Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 HillBook (Class of 2017) 
    
2013-2014 HillBook (Class of 2017) [ARCHIVED HILL BOOK]

Biology, B.A.


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Major


The B.A. in Biology is designed for a student who seeks entry into a professional program or to teach at the primary or secondary level. The B.A. in Biology may also be combined with another major to create an interdisciplinary degree appropriate for direct employment in biotechnology, government, or other industry positions. Combined with Journalism or English, it makes it possible to pursue a career in science writing or editing; with Computer Information Systems, technical and development work for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals; with Public Administration or Political Science, a career in environmental non-profit or governmental sectors; or with Business, a career in marketing or the patent office with biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. The B.A. in Biology is also recommended for those seeking entry into post-baccalaureate training/certification courses or interdisciplinary graduate programs such as those in Public Health or Natural Resources. Students enrolled in the major are encouraged to strengthen their career preparation by completing an internship, directed study, or research project.

The Curriculum for the B.A. in Biology consists of fourteen courses.

Organismal Courses


In Addition to the Biology core, two Organismal courses (one Structural and one Functional) are required from the list below.

Additional Courses


Capstone Requirement in Biology


Several options fulfill this requirement. All must integrate sub-disciplines within biology, connect this work within biology to a broader view of academics and society, and present that work in oral and written form.

Capstone Options:


Options 2-4 below require written approval from the faculty member supervising the Capstone project and the department chair.

  1. Enroll as a senior in BIO 406 - Ethology , BIO 409 - Immunology , BIO 423 - Virology ,  , or BIO 498 - Senior Honors Thesis I  & BIO 499 - Senior Honors Thesis II .
     
  2. Petition to have any 3-400 level Biology class (taken in the senior year) fulfill the capstone requirement. This option will probably result in additional work in that class.
     
  3. Perform a directed study, independent research, a research-based internship or S.U.R.E. project, write a research paper based on this work, and present this in an open seminar format.
     
  4. Present work done in a non-biology course to fulfill the Capstone requirement. This work must contain a very strong biology component and deal with larger societal issues associated with the project.

Major Field Test in Biology


All juniors and seniors majoring in Biology must take the Major Field Test in Biology.

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