Obtaining major credit for your International Baccalaureate units in Biology
The Department of Biology allows the use of International Baccalaureate* (IB) Units (accepted by the University) to be used toward lower division Major credit. Students may take IB courses internationally or in the United States. The awarding of University credit for the IB units is shown on the Advanced Standing Evaluation (ASE) form. The student must provide the official certificate of IB scores to the University to obtain credit, and a copy of this certificate must also be attached to the equivalency form for approval by the Biology Advisor and the Department. The University awards credit for HIGHER LEVEL IB units. No credit is awarded for Standard Level IB units.
Currently, the Department of Biology allows IB credit only for Biology Higher Level scores of 5, 6, or 7. The student will receive 5 units toward Biol 230.
This policy applies only for the Department of Biology.
To obtain approval of IB units for use toward the Biology Major:
Student must meet with his/her Biology Major Advisor bringing:
- SFSU transcripts, DARS, and ASE forms (the ASE form indicates the University has accepted the IB units for transfer credit)
- Department of Biology Equivalency form
- copy of IB certificate
After the Advisor signs the form, the student takes the form to the Department of Biology (HH534) and leaves the form in the office for final approval (Chair approval – the student DOES NOT MEET WITH THE CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT).
After the equivalency form is approved by the Department office, the student picks up the approved form and KEEPS the form
- to show to instructors to confirm completion of Biol 230
- to submit with the graduation application
As of Fall 2009, an unlimited number of courses used to meet General Education Segment I and II requirements may be used to fulfill major requirements. This new policy may also be applied to AP exam credit.
