Major, Minor, and Programs of Study

The Biological Sciences Department offers a major in biological sciences with concentrations in molecular biology, environmental science, dance science, and secondary education with certification in biological sciences; a minor in biological sciences; and dual-degree programs in biomedical engineering, chemical and bio-molecular engineering, environmental engineering, and materials science engineering.

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, 140, 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 343L
• BIO 354L
• BIO 363
• BIO 378L
• BIO 390-399

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 14 300-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 or 171 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 principles of 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 proficiency and writing proficiency in the major are required. Laboratory reports and papers in BIO 214, 224, 240, and 260 are used to evaluate writing proficiency in the major. Laboratory proficiency is determined in BIO 224 and upper level labs.

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 BIO 354/354L. Additional requirements for a biological sciences major with a concentration in environmental science are:

• BIO 241
• BIO 343/343L
• BIO 384
• PSC 285
• EC 101 or 102 or an environmental economics course

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 fulfilling all requirements for a major in the biological sciences, requirements for a concentration in dance science are:

• DAN 218(117)/DAN221(127)
• DAN 260(252)
• DAN 393(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 the teaching certification requirements under secondary education certification requirements in the Education Department.

DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIO-MOLECULAR, 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 chemical and bio-molecular 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 of this catalogue. Consult program director Ali Bakhshai 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 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MINOR

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 biology course, CHE 111/112, CHE 151/152, and CHE 230. MA 170 or MA 141 are required.