Biology Major
The Biology Major at 51¹ÙÍø
The Biology Department is committed to preparing students for success in graduate school, professional school and as career candidates.
Biology majors have faculty advisers in the department to help them select courses that will meet their individual goals.
Courses span the spectrum of biological disciplines that prepare students for advanced studies in a wide variety of fields. 100-level courses serve as the entry courses to the major. The 200- and 300-level biology courses give students access to a broad range of biological knowledge and technical skills.
The curriculum also prepares students to take a leadership role in society by furnishing them with the tools to make informed decisions about scientific issues.
"It is a lot of work, but a lot of fun. The biology major is great because you can tailor it to what you like. And it provides a great foundation for a career in the sciences or medical field."
Biology Major Handbook
The Biology Major Handbook (Google Doc) provides academic and administrative information about biology at 51¹ÙÍø.
Inspired by Ecuador’s rich biodiversity during , Zane Libke '21 returned there upon graduating to pioneer the country’s first field genomics lab. When his research plans through a Putnam award were thwarted by the pandemic, the Biology Department and Genomics Program agreed to help, finding funds to support his fieldwork post-graduation.
Upon return, Libke will conduct a one-week workshop for summer research students on how to use DNA barcoding, a method of species identification using a short section of DNA from a specific gene or genes.