Biology Major FAQs

Biology Major FAQs

How often do I need to meet with my Biology Advisor?

You must need with your assigned Biology faculty advisor at least once every semester before registering for the following term. You are encouraged to meet more frequently if you have questions about course planning, electives, or graduation.

What do I need to bring to my advising appointment?

You must bring a completed and updated Biology Advising Form showing:

• Courses you may have already completed
• Courses you are currently taking
• Courses you plan to take through graduation

Your advisor will review and approve the form before your advising hold can be removed.

How is my advising hold removed?

Your advising hold is removed after you meet with your Biology advisor and they approve your advising form.

Can I take Biology courses outside of CCNY?

Yes, but only with an approved ePermit obtained before enrolling in the course. ePermits require departmental approval and must be submitted in advance. Courses taken without approval may not count toward the major.

Which Biology courses require a C or higher?

A grade of C or higher is required in all Bio core courses (Bio 10100 - Bio 22900). You must also earn a C or higher in all Biology prerequisites before enrolling in the next course in a sequence.

Do all BIO-labeled courses count toward the Biology major?

No. Some Biology-labeled courses do not count toward the Biology major requirements (e.g., A&P, certain healthcare-focused courses). Always verify elective eligibility before enrolling.

What count towards the 24-credit Biology residency requirement?

Only CCNY Biology courses that count toward the major count toward the 24-credit Biology residency requirement, including:

• Core Biology courses (BIO 101, 102, 206, 207, 228, 229)
• Approved 300-400 level Biology electives taken through CCNY Biology Department

Transferred courses and non-BIO electives do not count toward Biology residency.

What is a graduation check (grad check), and when do I do it?

A graduation check is required during your final semester at CCNY. Upon request, you must submit a fully updated Biology Advising Form showing all completed and remaining coursework to the Biology Major Advisor for review and approval.

Can I change my course plan after submitting the advising form?

Yes. Your course plan can be updated at any time if:

• Course offerings change
• You choose different electives
• Your academic plan shift

However, you must always maintain a plan that satisfies both CCNY and Biology major requirements.

What software do I need for the Biology Advising Form?

The Biology Advising Form must be opened and edited using Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer. Mobile devices and web browsers are not supported. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free.

Should I do undergraduate research as a Biology major?

Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged, especially for students considering graduate or professional school. Student are advised to explore faculty research areas early and contact faculty directly about research opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Registering for courses without meeting prerequisites

Do not enroll in a Biology course unless you have earned a C or higher in all required prerequisites (or are taking approved co-requisites). If you do not meet the prerequisites, you may be administratively dropped from the course during the semester, with no tuition refund.

Assuming all BIO-labeled courses count toward the Biology major

Not all Biology courses count towards the Biology major requirements. Some courses (e.g., A&P or healthcare-focused Biology courses). do not count toward the major, even though they carry BIO prefixes. Always confirm that a course counts before enrolling.

Waiting too long to take core Biology courses

Delaying BIO 206, 207, 228, or 229 can limit your access to upper-level electives and delay graduation. These courses are prerequisites for many 300-400 level Biology electives and should be taken as early as possible.

Taking Genetics and Organic Chemistry in the same semester

Avoid taking BIO 206 (Genetics) and CHEM 261 (Organic Chemistry I) together. Both courses are demanding and are best taken in separate semesters. 

Failing to update the Biology Advising Form each semester

Your advising form must be updated every semester to reflect completed, current, and planned coursework. Outdated forms can delay advising approval, registration, and graduation checks.

Filling out the advising form incorrectly 

The Biology Advising Form must be:

• Completed on a computer, not by hand
• Opened using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
• Filled out on both sides, including a full course plan through graduation

Forms completed incorrectly may be returned for revision.

Taking courses elsewhere without an approved ePermit

Courses taken at another institution will not count toward the Biology major unless you receive ePermit approval in advance. Always submit and receive approval before enrolling.

Assuming transfer credits count toward Biology residency

Transferred Biology courses may count toward total BIO credits but do not count toward the 24-credit Biology residency requirement. Be sure you plan enough CCNY-based BIO courses.

Waiting until the final semester to ask about graduation

Graduation planning should begin at least one year before graduation. Waiting until your final semester can reveal missing requirements that delay graduation.

Underestimating time commitment 

Biology courses require significant out-of-class study time. Plan for 3-4 hours of study per credit  per week, and adjust your course load accordingly.