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. 

An Orientation course is a pre-req for several major core courses in the Department. It also provides you with a valuable introduction to basic skills or knowledge for your years in our Department, including: the subfields of biology, career options and paths, academic planning, communication skills, and scientific thinking. 

The Bio/Micro Department offers two distinct Orientation courses:

• BIO 111 Biology Orientation: for students interested in general Biology, or unsure of their interest, or those not interested in healthcare areas.  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, Physical Education, or Psychology.

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 decide on a Healthcare-related career path, it is NOT NECESSARY to also take BIO 112. However, if you declare a degree program that requires BIO 112, you will have to see the Department chairperson for a waiver in order to graduate with BIO 111.  You can't get credit for taking both 111 and 112, no matter what.