AB vs. ScB Programs in Biology
and Human Biology
Comparison and Commentary:
Which is better, an AB or ScB?

Bio AB vs. ScB in a Nutshell Human Bio AB vs. ScB in a Nutshell
  • Additional Prerequisites:
    (1 chemistry, 2 physics)
  • Three additional advanced courses that form a coherant, defined, thematic cluster
  • At least one, and generally two semesters of approved, directed research in Biology (BIOL 1950/1960)
  • 20 courses (if starting out with NO AP or placements) versus 14, for AB
  • One additional prerequisite:
    CHEM 0350
  • One additional advanced Biology course (related to theme)
  • One additional advanced Theme course
  • Capstone activity must be an independent study or research project (BIOL 1950/1960)
  • 18 courses (if starting with no AP or placement) versus 14 for the AB

You will hear many opinions on this but here is the truth: Neither is inherently better! The program you pursue should above all reflect your interests, abilities, time constraints, other interests, career goals. AB programs permit more time for you to pursue other electives outside science, a boon if you wish to explore other academic areas. Also, AB programs may be embellished (for example, by adding courses beyond the minimum number required; also, by including or adding a research project - BIOL 1950/1960 are the course numbers for Directed Research/Independent Study Projects). The ScB programs include most of the required courses for students aiming at medical, dental, veterinary or graduate schools in the biological sciences. HOWEVER, such schools, or even future employers are much more concerned with these factors: challenging thoughtful courses; well-rounded skills; focus; research experience; interesting extracurriculars. These factors are more important than AB vs ScB per se.

AB/ScB Biology

The AB and ScB biology programs offer the widest range of options for students to establish a broad foundation in biological sciences, and then focus their programs according to developing interests, often reflecting the subdisciplines offered amongst the various departments, but also cross -fertilizing. These programs also feature the opportunity for or requirement for substantive research in biology as reflective of the themes developed. These programs are both science intensive but differ in terms of number of required courses, depth in a particular area, and research requirement.

Specifics: The ScB has requires 20 courses; the AB, 14.

The difference of six courses breaks down as:

  • An additional chemistry course (three vs two);
  • Two in physics (these are recommended, but not required, for the AB);
  • Three additional advanced biology courses that encompass an advanced focal theme (reflecting subdisciplines within the various departments or, cross-departmental); and a year of research.

The ScB encompasses all the science requirements for pre-meds and pre-vets.  The AB offers more latitude in choosing from other areas of the curriculum; including study abroad and/or double concentrations; also, it invites the research activity but does not require it.  Students who complete the AB still have significant success in entering top graduate programs, seen especially in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. For these and all programs, success in pre-med admissions nationally is superb (~90% or better in most years)

AB/ScB Human Biology

Originating in 1959 under the auspices of George Hagy's initiative, the Human Biology programs (AB and ScB offered) are INTERDISCIPLINARY programs that combine a strong foundation in biology with foci in FOUR thematic NONBIOLOGY areas that include:

  1. Behavioral Sciences (psychology, cognitive science);
  2. Race and Gender (from a variety of historical, ethnic studies, anthropological and literary disciplines);
  3. Ecology and Environmental Sciences (including anthropology, environmental studies, geology);
  4. Health and Disease (drawing mainly from Community Health, sociology, psychology, anthropology).

The programs both feature background in chemistry, math, Methods (sc as statistics); a core in biology with a distribution in different areas; and Theme courses (see above). There is also a requirement for a Capstone activity, which can be fulfilled either by an advanced seminar course relating to the theme chosen, OR an individual research project that reflects the theme topics (often hospital based, but not necessarily). The ScB requires that the Capstone be the research project as opposed to a seminar or internship activity. Human Biology students often pursue medical school or graduate school in public health, psychology, sociology or education.