the basic requirements for the major is also required.
General Biology is a particularly good choice for students whose interests lie within more than one established Program of Study. It also is an appropriate program for students who are not ready to select one single area for study, by providing guidelines for students who are trying to identify an area of interest. General Biology also can serve as a "back-up" Program of Study for students whose biology interests change relatively late in their Cornell career.
Students in the General Biology Program of Study are advised by faculty in any of the biology departments. The flexibility of the program allows virtually endless combinations of courses to satisfy the requirements, limited only by the scope of the student's interests and creativity in designing a course of study.
The program provides suitable background for students desiring to continue their studies in human or veterinary medicine, or in graduate-level study in biology (most likely in the area the student focused on for advanced study). It is also ideal preparation for careers in teaching, business, or law --requiring broad knowledge of the field of biology.
Required Classes for Program of Study in General Biology:
The Program of Study in General Biology requires a minimum of 13 credit hours from courses in biological sciences in addition to core courses required of all biology majors. These credits must fulfill the following 3 categories:
- One course from each of three different programs of study in biology. Only those courses specifically listed as fulfilling a program of study requirement are acceptable without permission of advisor.
- A course with a laboratory.
- A minimum of two upper-level (3000 and above) courses of two or more credits each.
Students must use 3 or more biological sciences courses to fulfill the requirements of this program of study.
Notes:
- Level 1000 courses are not acceptable for meeting any of these requirements. BIOG 4980 may not be used to fulfil the requirements of this program of study. BIOG 4990 (minimum of 2 credits, but no more than 3 credits) may count as one of the upper-level courses, and may count as the laboratory course with approval of the advisor, but it cannot count as a course representing a program of study.
- It is possible to use a single course to fulfill more than one requirement. For example, BIOAP 4130 Histology could count in all three areas: as a course in Animal Physiology program of study, as an upper-level course, and as a course with a lab.
