The major
In addition to the college-wide distribution requirements and First-Year Seminar, every biology major must complete:
- Two semesters (at least 6 credits) of introductory courses (numbered 140-199). These courses focus on a particular topic within biology, such as medical microbiology or global change biology. Students typically take these courses during their first year. Introductory courses are required of all students, even those who have taken Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.
- A sequence of Genetics and Evolution and Ecology and Evolution, typically taken during the second year.
- Biostatistics, typically taken in the second or third year.
- Upper-college laboratory electives: a minimum of two biology laboratory courses (4 credits each) at the 300-level.
- Upper-college seminars: a minimum of four credits (typically one course) of 400-level seminars. All 400-level courses require students to read and present the primary literature.
- One complementary STEM course: To broaden their exposure to other areas of science, students must take one majors-level course (4 credits) in math, computing, or a science other than biology.
- Biology Seminar, a 1-credit course offered every semester. All Biology majors must take the course for credit at least twice before graduation.
- Senior Project I and II (8 credits total)
For moderation in biology
To moderate into the biology program, a student should have successfully completed two semesters of introductory biology, as described above, and either Genetics and Evolution or Ecology and Evolution. In the semester of moderation (typically the spring semester of the sophomore year), most students are enrolled in the second of the courses in this two-course sequence.
More information about the process of moderation in biology is available here.
More information about the process of moderation in biology is available here.
Courses
Courses for non-majors
These biology courses are specifically intended for students not intending to major in biology. These courses focus on scientific inquiry, evaluating evidence, and connecting science to everyday life.
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Introductory courses for majors
Introductory courses for biology majors are typically offered either every year, or every other year. We also offer course-based research experiences (CREs) for entering students.
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Core courses
These courses are required of all biology majors and provide a common foundation for further study in biology. Each of these courses is typically offered each semester, and students often take them during the second year.
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Elective courses
Elective courses are typically offered with labs, and are taught once every other year. Examples of recent courses include:
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Advanced seminars
In Advanced Seminars, students read, discuss, and present the primary literature about a particular topic. Examples of recent advanced seminars include:
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Biology Seminar
Each semester, we offer a biology seminar in which visiting biologists describe their latest research. This course, which meets at lunch on Thursdays, is popular with students and faculty as an opportunity to meet and discuss the latest research in biology.
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