Curriculum Information
The Department of Biology offers instruction in many diverse areas of modern biology. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students design programs of study to meet individual interests and goals. The biology major offers three intradepartmental concentrations: (1) integrative biology, (2) molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics, and (3) ecology, evolution, and behavior. The major leads to a bachelor of arts degree.
Students who major in biology and plan to attend professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary, and others) are encouraged to take two semesters of organic chemistry ( CH221 and 222 ) and two semesters of calculus-based physics ( PY207 and 208 ). See Health Professions .
THE BIOLOGY MAJOR: Students who major in biology must meet the College requirements for the degree, complete the general biology requirements, and complete the requirements for one of the intradepartmental concentrations. Each concentration requires fifteen courses.
General requirements for all biology majors or concentrations
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Core courses: BI105 and 106 . BI105 introduces the biological sciences by focusing on those structures and processes shared by all of life. The course explores evolutionary theory, cell structure and function, molecular genetics, biochemistry, and population ecology. BI106 extends this exploration to consider how the diversity of life is manifest in the reproduction, development, physiology, and functional morphology of multicellular organisms. These two courses constitute a core curriculum for the major, and should be completed by the end of the first year. BI105 is taken in the fall semester, followed by BI106 in the spring.
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Chemistry courses: a sequence of three CH courses, beginning with CH105 or CH107H. CH103 may be taken in preparation for CH105, but it does not count toward the sequence of 3 CH courses required for the major.
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Mathematics course: MA111 (usually taken in the first year)
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Capstone course: BI377 / 378 (taken in the senior year)
Concentration Requirements
Integrative Biology
- The general requirements
- Seven additional courses at the 200 or 300 level. At least two courses must be at the 200 level; at least four courses must be at the 300 level. BI385 or 371 can substitute for one of these courses at the 300 level. Students may take additional BI385 or 371 courses as electives, but they do not substitute for 300-level biology courses.
Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Genetics
- The general requirements
- Foundation courses: two courses selected from BI242 (Molecular Biology), BI245 (Principles of Genetics), and BI 247 (Cell Biology)
- Supportive courses: four courses selected from BI 246, 309, 311, 323, 337, 338, 342, 348, 349, 351M, 352M, 353M, 360, 361, 362, 363, 370; CH340, 341, 342. BI 242, 245, or 247 may serve as a supportive course if not already taken as a foundation course. Three of the four supportive courses must be at the 300-level.
- One additional 200 or 300 level course in Chemistry
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
- The general requirements
- Foundation courses: BI241 (Ecology) and either BI316 (Animal Behavior) or 324 (Evolution)
- Supportive courses: three courses selected from BI302 , 307 , 325 , 327 , 338 , 339 , 344 , 349 , 351E , 352E , 353E , and 370 . BI316 or 324 may count as a supportive course, if not already taken as a foundation course.
- One other biology course at the 200 or 300 level
- MS104 or PS217 or EC237
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MAJORS: In conjunction with the Philosophy Department, the Biology Department offers a major in biology-philosophy.
HONORS: Departmental honors are awarded to a senior major who has maintained the required College and department averages and has completed a research project in BI385 . Other factors, such as academic integrity, will bear on the decision to award honors.
THE BIOLOGY MINOR: Students who want to minor in biology must take a total of six courses from among those offered in the department. These must include BI105 and 106 , two 200-level courses in biology, and two 300-level courses in biology. CH103 or CH105 is also required. Note: BI385 cannot substitute for one of the 300-level courses in biology.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BI COURSES COUNTING TOWARD THE MAJOR