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The Program

The interdepartmental undergraduate BPM I major is designed for students who want to combine their interests and aptitudes in science and art. Based on the theme of "communicating science through art," the major prepares students for careers in biological illustration or for graduate education in medical illustration elsewhere. Graduates enter fields such as biocommunications, environmental display design, free-lance illustration, museum display design, and various careers in the publishing industry.

Entrance into the BPM I program is by application to the BPM I Advisory Committee. Eligibility is based on an academic standard of at least 2.00 CGPA on 30 credits of university level work and a consideration of artistic ability as demonstrated through submission of a portfolio of representative drawings or other art work. Freshman and transfer students usually declare pre-BPM I as their major while satisfying the conditions for entrance into the major, although other majors can be declared.

To earn the B.A. degree offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must complete the general education requirements in that college and take at least 42 credits in design and 32 credits in the biological sciences. Design courses include: Dsn S 131 and Art 230, ArtIS 233, 238, and 330, BPM I 326, 327, 336, 337, 494, and 497 plus 12 credits chosen from a list of approved upper level courses in art and design. Biological science courses include: Biol 110 or LAS 101, Biol 211, 211L, 212, 212L, 255, 256, 351; Biol 355 or 366 or 454, and at least 9 credits chosen from a list of approved biological science courses. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all art and science courses included in the major and must earn an overall GPA of 2.00 in both categories. A brochure is available in 102 Catt Hall that gives a detailed listing of the requirements.

Communication Proficiency Requirement. Students must earn a minimum of C in both English 104 and 105 or equivalent composition courses and in one advanced writing course numbered Engl 302 through 316.

Students in BPM I must complete a senior project or an internship experience in which they design and produce artwork that is suitable for publication or public display.

A minor in biological illustration is offered. A minimum of 17 credits must be taken, including 8 credits in biological science courses and 9 credits in art and design courses. The biological sciences must include Biol 211, 211L, 212, 212L. The art and design courses must include BPM I 336 and 337, and an advanced drawing or painting course. For more information, contact the BPM I adviser in 102 Catt Hall or view the website listed above.

4-Year Plan