UT Austin Exams in Biology (BIO 311C & 311D)

UT Austin offers two tests that may be used as bases for credit by examination in introductory biology:

• Biology 311C: This is a one hour and thirty minute objective test covering one of the major biology subdivisions addressed by the corresponding UT Austin course: introductory biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics.
• Biology 311D: This is a one hour and thirty minute test covering one of the major biology subdivisions addressed by the corresponding UT Austin course: evolution, physiology, and ecology.

These biology exams assume knowledge beyond what is covered in a typical high school biology course.

Each test yields a separate score. Because you may choose to take one or both UT Austin Tests for Credit in Biology, you may earn credit by examination for one or both of the introductory biology classes. UT Austin faculty in the School of Biological Sciences establish the criteria for credit-qualifying scores for both courses.

Pre-health profession students and students considering majoring in any field of Biology are strongly advised not to use credit by exam for BIO 311C.

Eligibility

To be eligible for credit by examination for BIO 311C or 311D, you may not have attempted more than three semester hours of college credit (not including credit by examination) for courses in the life sciences (biology, botany, microbiology, and zoology) with either a passing or failing grade.

Where and When to Take the Test

The UT Exams in BIO 311C and BIO 311D are given only on the UT Austin campus:

• just before the beginning of fall semester
• just before the beginning of spring semester
• just before the beginning of the first summer session

Visit the Test Registration System to view and register for upcoming test dates.

Registration Fee: 

The total of the fees for each test is $85. When you register for a test, you will immediately be billed for the non-refundable test registration fee of $25. After you take the test, you will be billed for the test fee of $60. Payments are due within 14 days of the billing date and can be paid online at What I Owe or at the Bursar's Office.

Study Aids: 

Suggested Textbooks to Study:

The UT Austin Tests for Credit in Biology are not based on a specific textbook. The most common text currently used for BIO 311C and 311D at UT Austin is:

• Campbell Biology in Focus (3rd Edition), Lisa Urry, Michael Cain, Steven Wasserman, Peter Minorsky.

Test Results and Retakes: 

Results are available within a few days after the test date, in time to register for classes.

You may take the UT Austin Tests for Credit in BIO 311C and BIO 311D only once.