Course description
This is a dual major at the interface of biology and chemistry which partially overlaps the requirements for those two individual majors. It is particularly appropriate for students interested in graduate work in biochemistry or molecular biology. It also provides a strong background for students interested in medical, dental, or veterinary graduate work. The major requires a minimum of seventeen courses distributed as follows:
1. Biology 43-44, Introductory Biology
2. Biology 157, Cell Biology
3. Biology 170, Molecular Biology
4. Biology 177, Biochemistry
5. Chemistry 14-15, Basic Principles of Chemistry
6. Chemistry 116-117, Organic Chemistry
7. Chemistry 121-122, Principles of Physical Chemistry
8. Chemistry 126-127, Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry
9. Physics 30, 31, General physics OR Physics 33, 34, Principles of Physics
10. Mathematics 30, 31, Calculus I, II
11. Biology OR Chemistry 190L or 191 or 188L-190L. In general, a one-semester thesis (191) is an extensive library research thesis; (190L) is a one-semester experimental thesis; and a two-semester thesis (188L and 190L) is a laboratory or field research project. Students with a two-semester thesis normally take 188L, Senior Research, in the Fall.
Biology entails the study of the entire process of life from its beginning, through its development, reproduction, and to its cessation and decay. Many of the new developments and discoveries in this dynamic field are the result of interdisciplinary cooperation between biologists, chemists, physicists, and computer scientists. These researchers have added considerably to our understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms of living systems at cellular, molecular, organismic, population, and ecological levels.
Career opportunities for those who major in biology are numerous. Besides being on of the traditional preparatory fields for those pursuing careers as health care professionals, biology is an excellent choice of major for those interested in secondary education or in the burgeoning genetic engineering industry. And, of course, the areas of academic and industrial research are open to those who pursue a Ph.D. In the discipline.
