Biology Major FAQ

Which courses should I take first?

Review our Degree Map (https://www.ucdenver.edu/student/advising/degree-maps/four-year#CLAS ) to see a generic four year plan. Meet with a Biology Advisor to make a plan just for you. 

Which electives should I choose?

Biology electives should be selected to accommodate your individual interests and professional goals. Meet with a Biology Advisor for help selecting.   

Which courses should not be taken together?

The Biology Major may prove challenging for some students.  We recommend students enroll in no more than two science courses in any semester.  Courses with labs require more time, plan for that in your schedule.  We do not recommend taking Organic Chemistry and Human Anatomy, at the same time. Consider following our suggested Degree Map (https://www.ucdenver.edu/student/advising/degree-maps/four-year#CLAS)​

What if I am not doing well in a course for my major?

Speak with the course instructor. Faculty may be able to assist you in isolating your academic struggle and offer suggestions on ways to improve your performance in the course. There may be tutoring, supplemental instruction, workshops, or other resources available through the Learning Resource Center--take advantage of these university services.

Are you using study time effectively?  You should plan 5-7 hours of study per week, for each 3 credit course. You may want to visit the library or purchase a college study skills book. 

Which Biology classes are offered online?

 Our required biology classes (like General Biology) are offered both online and on-campus. We try to offer these online at least once a year. Some biology electives are offered online sporadically.

How do I know when a specific course will be offered?

We offer the required biology courses (i.e., Gen Bio) every semester including summer.  There are a variety of upper division biology electives to choose from.  Not all upper division biology electives are offered every semester.  The Catalog description for each course provides information on which semesters each class is offered. A search of BIOL courses in the Schedule Planner in UCDAcess lists the biology courses offered in a given semester. 

I attempted to register for a course but it wouldn’t let me because I don’t have the prerequisite. What does that mean?

Biology courses are designed to build on prior knowledge. Courses may have prerequisites that must be completed before taking a course. You will be blocked from registering if you have not completed the prerequisites. Prerequisites are determined by the instructors and ensure the background needed to succeed in the course. If you have completed the prerequisites at another institution not listed in the CU Denver system but the system is not recognizing it, contact the Biology transfer evaluation advisor.

I am interested in attending graduate school after I complete my bachelor’s degree. What should I do to prepare?

Get to know your professors. Faculty may assist you with gaining research experience, offer advice & mentoring, and build on academic relationships for future requests for letters of recommendation.  

I am interested in a career in health. What classes should I take?

CU Denver's Health Professions Advisors are available to discuss undergraduate and non-degree seeking curriculum, specific health program admissions requirements, and to guide your overall direction toward a future in the health professions.

What classes do I have left to take before I can graduate?

To make sure your course plan is on track, plan regular appointments to see your Biology Advisor.  Before your appointment, review your Degree Audit in UCDAccess and bring questions.  

How do I know what the prerequisites are for each biology class?

You can find it in several places. It is in the UC Denver Catalog in the Course Description. It is in the Schedule Planner if you click on the course for more information. Here is a graphic of the prerequisites 

What is the criteria to graduate with honors?

Departmental honors are awarded to students based on their grade point average in classes taken at CU Denver.  The following minimum grade point averages must be met for all biology courses in the major AND all additional courses taken at CU Denver: cum laude >3.500; magna cum laude >3.700; summa cum laude > 3.900.

I am a student at a Colorado Community College and plan to transfer to UCD as a Bio Major. What classes should I take at the community college?

For students at Colorado Community Colleges, the science/math courses which will apply to the Biology Major are: BIO111&112, CHE111&112, , MAT121, 122, 201. 

I am transferring to UCDenver. How do I know how my classes will transfer?

You can research your institution and courses with Transferology (https://www.transferologylab.com/index.htm). Once you have been admitted to CU Denver, you may process a Degree Audit via the UCD Portal to verify how your transfer courses have applied to your degree (go to UCD Access → Student tab → Degree Audit).