Biology & Biotechnology

The introductory sequence for Biology & Biotechnology majors includes Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (BB 1101, A & C terms), Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Biology (BB 1102, B & D terms) and Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory (BB 1801, B and C terms). Students who successfully complete BB 1101 in A term may choose to take Cell Biology (BB 2550) in B term, keeping in mind that eventually you will need to take all three introductory sequence courses. For students hoping to get started in the laboratory, BB 1801, Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory is an entry level lab that is worth 1/3 unit taught in B term.

BB majors and all students planning careers in the health professions should complete the introductory chemistry sequence through CH 1030: (CH Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces (1010), Chemical Reactions (CH 1020) and Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamics (CH 1030).

If you have received AP credit for CH 1010 you can consider taking Math, GPS, or HUA course in it's place. 

Your third course should be a GPS, Humanities and Arts, or Math. More information about these courses is available below: 

GPS stands for Great Problems Seminar is a course that is exclusively for first year students and allow students to learn about a problem in the world and work with a group on how to fix it. These courses are helpful with the transition to college as well as useful for students when preparing for projects such as IQP and MQP in junior and senior year. GPS courses run for both A and B term, so you will only need to choose one. Biology and Biotechnology majors who are interested in GPS should consider taking topics of particular interest including global health and nutrition. More information can be found here.

Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:

• Art (AR)
• Music (MU)
• Drama/Theatre (EN/TH)
• Foreign Language- Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN)
   
  • For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
  • For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
     
  • For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
  • For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
  • For English Language (International Students) Information, Please Email: Professor Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) and Professor Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu)
• Literature (EN)
• Writing/Rhetoric (WR, RH)
• International Student English (ISE)
• History (HI)
• International Studies (INTL)
• Philosophy (PY)
• Religion (RE)

You should pick courses in subjects you are interested in. When you come to campus you will learn more about the HUA requirement and how you will complete it. 

Mathematics for biology majors should include Calculus I (MA 1021) and II (MA 1022). After completing or receiving credit for Calculus I and II, students may elect to take statistics, an area of mathematics essential to biological data analysis.  Statistics courses include Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences (MA 2610) and Applied Statistics I and II (MA 2611 and 2612). In order to determine where you should start with your MA courses, please see below.

1. Complete the Math Placement Exam. The Math Placement Exam will tell you which Calculus course you should start in based on your current knowledge. If you are recommended to start in MA 1020, this will be your math course for both terms.
2. Consider if you have AP Credit: 
   Students who obtain a score of “4” or “5” on the AB-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022
   Students who obtain a grade of “4” or “5” on the BC-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021, MA 1022 and MA 1023.
3. If you received a 6 or 7 on the IB, you will receive 2/3 credit of MA 1000, and you should use your math placement exam results to decide which math class to take.
4. Consider the possibility of retroactive credit. If the Math Placement Exam recommends that you start in MA 1022, MA 1023/1033, or MA 1024 but you do not have AP credit, this could be a great option for you. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1022 and MA 1023/1033 on your first attempt, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1023/1033 and MA 1024/1034 on your first attempt you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022.  If, in your first year, you complete MA 1024 and MA 2051, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022. Please note that there is no retroactive credit for MA 1023. In determining if this is the right path for you, we strongly recommend completing the Math Placement exam and following the suggestion given to you. 

The sequence MA 1033 Theoretical Calculus III and MA 1034 Theoretical Calculus IV is an alternative to the MA 1023, MA 1024 sequence in A and B terms. The sequence is designed to give a deeper and more mathematically rigorous presentation of the relevant calculus topics. If you really enjoy math and have credit for Calculus I and II already, you should consider this sequence instead of the MA 1023-MA 1024 sequence.

The introductory sequence for Biology & Biotechnology majors includes Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (BB 1101, A & C terms), Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Biology (BB 1102, B & D terms) and Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory (BB 1801, B and C terms). For students hoping to get started in the laboratory, BB 1801, Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory is an entry level lab that is worth 1/3 unit taught in B term.

BB majors and all students planning careers in the health professions should complete the introductory chemistry sequence through CH 1030: (CH Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces (1010), Chemical Reactions (CH 1020) and Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamics (CH 1030).

Your third course should be a GPS, Humanities and Arts, Math, or Chemistry course. More information can be found on these courses below: 

GPS stands for Great Problems Seminar is a course that is exclusively for first year students and allow students to learn about a problem in the world and work with a group on how to fix it. These courses are helpful with the transition to college as well as useful for students when preparing for projects such as IQP and MQP in junior and senior year. GPS courses run for both A and B term, so you will only need to choose one. Topics of particular interest for BBT majors may include the seminars related to global health and nutrition. For more information click here.

Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:

• Art (AR)
• Music (MU)
• Drama/Theatre (EN/TH)
• Foreign Language- Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN)
   
  • For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
  • For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
     
  • For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
  • For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
  • For English Language (International Students) Information, Please Email: Professor Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) and Professor Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu)
• Literature (EN)
• Writing/Rhetoric (WR, RH)
• International Student English (ISE)
• History (HI)
• International Studies (INTL)
• Philosophy (PY)
• Religion (RE)

You should pick courses in subjects you are interested in. When you come to campus you will learn more about the HUA requirement and how you will complete it. 

