|
Major, Minor, and Programs of Study
The Biological Sciences Department offers a major in biological sciences with four concentrations: molecular biology, environmental science, dance science, and secondary education with certification in biological sciences. A minor in biological sciences and a dual-degree program in biomedical engineering are also offered.
Detailed descriptions for departmental course offerings can be found at the Course Listings page.
THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MAJOR
The major consists of at least 40 biology credits that include a core sequence: BIO 104, BIO 105, BIO 210, BIO 214, BIO 220, BIO 224, BIO 240, BIO 260 or 333/334. BIO 111, BIO 140, BIO 150, 170 and 290 do not count toward the 40-credit requirement.
In addition, a minimum of 14 credits at the 300 level, including one seminar and at least one three-hour laboratory course are required. The laboratory courses that fulfill this requirement are: BIO 324L, BIO 328, BIO 334, BIO 341, BIO 354L, BIO 363, BIO 378L, BIO 390-399. If both CHE 341 and CHE 345 are elected, 3 credits may be counted toward the fourteen 300-level credits required for the biological science major.
A maximum of one seminar can count toward the 300-level requirement. The 300-level courses must represent at least two different biological disciplines. If both CHE 341 and 345 are elected, three credits may count toward the fourteen 300-level credits required for the biological science major. To count toward the major, students must receive a grade of at least a C- in all the biological sciences courses. Students planning to major in biological sciences should elect BIO 104 and 105 and CHE 111/112 (or 112H) and 151/152 (or 152H) in their first year and BIO 210/214 and 220/224 in their sophomore year. CHE 235 and MA 170 are required and should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the sophomore year. MA 180 is strongly recommended.
The biological core is completed in the junior year by taking BIO 240 and either plant or animal physiology. All students, especially those contemplating graduate school, are urged to take both BIO 260 and BIO 333/334. The last three semesters may be devoted to specialization at the 300 level and independent research.
Laboratory reports and papers in BIO 214, 224, 240, and 260 are used to evaluate writing proficiency in the major. Computer proficiency is satisfied by completing the requirements for the major.
Concentration in Molecular Biology
Students may fulfill requirements for the major in the biological sciences with a concentration in molecular biology by completing all major requirements, CHE 341 or 345, and two semesters of physics (PHY 115/116 or PHY 125/126). Of the 14 credits required at the 300 level, two lecture courses must be selected from among BIO 324, BIO 327, and BIO 354, and two laboratory courses must be selected from among BIO 324L, BIO 328, BIO 354L, and either CHE 342 or CHE 346. Two credits from CHE 342 or 346 may be counted toward the 40 required biology credits. If both CHE 341 and 345 are elected, three credits may count toward the 14 required credits at the 300
level.
Concentration in Environmental Science
In addition to the core sequence of courses listed above, CHE 235 and MA 170 are required and MA 141 is highly recommended. Two courses must be selected from among BIO 260, BIO 333/334 and 354/354L. Additional requirements for a biological sciences major with a concentration in environmental science are: BIO 241, BIO 343/343L, BIO 384, EC 101 or 102 or an environmental economics course, PSC 285.
Concentration in Dance Science
This concentration focuses on knowledge and technique in the new field of dance science. Study of the sciences is combined with technical and theoretical dance training to provide a basis for understanding problems in dance performance, nutrition, and care and prevention of injuries. With additional course work, this concentration provides preparation for graduate studies in physical therapy, sports medicine, dance medicine, and related fields. (See the Director of Premedical Studies for specific requirements.) In addition to the core sequence of courses listed above, requirements for a biological sciences major with a concentration in dance science are: DAN 127/116 or 126/117, DAN 252, DAN 360, PHY 115, an internship or research in dance science.
Concentration in Secondary Education with Certification in Biological Sciences
Students planning to teach biology in secondary schools must major in Biology and complete the required education courses. See teaching certification requirements under Secondary Education Certification in the Education Department.
DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND MATERIALS
SCIENCE ENGINEERING
Students earn both a bachelor of arts degree from Goucher and a bachelor of science degree from the G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering of The Johns Hopkins University. The purpose of the dual-degree program is to enable students to explore the liberal arts and sciences, while developing professional knowledge and experience in biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, environmental engineering, or materials science engineering. A more comprehensive description of the science and engineering dual-degree programs can be found in the Science and Engineering section on page 210. Consult program director Jill Zimmerman for additional information.
PREMEDICAL, PREVETERINARY, AND PREDENTAL STUDIES
The course work needed to apply to medical, dental, and veterinary schools includes one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of physics, and one or two semesters of calculus (varies). Competitive medical school applicants usually have taken additional science courses. Thus, most students interested in applying to medical school will major in either biology or chemistry, as the overlap between the premed requirements and the science major requirements is substantial. A more comprehensive explanation can be found under the Premedical Studies section of the catalogue. Majors planning to apply to medical, dental, or veterinary schools should consult George Delahunty, director of premedical studies, for assistance in program planning.
The minor in biological sciences exposes students to a core of knowledge over the breadth of subdisciplines from molecular biology through ecology. In addition to the core sequence, requirements for a biological sciences minor are: one 300-level BIO course, CHE 111/112, CHE 151/152, CHE 230. MA 170 or MA 141 are recommended.