• BIOL 4559

    New Course in Biology
     Rating

    4.44

     Difficulty

    3.33

     GPA

    3.60

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    New course in the subject of biology.

  • BIOL 4660

    How do they do it? Method and Logic in Biomedical Science
     Rating

    4.71

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.70

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    How has a bioluminescent jellyfish saved lives? What does a Himalayan pond fish have to do with research into the origins of psychiatric disorders? Innovative methods in biomedical research have played a significant part in the development of revolutionary disease cures, treatments and diagnostics. This course will examine many of these technical approaches and how they have led to such significant discoveries in basic biomedical research.Prerequisite: BIOL 3010

  • BIOL 4770

    Synthetic Biology
     Rating

    4.11

     Difficulty

    3.33

     GPA

    3.68

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    By applying the principles of engineering to biology, students will design molecules, viruses, and cells to solve global problems in public health, food security, manufacturing, information processing, and the environment, changing the traditional question of 'How do cells work?' to 'How can I get a cell to work for me?' Students will gain experience in writing internationally competitive research project proposals. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 4820

    Distinguished Major Seminar in Biological Research II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.99

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Two-hour, weekly discussion of recent advances in biology; attend biology seminars, interact with seminar speakers, explore the philosophy and practice of science, and learn skills in oral and written research presentation. Prerequisite: Fourth-year DMP in Biology.

  • HBIO 4820

    Capstone Seminar in Human Biology II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    4.00

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    A weekly discussion and workshop co-organized by participating faculty to provide guidance and advice to students on completing their research or independent study and writing their thesis. Occasional seminars and opportunities to meet outside speakers will continue in this semester. This course will be taken in the fourth year. Prerequisite: DMP in Human Biology.

  • BIOL 4900

    Independent Study in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Independent study under the direction of a Biology faculty member for students to read and critically assess primary research papers and current reviews in a focused area of the life sciences. Directed readings and discussions can be used to explore how contemporary topics and research areas can be incorporated into other formal courses. Students will have the opportunity to develop both scientific writing and oral presentation skills.

  • BIOL 4910

    Independent Research in the Life Sciences
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Undergraduate research under the direction of a UVA Professor who doesn't belong to the Biology Department. Despite the 'Closed' status of BIOL4910 on SIS, the course is open for enrollment. For application instructions, see the section 'How to Enroll in Independent Research with a Faculty Member Outside of the Biology Department' at: https://bio.as.virginia.edu/undergraduate/research. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 4920

    Independent Research in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.84

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Independent research for qualified undergraduates under the direction of a faculty member within the Biology Department. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 4930

    Distinguished Major Thesis Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course is the final semester of Independent Research for participants of the Biology Distinguished Majors Program. During this semester, students will complete their laboratory investigations, ultimately presenting the sum of their work in a written thesis. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 4940

    Capstone Research for the BS in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course will provide students with essential hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and science communication. Students will have the opportunity to think critically and creatively about biology and to develop research competencies. Students will work with a mentor to develop a project that makes a unique scientific contribution and will communicate their research to a broader audience at the University's Undergraduate Research Symposium or similar.