Course Number: INTEGSCI 100
Credits: 2
Fulfills Requirements:
- First-year seminar
- LAS elementary level
- Breadth, natural science
Prereqs/Requirements:
- First-year student (first-year freshmen only, no transfer students)
Schedule Fall 2022:
- Mon. 2:25 – 4:20 p.m. (designated FIG section)
–OR–
- Wed. 2:25 – 4:20 p.m.
Sign up for lecture and discussion.
Course Director: Cara Theisen, PhD

A first-year course focused on the core concepts in biology (evolution; transformation of energy and matter; information exchange and storage; structure and function; systems biology), professions in biology, and the foundational skills and knowledge needed for successful academic and post-graduate careers in biology.
In Exploring Biology you will:
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- learn skills and ways of thinking that will prepare you for success in future biology courses;
- gain new perspectives on broad topics and current research in biology;
- explore opportunities and careers that can come with a bioscience degree;
- pick up great tips and advice on how to get the most out of being a bioscience major from upper-level students; and
- meet new friends and mentors who share your interest in biology.
Quotes from Integrated Science 100 students:
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“I learned about different aspects of biology, but also things about my campus and the resources that are available.”
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“This course allows you to explore major biological themes and the different paths you could take if you continue to study biology or any other science.”
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“The relationships that I built in the class are ones that I expect to keep in the future.”
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“I learned skills which will be useful in other college courses.”
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“I learned of the countless activities on campus and how to get involved. I met some very kind and interesting people.”
Note: This course is a topics course intended to be taken before the introductory biology series, and is not an introduction to biology course.
Optional FIG Opportunity
Exploring Biology is part of the First-year Interest Groups (FIG) Program, which creates learning communities by connecting students who are enrolled in a cluster of classes together.