Overview
Wei-Jen Chang (on leave 2022S), chair
Harvey Cramer
Rhea Datta (on leave 2021-22)
Peter Guiden
Herman Lehman
Jaime Mancilla
Michael McCormick
Abigail Myers
Natalie Nannas
Noelle Relles
Patrick Reynolds
Andrea Townsend
Jason Townsend
The goal of the Biology Department is to inspire and prepare our students for lifelong learning as professionals in the biological sciences and as scientifically informed citizens, as well as to advance understanding of the natural world through original research.
Students Will Learn to:
- Analyze and interpret original and published biological data
- Apply the scientific method in a way that demonstrates comprehension
- Communicate effectively about fundamental biological concepts using scientific language
A concentration in biology consists of 12 credits, including 9 credits in biology, two credits in chemistry and one credit related to science in society. Biology courses must include BIO-100 (or BIO-101, BIO-102, or BIO-115), at least four additional Biology courses with laboratories, and BIO-550. At least one upper level lab course must be selected from within each of the following curricular categories: Cell and Molecular Biology (BIO-212, BIO-221, BIO-248, BIO-270, BIO-334, BIO-346, BIO-357), Organismal Biology (BIO-213, BIO-222, BIO-228,BIO-239, BIO-280, BIO-330, BIO-331, BIO-334, BIO-343) and Ecology/Evolution (BIO-212, BIO-213, BIO-226, BIO-228, BIO-237, BIO-238,BIO-239 BIO-290, BIO-343). Courses listed in more than one category can only be counted toward fulfilling the requirement in one.
Chemistry courses must include CHEM-120 (or CHEM-125) and CHEM-190. The science and society course must be chosen from a list of courses provided by the department that discuss issues in public policy or ethics related to science or technology. To meet the Social, Structural, and Institutional Hierarchies college requirement, students must take three biology courses that carry an SSIH designation. With prior departmental approval, up to one SSIH course can be taken from outside the department if the course addresses issues in biology or science in general. With prior departmental approval, up to two credits may be transferred into the concentration from study off-campus. No more than one credit of independent study may be applied to the concentration. Before a student declares a biology concentration, up to one concentration course credit may be taken credit/no credit. Students preparing for graduate studies in biology should take at least one year each of calculus and organic chemistry and should have knowledge of statistics. Departmental honors are determined on the basis of distinguished achievement in coursework and in the Senior Thesis (both BIO-550 and BIO-551, or BIO-550 and exceptional research record at Hamilton).
A minor in biology consists of five courses, which must include BIO-100 (or BIO-101 and BIO-102, or BIO-115) and at least one course at the 300 level or higher. The following courses do not count toward a concentration or minor in biology: BIO-145, BIO-150, BIO-214, and BIO-216. BIO-100 is open to all years.