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Degree: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts Contact: W. Brian O'Connor Office: 348 Morrill Science Center Phone: 545-2287 Chair of Department: Professor C.L. Woodcock, Gilbert L. Woodside Professor. Associate Chair: Professor G.A. Wyse. Director, Undergraduate Program: Professor W. B. O'Connor. Ray Ethan Torrey Professor of Botany and Constantine Gilgut Professor: P.K. Hepler. Professors Bemis, Bittman, Kaulenas, Klekowski, Kroodsma, Kunkel, Mulcahy, Murphey, Rubinstein, Schwartz, D. Searcy, Stuart, Walker; Associate Professors Alpert, Budnik, Connor, Coombs, Edwards, Godfrey, Kent, Ludlam, Nambu, Petersen, Phillis, Wadsworth, Zoeller; Assistant Professors Adkins, Brainerd, Brewer, Byers, Karlstrom, E. Walker; Lecturers Goodenough, K. Searcy, Smith; Adjunct Faculty Fite, McCormick, Shetty. The Field Biology is the science of life. The vast scope of its subject matter makes biology an extremely diverse field of study. This diversity stems not only from the tremendous variety of life forms with which we share our planet, but also from the multiple levels of organization available for biological investigation. Given an organism, a biologist might choose to investigate how it behaves, how it fits into its ecosystem, the mechanisms by which its genes shape its appearance, what its ancestors were like, how its cells divide, how it grows and develops, or how it derives energy from nourishment. Biological inquiry encompasses perspectives from the planetary to the submicroscopic. Career Opportunities For many biology majors, undergraduate studies are preliminary to the pursuit of an advanced degree that will lead to a career as a medical doctor, veterinarian, academic, or scientist. A graduate degree is not, however, required to pursue a career related to biology. A bachelor's degree in biology can lead to employment in the large and growing biotechnology, health care, or pharmaceutical industries. Many openings in these dynamic, high-tech fields require a degree in the life sciences. Biology majors are likewise well prepared for careers as secondary-school science teachers. Certain government agencies, including the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, also regularly hire biology graduates, as do private environmental and conservation organizations. Employers of all types recognize that a person with a science degree is likely to be comfortable with logical, quantitative thinking. The Major The Biology major is open to all students with an interest in biology. The course requirements for the major emphasize fundamental scientific concepts while allowing students to tailor a program to their own interests. All majors are required to complete a core sequence that includes basic math and science courses and several key Biology courses. The elective portion of the degree is more flexible. Transfers Courses completed elsewhere and accepted for transfer credit may substitute for some required courses. A minimum of four courses, however, must be completed in the Department of Biology. Course requirements At least 16 credits, with a minimum grade of C, required in each course taken for credit toward the Biological Science Core. A. Math and Physical Sciences Core (26 or 30 credits) 1. PHYSIC 131/133 and 132/134 Introductory Physics 2. CHEM 111 and 112 General Chemistry for Science and Engineering Majors 3. CHEM 250/252 Organic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry Lab or CHEM 261 and 262/269 Organic Chemistry/Organic Lab for Non-Majors (Students planning to apply to graduate programs or to medical, dental or other health professional schools should complete the two-semester organic chemistry sequence.) 4. Any two of the following: MATH 127 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I MATH 128 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences II BIOEPI 540 Introductory Biostatistics STATIS 111 Elementary Statistics STATIS 501 Methods of Applied Statistics CMPSCI 105 Computer Literacy or CMPSCI 121 Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers.
B. Biological Science Core (35 credits) 1. BIOL 100, 101 Introductory Biology (C or higher in both courses required before additional Biology courses may be taken); 2. BIOL 312 Writing in Biology; 3. At least 25 additional credits in biological science courses numbered 200 or above. These credits must include: a) at least 13 credits in courses numbered 300 and above; b) at least one course related to plant biology and one course related to animal biology; c) at least two courses with a laboratory or field component; d) at least one course in each of four of the following five areas (a list of acceptable courses in each of the five areas is available in the Biology Undergraduate Office): Genetics and Molecular Biology Cellular Biology and Development Physiology Evolution and Biodiversity Ecology and Behavior. The 25 additional credits may include up to three credits of Independent Study. In addition, the credits may include up to three credits of Undergraduate Teaching Practicum in a Biology Department course or three credits of Contractual Independent Study (i.e., an independent study project completed under the terms of a formal written contract and resulting in a written paper, poster presentation, or oral presentation). Honors Students interested in graduating as Biology majors with Honors should contact Professor O'Connor for information on requirements. The Minor An undergraduate minor in Biology requires successful completion of the Biological Science Core courses. Seventeen credits total are required. 1. 100 and 101 Introductory Biology 2. Three of the five courses listed below: 280 Evolution: Diversity of Life Through Time 285 Cell and Molecular Biology 283 General Genetics 297B Introductory Ecology 297D Physiology. Other Information The laboratory component of many Biology courses requires the examination and/or dissection of animals. For a description of the use of animals in a particular course, contact the course instructor or the Biology Undergraduate Office. Secondary Teacher Education Students wishing teacher certification should contact the STEP Advising Office, Room 125A, Furcolo Hall. Major in Pre-Medical or Pre-Dental Studies Students are discouraged from majoring in Pre-Medical or Pre-Dental Studies, but the University does offer these majors. For information on major requirements, contact the Pre-Medical Advising Office, tel. 545-3674, or write to Prof. W. Brian O'Connor in the Biology Department. There is a section in this Catalog (under "Special Programs") with information about undergraduate preparation for applying to medical or dental school. | |
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