Each has its own flavor and requirements, suggested in its title and the names of its prerequisite introductory courses. Students interested in the Biology Foreign Study Program in Tropical Biology should plan to take Biology 14 as soon as possible. In practice, two courses in biology cannot provide a background adequate for understanding medicine. Many biology courses, all of which count as prerequisites or electives in a major or minor, help prepare for training in the health professions and, more immediately, for admission tests. Taking Calculus, General Chemistry and at least one biology course during the Freshman year simplifies scheduling Organic Chemistry and off campus programs and generally eases later curricular planning and course selection .
Freshmen have many options, depending on their plans and interests.
Choose the particular biology course that best matches your background, ambition, and likely curriculum. The department has no single introductory survey course, gives no placement test, and grants no advanced placement in biology. An Unspecified Credit reduces the number of courses required for graduation by one, but does not change the prerequisite requirements for the major or for any advanced courses.