Faculty: Ruppel, Chair; Ramage, Associate Chair; Burmester, Burton, Coster, Cox, Foster, Gowan, Gubbels Bupp, Laws, Lim-Fong, Schmidt, Shepherd, Stevens, and Taylor-Cornejo.
Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of entire ecosystems. Students majoring in biology may satisfy their curiosity about the workings of the natural world, define their strengths and interests, and become lifelong learners in one of hundreds of biology-related careers. All students undertaking a study of biology should receive a thorough grounding in biological principles, should understand the interdisciplinary connections between biology and other sciences, and should realize that our knowledge of biology is built on scientific discovery. Our curriculum seeks to develop in students the values, habits, and practices of a scientist by allowing them to actually do biology beginning in their freshman year, continuing in subsequent upper division courses, and culminating in a senior-level capstone experience. An innovative course (BIOL 121), taken during the freshman year, engages students in discovery-based laboratory exercises. Biology majors will subsequently deepen their understanding of molecular biology (BIOL 123), genetics (BIOL 200), and evolution (BIOL 205), coupled with balanced and concentrated learning experiences through upper-level courses from each of the three major sub-disciplines of contemporary biology:
- cell and molecular biology
- organismal biology
- ecology
Each student works closely with a departmental adviser to select upper-level courses for an individualized curriculum to prepare for careers or graduate studies in fields including medicine, allied health science, ecology, and environmental science. Finally, each student will take a capstone course (BIOL 499), which reinforces the skills and abilities developed in the major by having students read the primary literature and discuss the work with scientists who conducted the studies. Biology students are also encouraged to participate in research early in their college career by taking research courses and/or by participating in the College’s Shapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF).
The Biology department offers two options for students who major in Biology, one leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) and the second leads to a Bachelor of Science degree (BS). The Biology major that results in a BS degree requires students to complete several additional courses. All students are free to choose either option and can switch at any point prior to graduation, but the BS version of the major is intended primarily for students who wish to pursue graduate school or professional training after college. For assistance with this decision and other considerations, prospective biology majors should meet with a departmental advisor in their career area(s) of interest at or before the beginning of the sophomore year, or immediately upon transfer.