Current Undergraduates

If you started your Biology major before September 2003, click here for your major requirements.

If you started your Biology major after September 2003, click on the appropriate link for your major requirements:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is my academic advisor?

COLSA Freshmen should visit the COLSA Advising Office in Rudman Hall for answers to any advising questions.

I would like a new advisor, is that possible?

Yes, call Suzanne Booska at 862-1451 for a reassignment.

Where is my file kept?

We have two sets of files on each student. Your faculty advisor has a file as well as the Dean's Office. Your advisor may have your file in his/her office or in the home department of the faculty member.

Is it possible to substitute a course for a major requirement? How?

If you want to substitute a course from the elective categories (courses beyond the Biology core) you must fill out a Petition for Academic Variance. You may pick up a petition form from the Registrar's Office (Stoke Hall), the Dean's Office (Taylor Hall), or from any department in the College. The petition form requires your advisor's signature and then it should be brought to the Biology Director (Dr. Dave Townson) in Kendall Hall for a final decision.

How can I do an Internship for academic credit?

There are several ways to do this. You may be able to receive academic credit under special Investigations and/or Independent study type courses (795/796). This arrangement is generally made with the faculty member that is supervising your project. You may also receive academic credit for a Field Experience. A Field Experience is usually a working experience in your field of study and is usually done off campus. If you have any questions concerning these types of experiences, please contact your faculty advisor or the Dean's Office for more information.

Would I be able to go on a National Exchange program or Study Abroad program and still graduate on time?

Yes, this is definitely possible as a Biology major. Forms must be submitted prior to leaving for the Exchange that lists specifically the courses that you are intending to take and what they match up with here at UNH. The Biology program is flexible enough to allow you to participate in this great opportunity.

A list of schools for the National Exchange Program and Study Abroad programs are available at Hood House.

Is it possible to change my major and/or option? How? When?

You may change your major within the College at any time as well as your Biology option. However, changing Colleges requires a different process and in some cases, can only be done at specified periods throughout the fall semester. In order to change your major, you must pick up a "yellow" Change of Program form from the Registrar's Office, the Dean's Office or at any department in the College. The process begins with your current advisor.

How do I go about getting a Second Major, a Dual Degree, or a Minor?

All Biology majors are encouraged to at least have a minor outside of the sciences. UNH has an eight credit overlap rule, in other words, no more than eight credits can overlap between a Second major, a Dual Degree, or a Minor. A Second major requires that you fulfill the major requirements for both majors, but you only receive one degree (requires 128 credits). A Dual Degree requires that you fulfill the major requirements for both majors, and you receive two degrees (requires 160 credits). A minor is usually 20 credits and can easily be incorporated into your degree program. Please consult with your academic advisor or the Dean's Office if you have any questions concerning this issue.

If I fail a course at UNH, can I retake it at another institution and have the new grade count in my g.p.a.?

Any course that you plan on repeating, should be taken here at UNH. A course taken at another institution may not be used under the University repeated course rule, because the transferred course work does not affect the UNH cumulative grade point average. Credits are accepted from transferred courses if a grade of "C" is earned.

Do I have to take the major requirements for the Biology degree in a certain order?

You should try to take the Biology core course work first before going on to the upper-level courses that are required in the major. Some of the courses that are part of the Biology core can be taken out of sequence, but only after you have completed BIOL 411 and 412 and CHEM 403 and 404. Please refer to the curriculum guides for all the courses that are required and a recommended sequence to take them.

How many "Writing Intensive" courses do I need?

You need four "WI" courses. These are ENGL 401, and three additional "writing intensive" courses, one of which must be in your major, and one of which must be at the 600-level or above.

Do I need a foreign language for a Biology degree?

You do not need a foreign language for any B.S. degree obtained here at UNH. However, you still must take a Group 5 (foreign culture) course in order to graduate.