Biology

Biology | Courses | Faculty

348 Morrill Science Center

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, Coombs, Kaulenas, Klekowski, Kroodsma, Kunkel, Murphey, Petersen, Schwartz, D. Searcy, Stuart, Walker, Zoeller; Associate Professors Alpert, Brainerd, Budnik, Connor, Edwards, Godfrey, Kent, Nambu, Phillis, Wadsworth; Assistant Professors Adkins, Brewer, Byers, Dumont, Karlstrom, Podos, Qui, E. Walker; Lecturers Goodenough, K. Searcy, Smith; Adjunct Faculty Fite, McCormick.

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.

The wide array of biological perspectives is reflected in the many subdisciplines of the field. Genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, ethology, botany, neurobiology, systematics, molecular biology, developmental biology, paleontology, and cell biology are just a few of the multitude of specializations that, taken together, compose biology. Given the plethora of approaches that coexist under the biological umbrella, a casual observer might believe that biology is an intellectually fragmented and diffuse endeavor. Fortunately, biology, in all of its glorious diversity, is unified by a few grand ideas. In particular, the theory of evolution provides a conceptual framework that draws together the far-flung threads of biological thought.

Like other scientists, biologists use the scientific method to develop explanations for the patterns and processes that they observe in the natural world. The practice of biology thus involves both systematic observation, often aided by sophisticated instruments, and experimentation. Biologists may work in laboratories or in the field; some of the best biological research combines data gathered in both settings.

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 25 credits, however, must be completed in the Department of Biology.

Course requirements

At least 65 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

(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 261 and 262/269 Organic Chemistry/Organic Lab for Non-Majors

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 at least 17 credits (all with grade of C or better) from the Biological Sciences Core:

1. BIOL 100 and 101 Introductory Biology I and II

2. Three additional Biology Department courses chosen from the list of approved courses for the major, subject to the following stipulations:

a) The three courses must each come from a different subject area (see the Biology Undergraduate Handbook for a list of courses in each area).

b) No more than one of the three courses may also be used to satisfy the requirements of another major.

c) Only 3-credit and 4-credit courses may be used.

d) Only Biology Department courses may be used.

e) All three courses must be taken at the University.

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.

Biology may be selected as the area of primary concentration in the ScienceMajor (see Science Major). Six Biology courses, including one from each of five specified areas, are required.

Students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters studying abroad. Study abroad offers a valuable opportunity for enrichment and to gain perspective on the field of biology.

Secondary Teacher Education

Students interested in teacher certification should contact the STEP Advising Office, 121 Furcolo Hall, tel. 545-4397 or e-mail: stepadv@educ.umass.edu.

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.

Biology | Courses | Faculty