The Biology Program The Major Advisers: Students should choose their advisers, according to their interests, from the department faculty, with the exception that the Chair of the Board of Pre-Health Advisers does not serve as a major adviser. Adviser for Study Abroad: Paulette Peckol. The major in Biological Sciences is designed to provide 1) a strong basis for understanding biological perspectives on various issues, 2) conceptual breadth across several major disciplines in biology, 3) depth in one or more specialized fields in biology, 4) experience with modern tools and techniques of biological research, and 5) the opportunity to personally experience the excitement and process of scientific investigation. Within this general framework, students can construct course programs that serve their individual interests and plans after graduation, while insuring that they acquire a broad background in the biological sciences and exposure to related fields such as chemistry, physics, geology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Prospective majors should consult with biology faculty in choosing their courses. In their first semesters, students are encouraged to enroll in one of the introductory courses (BIO 100-149) and/or an appropriate core course (BIO 150-156) as well as chemistry (CHM 111 or 118). The following requirements for the major apply to students declaring their major in the spring of 2007 and beyond. Students from other class years should consult with their advisers concerning major requirements. The major requires 56 credits. The core course requirement: BIO 150/151: Cells, Physiology and Development/lab BIO 152/153: Genetics, Genomics and Evolution/lab BIO 154/155: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation/lab CHM 111/118 and a course in statistics are also required. MTH 245 is strongly recommended for Biological Sciences majors. The distribution requirement: Cells, Physiology and Development: Genetics, Genomics and Evolution: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation: The advanced course requirement: The laboratory course requirement: With the adviser’s approval, a semester of Special Studies (400) may count as a 200-level laboratory course, and a semester of Honors research (430, 431, or 432) may fulfill the 300-level laboratory requirement. Elective courses: Up to two courses from other departments or programs may be counted as electives, provided that these relate to a student’s particular interests in biology and are chosen in consultation with her adviser. Such courses might include, but are not limited to BCH 252 and 253; CHM 222 and 223; ESS 215; EVS 300; GEO 231; NSC 200; NSC 311. Independent research: Options for majors with Advanced Placement credit: The Minor Advisers: Members of the Department also serve as advisers for the minor. The requirements for the minor in Biological Sciences comprise 24 credits chosen in consultation with an adviser. These courses usually include at least one core course and must include one 300-level course. No more than one course designed primarily for non-majors may be included. One course from another department or program may be included provided that course is related to a students particular interest in biology and is chosen in consultation with her adviser. Honors Director: Virginia Hayssen. Requirements: the same as for the major, and 8 or 12 credits (430d, 431, or 432d) in the senior year of individual investigation culminating in a written thesis and an oral presentation. 430d Thesis 431 Thesis 432d Thesis Biochemistry See pp. - Environmental Science and Policy See pp. - Marine Sciences See pp. - Neuroscience See p. ···. Graduate The Department of Biological Sciences maintains an active graduate program leading to the Master of Science Degree in Biological Sciences. The program of study emphasizes independent research supported by advanced course work. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong background in the life sciences and a clear commitment to independent laboratory, field and/or theoretical research. The department offers opportunities for original work in a wide variety of fields, including animal behavior, biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, ecology, environmental science, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, plant sciences and physiology. Students pursuing the M.S. degree are required to participate in the Graduate Seminar (BIO 507); and are expected to undertake a course of study, designed in conjunction with their adviser, that will include appropriate courses both within and outside the Department. Adviser: Robert Dorit. 507 Seminar on Recent Advances and Current Problems in the Biological Sciences 510 Advanced Studies in Molecular Biology 520 Advanced Studies in Botany 530 Advanced Studies in Microbiology 540 Advanced Studies in Zoology 550 Advanced Studies in Environmental Biology 590d Research and Thesis Prehealth Professional Programs Students may prepare for health profession schools by majoring in any area, as long as they take courses that meet the minimum requirements for entrance. For most schools, these are two semesters each of English, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology. The science courses must include laboratories. Biology courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser, taking into consideration the student’s major and specific interests in the health professions. Other courses often recommended include biochemistry, mathematics including calculus and/or statistics, and social or behavioral science. Because health profession schools differ in the details of their requirements, students should confer with a Prehealth adviser as early as possible about specific requirements. Preparation for graduate study in the biological sciences Graduate programs that grant advanced degrees in biology vary in their admission requirements, but often include at least one year of mathematics (preferably including statistics), physics, and organic chemistry. Many programs stress both broad preparation across the biological sciences and a strong background in a specific area. Many institutions require scores on the Graduate Record Examination, which emphasizes a broad foundation in biology as well as quantitative and verbal skills. Students contemplating graduate study beyond Smith should review the requirements of particular programs as early as possible in the course of their studies and seek advice from members of the department. . Directors : Adam Hall Requirements: the same as that for the major, and 8 or 12 credits (430d, 431, or 432d) in the senior year of individual investigation culminating in a written thesis and an oral presentaiton.
430d Thesis 431 Thesis 432d Thesis Requirements BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MAJOR REQUIREMENTS Fall, 2007 Advanced course Three 300 level courses (from listing above), one with lab. A beginning student considering a Biology major should consider taking Biochemistry See pp. 110-114 Environmental Science and Policy
Marine Science and Policy See pp. 299-300 Neuroscience See p.p. 318-322 Graduate Adviser: Laura Katz 507 Seminar on Recent Advances and Current Problems in the Biological Sciences Students in this seminar discuss articles from the primary literature representing diverse fields of biology and present on their own research projects. Journal articles will be selected to coordinate with departmental colloquia. In alternate weeks, students will present talks on research goals, data collection and data analysis. This course is required for graduate students and it must be repeated both years. 2 credits Laura Katz Offered Fall 2005 510 Advanced Studies in Molecular Biology 3 to 5 credits Members of the department Offered both semester each year 520 Advanced Studies in Botany 3 to 5 credits Members of the department Offered both semesters each year 530 Advanced Studies in Microbiology 3 to 5 credits Members of the department Offered both semesters each year 540 Advanced Studies in Zoology 3 to 5 credits Members of the department 550 Advanced Studies in Environmental Biology 3 to 5 credits Members of the department Offered both semesters each year 590d Research and Thesis 8 credits Full-year course; Offered each year Preparation for graduate study in the biological sciences Graduate programs that grant masters and doctoral degrees in biology vary in their admission requirements, which may include at least one year each of mathematics (preferably including statistics), physics, and organic chemistry. Many programs stress both broad preparation across the biological sciences and a strong background in a specific area. Many institutions require scores on the Graduate Record Examination, which emphasize a broad foundation in biology as well as quantitative and verbal skills. Studens contemplating graduate study should review the requirements of particular programs as early as possible in the course of their studies and seek advice from members of the department. Prehealth Professional Programs Students may prepare for health profession schools by majoring in any area, as long as they take courses that meet the minimum requirements for entrance. For most schools, these are two semesters each of English, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and biology. The science courses must include laboratories. Biology courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser, taking into consideration the student's major and specific interests in the health professions. Other courses often recommended include biochemistry, mathematics through calculus, and social or behavioral science. Because health profession schools differ in the details of their requirements, students should confer with a Prehealth adviser as early as possible about specific requirements. Information may be obtained from the Career Development Office or from Margaret E. Anderson, Chair of the Board of Pre-Health Advisers. |
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