Biology and Society

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Society at Cornell University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to explore the intricate relationships between biological sciences and societal issues. This innovative curriculum integrates foundational biological knowledge with social, ethical, and policy considerations, preparing students to address complex challenges faced by modern society. Throughout the program, students engage with various disciplines including ecology, evolution, genetics, conservation, and biomedical sciences, alongside courses in ethics, history, and policy, fostering a well-rounded understanding of how biological processes influence and are influenced by societal structures. The program emphasizes active learning through research projects, community engagement, and experiential opportunities, enabling students to apply scientific concepts to real-world problems such as public health, environmental sustainability, and biological resource management. Cornell’s extensive resources, expert faculty, and vibrant academic community provide an enriching environment for students to develop critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills. Graduates of the Biology and Society program are equipped to pursue careers in scientific research, environmental policy, healthcare, education, and science communication, or to continue their education in graduate or professional schools. With a curriculum that balances rigorous scientific training with societal and ethical considerations, students emerge prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to fostering sustainable solutions for global biological and societal challenges.

No single course may satisfy more than one major requirement. All courses must be taken for a letter grade and at least 3 credits. For a course to count towards the major, students must receive at least a C- as a final grade.

I. Prerequisite and Basic Courses:

a. Introductory Biology:

Starting with the Class of 2014, AP credit will no longer be accepted by the Biology & Society major to fulfill the Intro Bio requirement. See the DUS or Advising Staff in 3003 Morrill Hall (sms252@cornell.edu) for other options.

• two of the following:

• BIOG 1440 - Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology or
• BIOG 1445 - Introduction to Comparative Anatomy and Physiology, Individualized Instruction

•  

• BIOEE 1610 - Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment or
• BIOSM 1610 - Ecology and the Marine Environment

•  

• BIOMG 1350 - Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology

•  

• BIOEE 1780 - An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity or
• BIOSM 1780 - Evolution and Marine Diversity

b. College calculus (one course:)

• MATH 1106 - Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences
• MATH 1110 - Calculus I
• MATH 1120 - Calculus II
• or any higher-level calculus course.

c. Recommended but not required:

General chemistry (one-year sequence) (prerequisite to biochemistry and other chemistry courses):

• CHEM 2070 - General Chemistry I and CHEM 2080 - General Chemistry II

• or

• CHEM 2150 - Honors General and Inorganic Chemistry

II. Foundation Courses:

(Should be completed by end of junior year.) Foundation courses are intended to provide a broad introduction to methodology and theory in their area.

All courses must be above the 1000-level, at least 3 credit hours, and taken for a letter grade. For a course to count towards the major, students must receive at least a C- as a final grade.

a. Ethics:

One course (should be completed by end of junior year).

b. Social sciences/humanities foundation:

Two courses; one from any two of the following subject areas:

• History of science
• Philosophy of science
• Sociology of science
• Politics of science
• Science communication
• Literature and Science

c. Biology foundation (breadth requirement):

Three courses; one each from three of the following subject areas:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Animal behavior
• Biochemistry, molecular and cell biology
• Biological diversity
• Ecology
• Genetics and development
• Neurobiology
• Nutrition

d. Biology foundation (Depth requirement):

One biology course for which one of the above (2c) is a prerequisite. (Contact dept for list of approved nutrition depth courses)

e. Statistics:

One course.

III. Core Course:

One course. Should be completed by end of junior year.

IV. Theme:

(Five courses that correspond to the theme selected by the student). These courses must be above the 1000-level, at least 3 credit hours, and taken for a letter grade. For a course to count towards the major, students must receive at least a C- as a final grade. Choose these courses as follows:

• Natural science issues/biology elective (two courses). Select from the list of BSOC approved natural science issues courses or choose course(s) with introductory biology as a prerequisite.
• Humanities/social sciences electives (two courses). Courses from the list of senior seminars may be used as theme electives if not used to meet another requirement, or select humanities or social sciences courses in consultation with the faculty advisor.
• Senior seminar (one course taken junior or senior year). Courses change yearly.

