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Biology, B.A. (Madrid)

Biology is a fast-growing field of science. Important social issues such as developing cures for widespread diseases like cancer, fuel alternatives, managing natural resources, genetically modified food sources, or climate change can only be addressed by professionals who are well-educated in biology.

Biology laboratory at SLU-Madrid

Major in Biology

Biology is a dynamic science aimed at understanding living organisms and how they interact with the environment. SLU-Madrid's biology program offers courses that emphasize concepts over facts and aim to provide a foundation for careers in the life sciences, health professions, education and advanced post-graduate study in various disciplines. The B.A. in biology at SLU-Madrid provides maximum flexibility in selecting upper-division courses and is favored by students seeking double majors. It also provides a solid foundation in biological sciences, serving as a gateway to graduate studies and preparing students for advanced academic and professional opportunities.

SLU-Madrid B.A. in biology program is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories that meet the highest teaching standards. These advanced facilities provide students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology and equipment, fostering a dynamic learning environment that bridges theory and practice. 

SLU-Madrid's academic curriculum in biology is completely integrated with that of SLU-St. Louis. Therefore, students can complete the B.A. in biology at SLU-Madrid, and they may also transfer freely between the two sites throughout the undergraduate degree program.

For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the University-wide website. 

Curriculum Overview

The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Biology is diverse and will meet a variety of interests in the rapidly expanding fields of the biological sciences. It is also designed to provide an intensive educational experience for students in other disciplines who are interested in biology. 

SLU-Madrid's B.A. degree in biology requires students to complete 120 hours of coursework consisting of:

Required Courses

  • BIOL 1240/1245 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Lab (3/1 credits)
  • BIOL 1260/1265 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter and Lab (3/1 credits)
  • BIOL 3010 Evolutionary Biology (3 credits)
  • BIOL 3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
  • BIOL 3030 Principles of Genetics (3 credits)
  • BIOL 3040 Cell Structure & Function (3 credits)
  • BIOL 3070 General Ecology (3 credits)
  • CHEM 1110/1115 General Chemistry 1 and Laboratory (3/1 credits)
  • CHEM 1120/1125 General Chemistry 2 and Laboratory (3/1 credits)
  • MATH 1510 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • MATH 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (3 credits)

Biology Elective Courses

Choose a minimum of 10 credits of upper-division elective courses (numbered BIOL 3060-BIOL 4980), including one structured laboratory course.

General Electives (37-40 credits)

Undergraduate Core Requirements 

Beginning in Fall 2022, all incoming SLU undergraduates—regardless of major, program, college or school—will complete the University Core curriculum. 

Learn About the University Core

Continuation Standards

Students must have a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) in all courses used to fulfill major requirements. Students who fall below the 2.0 GPA in major coursework will be placed on program probation. If a student's major GPA falls below a 2.00 for two consecutive semesters, the student will be eligible for dismissal from the major.

Internships and Careers

SLU's biology major develops strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills that provide excellent preparation for professional schools, such as:

  • Medical school
  • Veterinary science school
  • Dental school
  • Optometry school
  • Graduate school in a broad range of disciplines 

Students not pursuing a degree in the medical and health professions at Saint Louis University must contact other institutions for admission information. Completing the pre-med prerequisite coursework does not guarantee entry into a medical school in the U.S. unless you have successfully completed the selection process of that medical school.

The skills biology majors gain also open the door to a wide variety of career options in health care, biotechnology, environmental management, conservation, education and the pharmaceutical industry.

Faculty
Tuition and Fees

SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu. 

Admission to the Major

To be admitted to the major, you must have at least a 2.00 cumulative average and complete a declaration of major form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a departmental advisor.

Graduation Requirements

To be certified for graduation, you are required to:

  • Have at least a 2.00 cumulative average, a 2.00 average in the major and a 2.00 average in the minor or related elective hours.
  • Complete 30 of your final 36 credits at Saint Louis University (either the Madrid or St. Louis campus).
  • Submit the online application for degree before the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate.
Real-World Experience

Fieldwork Opportunities

The Biology Department at SLU-Madrid organizes visits to different sites in Madrid and Spain where students integrate the biology courses in a hands-on way: Grefa (a wildlife recovery center and hospital for wild animals), Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Madrid Zoo, Royal Botanical Garden, among others.