Requirements for completing the Biology major are formally stated in the Villanova University Catalog - Undergraduate Studies and summarized in the Enchiridion. Completion involves three components—Biology courses, other sciences, and College Core requirements—that must total at least 136 earned credit hours. Current requirements are as follows:

Required Biology Courses

• At least 36 total credits in Biology or in approved related subjects (e.g., Biochemistry)
• Two semesters of General Biology with laboratory ( BIO 2105 , BIO 2106 )
• One semester of Genetics ( BIO 3351 )
• Senior seminar ( BIO 5100 ), taken either Fall or Spring of senior year. Students completing a senior thesis must take a special section of senior seminar in the Spring semester
• Biology Laboratory & Distribution Requirement: Five biology laboratories at the 3000 level or above, including at least one course with laboratory from each of the following subdisciplinary categories:

Note that most Biology majors will need to take 3-4 additional Biology credits in addition to the specific course requirements listed above to reach the total of 36 credits. The remaining 3-4 credits, which should be considered as Biology electives, do not necessarily have to include laboratory.

Other Required Science Courses

Total Number of Credits for Graduation

Biology majors must accumulate a total of at least 136 earned credit hours of course work (major requirements + Core Curriculum requirements + electives), including any approved advanced placement or transfer credits. Students must also take at least two Biology courses, numbered 3000 or higher, designated as writing enriched. (Students do not earn credit toward the total required for graduation for courses that they fail.) Students must earn an overall GPA of 2.0 to graduate; in addition, Biology majors must maintain a "technical GPA" (i.e., a grade-point average in science and mathematics courses) of ≥ 2.0.

* For undergraduate Biology majors: courses indicated with asterisks (lecture-only courses) cannot be used by themselves to fulfill the distribution requirement in any of the three subdisciplinary areas.