Preparation for Transfer as a Biological Sciences Major
The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a biological sciences major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed. If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.
CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.
Save all of your course syllabi!
Please note: These plans assume students are ready to take calculus. If you are not “calculus ready,” take math courses to prepare you for calculus so that you advance to calculus as soon as possible. Also, if you are planning a minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.
Admission as a Biological Sciences Major
To enter SMU as a declared biological sciences major, transfer students must have 24 or more hours of transfer credit. Additionally, students must complete equivalent courses to SMU’s BIOL 1301 and BIOL 1101 (Introductory Biology I), BIOL 1302 and BIOL 1102 (Introductory Biology II), CHEM 1303 and CHEM 1113 (General Chemistry I), CHEM 1304 and CHEM 1114 (General Chemistry II), and MATH 1337 (Calculus). Although these courses are transferable with a C- or better, transfer students are more likely to be successful as biological sciences majors if grades in these courses are significantly higher.
Preparing for a Smooth Transition
Transfer students who take time to prepare for their move to SMU are some of our most successful students. Following are a few important points to remember:
- Completion of BIOL 1301 , BIOL 1101 , BIOL 1302 , BIOL 1102 , CHEM 1303 , CHEM 1113 , CHEM 1304 , CHEM 1114 , and MATH 1337 are required for students transferring as juniors. If these courses are not completed before transferring, completion of the degree will take longer than two years.
- If transferring as juniors, it is highly recommended that students complete organic chemistry prior to enrolling at SMU.
- If a course is part of a two-course sequence, finish the sequence at the same institution.
- SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
- Work on the Common Curriculum prior to transfer is suggested.
- The B.S. degree in biological sciences also requires work in chemistry, physics, math and statistics.
- The B.A. degree in biological sciences requires additional work in chemistry.
- A solid math and chemistry background is important for success in the biological sciences.
- Students pursuing entrance into graduate programs in the health professions (medical, dental, pre-veterinary, PT, pharmacy, etc.) should refer to SMU’s Pre-Health Program for further advice and preparation.
- Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
- Many biology students complete a semester abroad; if a semester abroad is planned, students should contact the Study Abroad Office during their first semester and discuss their plans with their adviser.
- For additional information on biological sciences, visit the department homepage.
- For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.
B.S. in Biological Sciences
SCHs = Semester Credit Hours
|
First Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing |
ENGL 1301 |
3 |
| BIOL 1301 - Introductory Biology / BIOL 1101 - Introductory Biology Lab |
BIOL 1406 |
4 |
| CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1411 |
4 |
| MATH 1337 - Calculus I |
MATH 2413 |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
15 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II |
ENGL 1302 |
3 |
| BIOL 1302 - Introductory Biology / BIOL 1102 - Introductory Biology Lab |
BIOL 1407 |
4 |
| CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1412 |
4 |
| MATH 1338 - Calculus II |
MATH 2414 |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
15 |
|
Second Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| CHEM 20XX - Chemistry Intermediate |
CHEM 2423 |
3 |
| PHYS 1303 - Introductory Mechanics / PHYS 1105 - Mechanics Laboratory |
PHYS 2425 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics |
Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316, ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts |
Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 |
3 |
| World Language* |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| CHEM 20YY - Chemistry Intermediate |
CHEM 2425 |
3 |
| PHYS 1304 - Introductory Electricity and Magnetism / PHYS 1106 - Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory |
PHYS 2426 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences |
Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry |
Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 |
3 |
| World Language* |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
B.A. in Biological Sciences
|
First Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I |
ENGL 1301 |
3 |
| CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1411 |
4 |
| MATH 1337 - Calculus I (or pre-calc, if needed) |
MATH 2413 |
4 |
| World Language* |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
15 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II |
ENGL 1302 |
3 |
| CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1412 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics |
Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316, ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts |
Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 |
3 |
| World Language* |
|
4 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
|
Second Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| BIOL 1301 - Introductory Biology / BIOL 1101 - Introductory Biology Lab |
BIOL 1406 |
4 |
| CHEM 20XX - Chemistry Intermediate** |
CHEM 2423 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation |
Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences |
Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 |
3 |
| Second major, minor or elective course |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| BIOL 1302 - Introductory Biology / BIOL 1102 - Introductory Biology Lab |
BIOL 1407 |
4 |
| CHEM 20YY - Chemistry Intermediate** |
CHEM 2425 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious & Ethical Inquiry |
Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances in Society |
Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 |
3 |
| Second major, minor or elective course |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
Notes
*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.
**Only one semester of organic chemistry is required for the B.A. degree in Biological Sciences. However, a full year of organic chemistry is required for graduate programs and admission to many of the health professions schools.
The Biological Sciences Department
The Department of Biological Sciences at SMU is part of Dedman College, home to the humanities and social and natural sciences. The department mission is to excel as both an academic and research-oriented department with strong emphasis on undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral education with training in the molecular and cellular biosciences.
The biological sciences faculty has rigorous and well-funded research programs. Students are encouraged to take part in ongoing projects and work in laboratories with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The research can be applied towards the Departmental Distinction Program, and can count as credit towards a biological sciences degree.
The Department of Biological Sciences is located in the Dedman Life Sciences Building, which contains state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, lecture halls and conference rooms.
Biological sciences, in combination with SMU’s liberal arts foundation, prepares students for virtually any career path. Graduates who choose to extend their science education successfully pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in the field, attend graduate programs in the health professions, or pursue careers in pre-college teaching, biotechnology, law, business and lab research.
Majoring in Biological Sciences
The Biological Sciences Department offers two degree plans from which to choose:
At least 18 credit hours of advanced courses must be completed through enrollment at SMU.
Ordinarily, pre-health profession students will pursue the B.S. degree or go beyond the minimum requirements for the B.A. degree. If you are interested in a double major, careful planning is recommended for course sequencing and course load.
Minoring in Biological Sciences
The Biological Sciences Minor requires 25 total credit hours. All advanced courses must be completed through enrollment at SMU. A student may not earn minors in both biology and the health sciences, or a minor or a major in both biology and environmental science.
SMU Degree
A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 120 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:
- Courses in your major.
- Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC) ,which may also count for your major and/or minor, and elective courses that may also be used to add a second major or minor. Common second majors and minors for biology majors include chemistry, math, psychology, anthropology and business.
- Elective courses. These electives may also be used to add a second major or minor.
The Common Curriculum (CC)
The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components:
- Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language.
- Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
- Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.
NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.
Apply Now!
Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.
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