The Department of Biology offers a major in Biology that emphasizes the development of scientific skills and competencies necessary for understanding living systems and critical analysis of scientific claims. The six foundation courses introduce students to hypothesis testing, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation while investigating ecology, evolution, genetics, cell biology, and the chemical foundations of life. Throughout the major, students engage with current scientific literature and learn to communicate scientific information in written and oral formats.
The faculty value a liberal arts education and encourages our majors to pursue other academic interests, including study abroad and biology-linked programs listed below. Graduates will be well prepared to pursue a graduate or professional degree or seek a job in a biology-related field.
Students majoring in Biology are also eligible to complete the Program in Neuroscience or the Emphasis in Computational Science. The program in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary examination of the nervous system and its regulation of behavior. It is administered by both the departments of Biology and Psychology. Many of the required courses will apply to both fields of study. A description of the Neuroscience program requirements can be found the Catalog. The Emphasis in Computational Science is an interdisciplinary field which applies computer science and mathematics to biology and other natural sciences. For requirements, see the Computational Science section of the Catalog
The Department of Biology encourages its students to undertake honors work. For further information, students should review the section on Honors Courses in this Catalog.
John F. Moeller (Fall 2024)
Natalie W. Spivey (Spring 2025)
Geoffrey C. Mitchell
Amelia K. Atwell
Stefanie H. Baker
Lisa R. Cantwell
Kelli J. Carroll
Matthew Crook
Lori Cruze
Johnathan G. Davis
Stacey R. Hettes
John F. Moeller
Jeremy S. Morris
Katherine H. Putney
Charles F. Smith
Natalie W. Spivey
Students planning to major in Biology should take BIO 150 Biological Inquiry (with lab) , BIO 213 Introduction to Genetics & Molecular Biology , BIO 215 Introduction to Cellular Biology , BIO 216 Experimental Design, Analysis, and Communication , CHEM 123 General Chemistry I (with lab) , and CHEM 124 General Chemistry II (with lab) prior to enrolling in an upper-level (300-level or higher) course. Typically, these courses should be completed in the first four semesters. The CHEM 123-124 sequence should be taken no later than the sophomore year, and students in good standing are encouraged to start the sequence in the first year.
Majors will need a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater in the five foundational courses to enroll in upper-level courses. BIO 215 Introduction to Cellular Biology requires that students must have earned a 'C-' or better in BIO 213 Introduction to Genetics & Molecular Biology and have earned credit for CHEM 123 General Chemistry I (with lab) . BIO 400 Evolutionary & Integrative Biology must be taken in the junior or senior year. Majors are also encouraged to take coursework in statistics ( MATH 140 Introduction to Statistics and/or BIO 341 Biostatistics ) as early as possible.