The introductory biology sequence consists of three courses (BIOL 161, 162, 163) each offered during the spring and fall semesters. It is very important that students who are considering the biology major should start their science (biology and chemistry) and mathematics courses during their first year. Entry to the biology major is by application, and students may only apply after having completed either two biology courses, or a biology course and a cognate course with a lab. Students with a strong science background (e.g., AP courses) should take two science courses each semester and mathematics; others may take different loads as described on the Incoming Students website.
- For those potential biology majors who are interested in health professions and/or cellular and molecular biology, we highly recommend CHEM 181 during the fall semester and CHEM 221 during the spring semester. Students should also take BIOL 161 beginning either the fall or spring. We also recommend taking mathematics.
- Students whose interests lie in ecological or organismal biology should take mathematics and biology (BIOL 161) during the first semester. Students with strong science backgrounds may also take chemistry starting in the fall with CHEM 181.
Most students should plan to complete their mathematics requirement and at least two science courses (either chemistry or biology) in their first year. The appropriate mathematics course depends on a student’s mathematical background. Please read the advisory information under Mathematics.
BIOL 161
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Common Area: Natural Science
Biology 161 is an introductory course designed for potential biology majors and for students interested in the health professions. The goal is to provide students with a strong foundation in biology at the smallest scales–processes at the chemical and cellular levels. Emphasis is placed on biological molecules, metabolic pathways such as those of energy metabolism, cellular transport, signaling and coordination, cellular replication and molecular biology including the regulation of gene expression. This course is a prerequisite for many upper-division courses in biology and involves three lectures and one laboratory period per week.
BIOL 162
Introduction to Mechanisms of Multicellular Life
Common Area: Natural Science
Fundamental principles of mechanistic biology at the organ and system levels. Emphasis on vertebrates with some material on higher plants. Intended for all potential biology majors and pre-health students regardless of major. Includes laboratory.
BIOL 163
Introduction to Biol Diversity and Ecology
Common Area: Natural Science
An introduction to evolution, ecology and the diversity of life: plants, animals, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. Intended for all biology and environmental studies majors.
Other courses: The biology department also offers courses designed for students who do not intend to major in a natural science. These courses, numbered BIOL 114 or BIOL 117, provide credit toward the College’s Natural Science Common Area Requirement and some also count toward the Environmental Studies major and minor. None of these courses can be used toward the biology major.
BIOL 117
Environmental Science
Common Area: Natural Science
The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of major environmental problems by studying their biological bases. Applied and basic material will be integrated in most sections. Basic topics include ecosystem structure, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, population growth and regulation, and environmental policy. Applied topics include human population growth, agriculture and food production, pest control, conservation of forests and wildlife, preservation of biological diversity, energy use, water and air pollution, and atmospheric climate change.