Biology Requirements

The Biology Department ensures that students gain exposure to the breadth of biological science and become proficient in the methods of scientific inquiry. The curriculum emphasizes the study of plants, animals, and microorganisms from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Through laboratory and field experiences and the opportunity to carry out original research, students gain proficiency in gathering, interpreting, and communicating scientific knowledge. Department graduates continue their education in all fields of biology and in professional schools, and they pursue careers in scientific research, biotechnology, education, agriculture, medicine, and public health.

To promote interdisciplinary education, the Biology Department maintains close ties (often including cross-listed courses) with other departments and programs, including Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Psychology, and Statistics and with external partners including The Jackson Laboratory, the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass.

Three optional concentrations and an interdisciplinary option are offered in addition to the basic major.

The concentration in ecology and evolution is designed to prepare students for graduate study or employment in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related disciplines. Recent graduates in this area have enrolled in masters’ and doctoral programs in ecology, evolution, marine biology, and natural resource management. Others are employed by federal and state agencies, private and public organizations, and consulting firms.

The concentration in cell and molecular biology/biochemistry focuses on the interdisciplinary field at the interface between biology and chemistry and also prepares students for graduate study or employment in the biomedical fields. Recent graduates have pursued interests in biomedical research, genomics, and molecular biology; others have attended medical school or graduate school in various disciplines.

The concentration in neuroscience allows students to explore the interdisciplinary field at the interface between biology and psychology. This program prepares students for graduate study or employment in neuroscience or biomedical fields. Recent graduates have pursued research in neurodegenerative diseases, molecular neuroscience, and neuroimmunology.

The major in computational biology allows students to develop a coherent plan for the integration of computer science with biology. Students completing this major will be well prepared to obtain employment or pursue research in fields such as computational biology and bioinformatics.

Students interested in teaching are urged to read the “Education” section of the catalogue and to contact a member of the Education Program. Students majoring in biology and preparing for dental, medical, veterinary, or other health professions must carefully plan how to fit prerequisite courses in other disciplines into their course of study. Students interested in health professions should, in addition to working closely with their major advisor, consult regularly with the health professions advisor in DavisConnects.

Chair, Associate Professor David R. Angelini

Associate Chair, Associate Professor Ronald Peck

Professors S. Tariq Ahmad, Catherine Bevier, and Russell Johnson; Associate Professors David Angelini, Lynn Hannum, Suegene Noh, Ronald Peck, and Andrea Tilden; Assistant Professors Robert Augustine, Allison Barner, Christina Cota, Anna Forsman, Joshua Martin, Christopher Moore, Kristen Nolting, and Yee Mon Thu; Visiting Assistant Professor Johanna van Oers; Senior Laboratory Instructors Tina Beachy, Scott Guay, and Sarah Staffiere; Laboratory Instructors II April Chiriboga and Serena Graham; Laboratory Instructors I Susan Childers and Erin Macro; Research Scientists Lyndell Bade, Paul Berkner, Phillip de Maynadier, William Feero, Joshua Kavaler, Margaret Staller, and Ross Zafonte; Research Associate Louis Bevier

For all biology major programs, the point scale for retention of the major applies to all courses required for the major and all elected biology courses. Courses required for the biology and computational biology majors may not be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory. A maximum of four credit hours of independent study and two credit hours of seminar may be counted toward the major. No more than eight credit hours in a semester or 12 credit hours in total from off-campus study programs may be counted toward the major requirements. The academic honor of “Distinction in the Major” will be awarded to students who have an average of at least 3.5 in the biology or computational biology majors.

Thirty-one hours of coursework in biology (excluding Advanced Placement or similar credit), including Biology 163, 164, one course with laboratory in field biology (Biology 211, 218, 237, 241, 253, 254, 271, 277, 334, 373 (if taken with a lab), 384), and one course with laboratory in cellular biology (Biology 215, 225, 227, 248, 274, 279, 347 or Biochemistry 367). Chemistry 141 and 142, or Chemistry 121 and 122, or Chemistry 147; Mathematics 119 and 120 or 125 or 130 or 135 or equivalent; and one of the following courses: Computer Science 15X or 166, Mathematics 160, 165, 253, Statistics 212, Economics 293, Psychology 214, or Sociology 271. Overall, at least six biology courses must be taken with labs, and two biology courses at the 300-level. Seniors must enroll in Biology 401 or 402. 

In addition to the requirements of the Biology major, Biology 271, 320, and 328 or 382; one organismal or taxonomy-based biology course with lab (Biology 211, 237, 241, 248, 254, 276, 277, 334); and Statistics 212.

In addition to the requirements of the biology major, Biology 279, Biochemistry 367 (with laboratory), 368 (with laboratory), 378; one additional course with laboratory in cell or molecular-level biology (Biology 215, 225, 227, 246, 247, 248, 278, 329, 332, 344, 347, 351, 371, 376, 392). In addition, Chemistry 241 and 242; Physics 141 and 145.

In addition to the requirements of the biology major, Biology 274; and at least two of the following animal-based cell-, tissue-, or organismal-level courses: 225, 227, 265, 275, 276, 277, 279, 325, 332, 334, 347, 373, 374, 376, 392. In addition, Psychology 111; one course from the following: Psychology 232, 233, 234, 242, 244, 272 (this list is frequently updated as new courses are introduced; please contact your advisor if you have questions about a specific course); and one elective course in psychology (200-level or above).

Students will design an integrative course of study in consultation with an academic advisor(s). Foundational courses (may be satisfied by AP or other placement exams): Biology 163 and 164; Computer Science 151, 152, 153 or 166; and single-variable calculus Mathematics 119 and 120, or 121, or 125, or 130, or 135; and multivariable calculus Mathematics 122 or 135 or 160. Required core courses: Biology 278 and 279; Computer Science 231, and 251 or 252; and Mathematics 253 or 262 and Statistics 212. Four elective courses at the 300-level or above should be chosen in consultation with an advisor (two each from biology and computer science; two courses from the following: Biology 320, 323, 345, 371, 376, 377, 378, 382; and two courses from the following: Computer Science 341, 441, 343, 443, 346, 446).

Biology majors with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the end of the January term of the junior year or with permission of the department are eligible to apply for the Biology Honors Research Program during spring registration of the junior year. Honors research projects will earn a total of seven to nine credits (typically eight) and will be conducted during each semester of the senior year (and typically include Jan Plan). Completion of the honors program will include formation of a thesis committee consisting of a faculty sponsor and two other experts, a written proposal to the department faculty (due in the spring of junior year), an interim report (due by Thanksgiving recess), a written thesis, an oral presentation at the Colby Liberal Arts Symposium, and successful completion of an oral examination given by the student’s honors committee. Successful completion of the honors program will result in the degree being awarded with “Honors in Biology.”