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Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program
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Biology Placement Exam

The prerequisites for the introductory Biology 20 series are:

BIOL 20A, Cell & Molecular Biology: CHEM 1B
BIOL 20B, Development & Physiology: BIOL 20A
BIOL 20C, Ecology & Evolution: no prerequisite

Biology 3, Concepts in Biology, is an optional preparatory course for the Biology 20 series. BIOL 3 is intended for students who do not have a strong background in biology. Students who are considering a major in the biological sciences but would first like a survey course to "try on" biology should also enroll in BIOL 3.

The Biology Placement Exam is no longer a prerequisite for enrolling in the introductory biology sequence. The exam is now offered to students as a self-assessment tool. All students are encouraged to take the biology placement exam prior to enrolling in any biology course.

Biology Placement Exam & Exam Key

Interpreting the Self-Assessment Exam Score: There are 50 questions on the exam. Each question is worth 2 points. After completing the exam, check your answers with the key and count the number of correct answers. Double that to get your exam score.

If you score 70% or above: You may begin the introductory biology sequence with either BIOL 20A Cell & Molecular Biology or BIOL 20C Ecology & Evolution. BIOL 20A has a prerequisite of CHEM 1B, only students who have passed CHEM 1B will be allowed to enroll in BIOL 20A. Students will not be allowed to enroll in BIOL 20A and CHEM 1B concurrently. BIOL 20C is not required for all majors, check your degree requirements before enrolling.

If you score 60-70%: You have borderline preparation for the Biology 20 series. Please consider your science background. If you have received B grades in previously taken college-level science courses, you are most likely ready to move on to the 20 series. If not, you should consider taking BIOL 3 to get a more solid foundation in biology before moving on.

If you score below 60%: You should enroll in BIOL 3, Concepts in Biology, in the next winter quarter

NOTE: The Biological Sciences have a disqualification policy. Students who perform poorly in their introductory coursework may be barred from pursuing any of the Biological Sciences majors. Please read over the terms of the disqualification policy before enrolling in the introductory series.

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