All Biology and Microbiology MAJORS are required to complete a 2-credit Orientation course. For your own good, take this course in FRESHMAN YEAR or as soon as you declare a Bio/Micro major.  It may be a prerequisite for other courses, too, so delaying it can cause time-to-degree problems.

An Orientation course provides you with a valuable introduction to basic skills or knowledge for your years in our Department, including: the subfields of biology; career trends, options and paths; comprehensive long-term academic planning; communication skills; critical thinking; and scientific literacy. 

The Bio/Micro Department offers three distinct Orientation courses:

• BIO 111 Biology Orientation: for students interested in general Biology, or unsure of their interest.  Generally reserved for Bio/Micro majors.
• BIO 112 Healthcare Orientation: for students interested in Biology fields related to healthcare. Generally reserved for Healthcare-Science or Healthcare-Business majors in Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology, or Psychology.
• BIO 113 Environmental Health Orientation: for students intending the Environmental Health major which positions graduates for jobs related to community health, environmental testing, quality control.
  

If you are not sure which area of Bio/Micro interests you most, sign up for BIO 111, which presents the broadest array of Bio/Micro topics.  If you know you are interested in a Healthcare-related career path, sign up for BIO 112. 

If you take BIO 111 and later become committed to Healthcare or Environmental Health, it is NOT NECESSARY to also take BIO 112 or 113. However, if you declare a degree program that requires BIO 112 or 113, you will have to see the Department chairperson for a waiver in order to graduate with BIO 111.  No matter what, you may get credit for only ONE Orientation course.