Department of Biological Sciences

The goal of the biological sciences faculty is to promote scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual maturity in our students through a rigorous curriculum which explores the major disciplines in biology and examines both the diversity of life and the functional aspects of living systems. Biology is not merely a collection of facts but a process of discovery, and students are encouraged to participate actively in this process. Each course provides a framework for examining the scientific process as a means to master current knowledge and to provide a basis to address problems of the future. The core courses encompass the wide spectrum of biology from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems, using evolutionary adaptation as a recurrent theme. Advanced courses allow students to pursue areas of special interest and stress independence and initiative.

Many biology students participate in research, either in collaboration with a faculty member on campus or at an off campus research setting. This provides an unusual and valuable opportunity for growth in intellectual and scientific maturity beyond the usual undergraduate courses. Results of these studies are occasionally published in scientific research journals. Off campus internships provide valuable practical experience that helps students to make informed career choices. Many students elect internships at community hospitals or at medical or biological research laboratories. Others seek experience at ecological or agricultural research settings that may be as distant as St. Croix or Australia. Upon graduation, many of our students matriculate to top graduate and professional programs, while others pursue a variety of careers in the life sciences and related fields, such as biotechnology, ecosystems research, public health or environmental law.

If you would like to know more about us, Contact The Biology Department. The Information Handbook for the Department of Biological Sciences at Goucher is also available as a downloadable file:

Download Biology Handbook:

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