Petitions

Students may request an option to take Biology courses out of sequence (i.e. without a prerequisite) by submitting a petition to the department. Petition must be submitted well in advance of the registration period to allow the department to thoroughly consider its merit (i.e. ~ 2 weeks in advance). Petitioners must discuss their academic plans with their Biology advisor before submission of the petition. Students not intending to major in Biology should discuss their plan with Biology Department chair.

All advanced courses (Level II and III) retain the prerequisites stated in the Academic Bulletin. Students may petition exception to the prerequisites, but the following three criteria must be met prior to enrollment:

1. Completion of four science courses with a laboratory component. This is to ensure the critical skills required for advanced laboratory work.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the four science courses.
3. Adequate space exists after enrolling biology majors, who have priority for advanced courses.

Any questions? Contact Jennifer Kruse (jkruse@gustavus.edu)

We strive to help students and the public to acquire reliable knowledge and means of inquiry for all aspects of biology. This is our passion and the basis of our high expectations.