Mathematics for biology majors should include Calculus I (MA 1021) and II (MA 1022). After completing or receiving credit for Calculus I and II, students may elect to take statistics, an area of mathematics essential to biological data analysis.  Statistics courses include Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences (MA 2610) and Applied Statistics I and II (MA 2611 and 2612). In choosing which Math course you will begin with, please consider the following:  

1. Complete the Math Placement Exam. The Math Placement Exam will tell you which Calculus course you should start in based on your current knowledge. If you are recommended to start in MA 1020, this will be your math course for both terms.
2. Consider if you have AP Credit: 
   Students who obtain a score of “4” or “5” on the AB-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022.
   Students who obtain a grade of “4” or “5” on the BC-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021, MA 1022 and MA 1023.
3. If you received a 6 or 7 on the IB, you will receive 2/3 credit of MA 1000, and you should use your math placement exam results to decide which math class to take.
4. Consider the possibility of retroactive credit. If the Math Placement Exam recommends that you start in MA 1022, MA 1023/1033, or MA 1024 but you do not have AP credit, this could be a great option for you. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1022 and MA 1023/1033 on your first attempt, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1023/1033 and MA 1024/1034 on your first attempt you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022.  If, in your first year, you complete MA 1024 and MA 2051, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022. Please note that there is no retroactive credit for MA 1023. In determining if this is the right path for you, we strongly recommend completing the Math Placement exam and following the suggestion given to you. 

The sequence MA 1033 Theoretical Calculus III and MA 1034 Theoretical Calculus IV is an alternative to the MA 1023, MA 1024 sequence in A and B terms. The sequence is designed to give a deeper and more mathematically rigorous presentation of the relevant calculus topics. If you really enjoy math and have credit for Calculus I and II already, you should consider this sequence instead of the MA 1023-MA 1024 sequence.

The introductory sequence for Biology & Biotechnology majors includes Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (BB 1101, A & C terms), Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Biology (BB 1102, B & D terms) and Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory (BB 1801, B and C terms). Students must complete these three courses, and the 1000-level courses should be completed in the first year.  Students who took BB 1101 in A term can consider taking Cell Biology BB 2550 in C term. Students who took BB 1101 and BB 1102 in A & B terms can consider taking Genetics BB 2920 in C term.  

BB majors and all students planning careers in the health professions should complete the introductory chemistry sequence through CH 1030: (CH Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces (1010), Chemical Reactions (CH 1020) and Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamics (CH 1030).

Your third course should be a GPS, Humanities and Arts, or Math. More information about these courses is available below: 

GPS stands for Great Problems Seminar is a course that is exclusively for first year students and allow students to learn about a problem in the world and work with a group on how to fix it. These courses are helpful with the transition to college as well as useful for students when preparing for projects such as IQP and MQP in junior and senior year. GPS courses run for both A and B term, so you will only need to choose one. Biology and Biotechnology majors who are interested in GPS should consider taking topics of particular interest including global health and nutrition. More information can be found here.

Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:

• Art (AR)
• Music (MU)
• Drama/Theatre (EN/TH)
• Foreign Language- Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN)
   
  • For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
  • For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
     
  • For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
  • For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
  • For English Language (International Students) Information, Please Email: Professor Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) and Professor Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu)
• Literature (EN)
• Writing/Rhetoric (WR, RH)
• International Student English (ISE)
• History (HI)
• International Studies (INTL)
• Philosophy (PY)
• Religion (RE)

Mathematics for biology majors should include Calculus I (MA 1021) and II (MA 1022). After completing or receiving credit for Calculus I and II, students may elect to take statistics, an area of mathematics essential to biological data analysis.  Statistics courses include Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences (MA 2610) and Applied Statistics I and II (MA 2611 and 2612). In order to determine where you should start with your MA courses, please see below.

Biology and Biotechnology majors are required to take 3/6 units of labs, and Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory (BB 1801, B and C terms) should be completed in the first year. BB 1801, Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory is an entry level lab that is worth 1/3 unit offered in C term.

The introductory sequence for Biology & Biotechnology majors includes Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (BB 1101, A & C terms), Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Biology (BB 1102, B & D terms) and Foundations of Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory (BB 1801, B and C terms). Students must complete these three courses, and the 1000-level courses should be completed in the first year.  Students who took BB 1101 in A term can consider taking Cell Biology BB 2550 in D term. Students who took BB 1102 in B term can consider taking Plant Diversity BB 2030 in D term.

BB majors and all students planning careers in the health professions should complete the introductory chemistry sequence through CH 1030: (CH Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces (1010), Chemical Reactions (CH 1020) and Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamics (CH 1030).

Mathematics for biology majors should include Calculus I (MA 1021) and II (MA 1022). After completing or receiving credit for Calculus I and II, students may elect to take statistics, an area of mathematics essential to biological data analysis.  Statistics courses include Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences (MA 2610) and Applied Statistics I and II (MA 2611 and 2612).

Your third course should be a Humanities and Arts or Social Science course. More information can be found on these courses below: 

Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:

• Art (AR)
• Music (MU)
• Drama/Theatre (EN/TH)
• Foreign Language- Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN)
   
  • For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
  • For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
     
  • For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
  • For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
  • For English Language (International Students) Information, Please Email: Professor Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) and Professor Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu)
• Literature (EN)
• Writing/Rhetoric (WR, RH)
• International Student English (ISE)
• History (HI)
• International Studies (INTL)
• Philosophy (PY)
• Religion (RE)

You are required to take two Social Science Courses in your time at WPI. The subjects that are considered Social Science are:

• Development (DEV)
• Economics (ECON)
• Environmental Studies (ENV)
• Government, Political Science, and Law (GOV)
• Psychology (PSY)
• System Dynamics (SD)
• Sociology (SOC)
• Social Science (SS)
• Society/Technology Studies (STS)

Note: ID 2050 is a course that is required before you go away for IQP and counts as one of your Social Science Courses. If you are planning on going away for IQP in your junior year, you may only want to take one social science course in your first year. 

Biology and Biotechnology majors are required to take 3/6 unit of biology labs at the 28XX level. Students who have completed BB 1101 or 1102 can consider taking BB 2804 as an additional 1/6 lab.