Note:

Students may petition to take a second statistics course (an advanced course, in sequence with the statistics course taken in the foundation) in place of the calculus requirement.

A list of approved depth courses using NS 1150 and NS 1220 as a prerequisite is available in 306 Rockefeller Hall.  (Courses are subject to change.)

First-year writing seminars and introductory courses may not be used to fulfill major requirements.

Independent Study:

Projects under the direction of a Biology & Society faculty member are encouraged as part of the program of study in the student’s theme area. Applications for research projects are accepted by individual faculty members. Students may enroll for 1–4 credits in BSOC 3751 - Independent Studywith written permission of the faculty supervisor and may elect either the letter grade or the S–U option. Applications and information on faculty research, scholarly activities, and undergraduate opportunities are available in the Biology & Society office.

Requirements

• SAT or the ACT —CALS does not have SAT/ACT score requirements
• Landscape Architecture: Portfolio required
• International Students: TOEFL (score of 100 or better) or IELTS (score of 7) required
• The Common Application (CA) or Universal College Application (UCA)
• The School Report
• Counselor Recommendation
• Two Teacher Evaluations
• The Midyear Report, when your mid-year grades are available
• $80 application fee or fee waiver
• Official secondary/high school transcript
• Cornell University Questions and Writing Supplement (CA) or Cornell Supplement (UCA)

The Biology and Society major at Cornell University offers various financing options to support students throughout their undergraduate studies. The university provides a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs designed to assist both domestic and international students in managing the cost of education. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement, and applicants are encouraged to submit their FAFSA or the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid. Cornell also participates in federal financial aid programs, which can include grants, work-study opportunities, and federal loans for qualified students. Additionally, the university has specific scholarships dedicated to students pursuing degrees in science and societal fields, which may sometimes be awarded through departmental nominations or external organizations.

Students are advised to explore work-study programs that enable part-time employment opportunities on campus, providing financial support while gaining relevant experience. The institution's Office of Financial Aid administers comprehensive services to assist students in understanding their options and completing necessary applications. The cost of attendance varies depending on circumstances such as residency, living arrangements, and personal expenses, but Cornell provides individualized financial aid packages to ensure that qualified students can afford their education without undue hardship.

Furthermore, students enrolled in the Biology and Society program are encouraged to seek external scholarships and fellowships offered by private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations dedicated to science and societal issues. The university also offers payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of tuition and other fees over manageable installments. Overall, Cornell University strives to make education accessible through its robust financial aid infrastructure, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their academic and career goals in Biology and Society.

The Biology and Society major at Cornell University is an interdisciplinary program designed to explore the complex relationships between biological sciences and societal issues. This program emphasizes understanding the ethical, cultural, and policy implications of biological advancements, aiming to prepare students for careers in science communication, policy, education, and research. Students in this major gain a broad foundation in biological sciences alongside coursework that addresses societal challenges such as public health, environmental sustainability, bioethics, and science policy.

The curriculum integrates core biological sciences courses with interdisciplinary classes that examine historical, philosophical, and social perspectives on biology. Students often engage in projects and research that investigate topics like genetic modification, healthcare inequalities, conservation, and biomedical ethics. The program encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, and an understanding of how science informs public policy and societal values.

The major offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their coursework according to their interests and career goals. It includes opportunities for internships, research experiences, and participation in seminars with professionals from various fields. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in science policy, education, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and further studies in medicine, law, or graduate research.

The program is housed within Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Arts and Sciences, depending on the specific curriculum track chosen. The faculty involved in the program are experts in biology, ethics, public policy, and communication, providing a rich interdisciplinary learning environment. Overall, Cornell’s Biology and Society major offers an innovative approach to understanding the biological sciences through the lens of societal impact, fostering informed and engaged citizens capable of addressing the pressing scientific and ethical issues of our time.