The Foundations of Biology course sequence for College of Biological Sciences majors explores fundamental biological concepts from biomolecules to ecosystems. It transforms traditional biology education into an immersive, collaborative experience where students become practicing scientists. Set in state-of-the-art classrooms this sequence trains students to become biologists. Through active learning and team-based problem-solving, students tackle real-world challenges while developing essential scientific skills including exploring primary literature, formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, data analysis, and science communication. This course sequence strategically integrates fundamental biological concepts: Foundations of Biology 1 focuses on evolution and genetics, while Foundations of Biology 2 explores cell biology and ecology. Throughout both courses, students work in collaborative teams, engaging with cutting-edge research and developing the critical thinking, information management, and self-assessment skills essential for scientific careers. This approach creates an interactive environment that mirrors real scientific practice, preparing students not just to understand biology, but to contribute to its advancement.
Courses
BIOL 1951/1951H: Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part I
BIOL 1951/1951H Foundations of Biology 1 is a course for College of Biological Sciences majors with an emphasis on evolution and genetics. Students develop essential scientific skills including exploring primary literature, formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and evaluating data; in short they learn to think like biologists. The course emphasizes collaborative learning through team projects and activities, while building crucial academic competencies in communication, time management, organization, and critical thinking. Taught in an active-learning classroom, this course requires engaged participation.
BIOL 1961: Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part I Laboratory
BIOL 1961 is the "research lab" component for the first semester of the Foundations sequence. Students are challenged to formulate scientific questions, make observations, develop hypotheses, and design and conduct experiments. Students are also introduced to advanced tools of the discipline (e.g., protein and DNA analysis, PCR, fluorescent microscopy, phylogenetic analysis, bioinformatics) so as to build a research “toolkit.” The complexity of the lab work ensures that there will be unexpected results, mistakes, and an opportunity to learn the critical role of good lab skills for obtaining reliable data. Students have the opportunity individually, in small groups, and in the full lab section to discuss results and critique the work of others. BIOL 1961 provides students with a firm foundation on which to later launch their team-based inquiry into authentic scientific research in BIOL 3004.
BIOL 2003/2003H: Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part II
BIOL 2003/2003H Foundations of Biology 2 builds upon core biological concepts taught in BIOL 1951, while focusing on cell biology and ecology. Students explore cellular processes including protein transport, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, while investigating broader ecological concepts such as population dynamics, community interactions, biogeochemical cycles, energy flow, biodiversity and conservation. Through team-based research projects, students propose and design novel experiments using cell biology and ecological techniques. This multi-scale approach integrates molecular and ecosystem-level understanding, emphasizing both established scientific principles and the methods of discovery that revealed them.
BIOL 3004: Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part II Laboratory
In BIOL 3004 student teams (established in BIOL 1961) design and perform novel research projects. This course is structured as a working research lab, where instructors serve as advisors to help student teams plan and execute their proposed research. Required activities of the course include reading of primary literature relevant to the specific project undertaken, maintenance of a detailed lab notebook, and active participation in planning and discussion of the team's work. Each laboratory section is devoted to one of the following general research areas: Pseudomonas adaptive radiation, zebrafish environmental toxicology, or microbiome/bioinformatics research. All projects examine the relationship between biology and other sciences, and stress application of quantitative skills, the scientific method, and modern biological tools to answer meaningful questions. Skills developed include designing and execution of experiments, appropriate use of the primary literature, written documentation of methods, analysis and presentation of results, and peer review.
Students can consider different registration options for Foundations of Biology:
- Option 1
- Semester 1: Biol 1951+1961
- Semester 2: Biol 2003+3004
- Option 2
- Semester 1: Biol 1951
- Semester 2: Biol 1961+Biol 2003
- Semester 3: Biol 3004
Biol 1951+1961 enrollment for non-CBS students
If you have been admitted to CBS and are having issues with registering for Foundations courses please reach out to your CBS academic advisor.
For Fall 2025, non-CBS students, including PSEO students, will be able to register for BIOL 1951 and BIOL 1961 on Monday, August 25, 2025. Waitlists might not be available before this date.
For Spring 2025, non-CBS students will be able to register for BIOL 1951 and BIOL 1961 after December 13, 2024.
Students are encouraged to consider alternative class options in the event that Foundations of Biology fills before non-CBS students are able to register.
Chemistry
It is recommended that students have completed or be in progress of completing Chem lecture and/or lab (1061, 1065, 1071H, 1075H, or 1081) before registering for 2003 and/or 3004. Students can contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Department at [email protected] with questions.