ChooseWhy Choose This Program?
Why Study Biological Sciences at Goucher?
Biology is not merely a collection of facts but a process of discovery, and Goucher encourages students in our biological sciences classes to participate actively in this process. Each biological sciences course provides a framework for examining the scientific process as a means to master current knowledge and to address problems of the future. Starting in your first-year courses you will learn approaches to science and develop your own research projects. Students majoring or minoring in biological sciences gain a global perspective by studying abroad for three-week intensive courses or a variety of semester-long programs.
LearnWhat Will You Learn?
What Will You Learn?
The biology core curriculum explores the major disciplines and examines both the diversity of life and the functional aspects of living systems. The core courses for the biological sciences major and minor encompass the wide spectrum of biological sciences, 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 students participate in internships and also in research, either in collaboration with a faculty member on campus or at an off-campus research setting. Results of these studies are occasionally published in scientific research journals.
DoWhat Will You Do?
What Will You Do?
The Biological Sciences Program offers a major with optional concentrations in dance science and secondary education with certification in biological sciences, and a minor in biological sciences. A related major in biochemistry and molecular biology is also available.
Course Curriculum
Faculty
Biological Sciences Major & Minor Program Contact
Mark Hiller, Department Chair, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences: genetics and molecular
biology
Full-Time & Half-Time Faculty
Jay Garaycochea, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Mark Hiller, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences: genetics and molecular biology
Patrick Kelley, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Jenny Lenkowski, Lillian Welsh Professor and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Judith R. Levine, Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry: biochemistry and molecular biology
Akana Noto, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Verónica A. Segarra, Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Biological Sciences and Chemistry
Professor Emeritus or Emerita or Emeriti
George Delahunty, Professor of Biological Sciences, endocrinology
Janet Shambaugh, Professor of Biological Sciences, developmental biology
Leleng To Isaacs, Professor of Biological Sciences, microbiology
Robert Slocum, Professor of Biological Sciences: plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology
Instructional Staff
Virginia Weeks, Laboratory coordinator
Gizelle Simpson, Laboratory coordinator
Study Abroad
By studying abroad (through choosing three-week intensive courses led by Goucher faculty or semester programs suited to their academic plans), Goucher students in the Premedical/Prehealth Studies Program gain a global perspective that enhances their course of study. Visit the Office of Global Education website for more information.
Opportunities & Internships
Special Prizes and Awards
Dr. Helen B. Funk Prize
The Dr. Helen B. Funk Prize is awarded to Goucher students who have declared a major in the biological sciences with an interest in microbiology and/or immunology. When possible, special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated achievement and potential in their particular discipline of microbiology and/or immunology research.
Dr. Helen M. Habermann Prize
The Dr. Helen M. Habermann Prize is awarded to Goucher student(s) who have declared a major in the biological sciences with an interest in plant research. When possible, special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated achievement and potential in their particular discipline of plant research.
Jessie L. King Prize
The Jessie L. King Prize was established by friends and former students of Jessie L. King for the students doing outstanding work in the natural sciences and mathematics.
Ann Matthews Lacy Prize
The Ann Matthews Lacy Prize is given to students judged to have outstanding potential for accomplishment in the field of genetics, based on their meritorious achievement in class work, laboratory work, or special projects in genetics.
Gairdner B. Moment Prize in Biology
The Gairdner B. Moment Prize in Biology is awarded to students who have demonstrated superior achievement in the biological sciences.
Leah Seidman Schaffer ’26 Prize
The Leah Seidman Shaffer ’26 prize in Microbiology is awarded annually to students who demonstrate outstanding work in microbiology.
Tillie Snyder Schonfield ’36 Prize in Biology
The Tillie Snyder Schonfield ’36 Prize in Biology is awarded annually to a graduating senior or seniors enrolled in good standing in the undergraduate program at Goucher College who have done outstanding work in the field of biology. Biology majors who plan to enter the field of teaching will be given preference.
Biology Club
Goucher's Biology Club is open to all science majors and anyone interested in science. The club’s goal is to foster a community feeling with the science departments through a variety of coordinated events.
Research Opportunities
Click here to view research opportunities.
Internships
Internships help students explore possibilities, apply classroom learning, and gain experience. Explore internships and credit options.
Student Employment
Student employment connects students to both on and off-campus opportunities. The Career Education Office provides resources and support to students with or without Federal Work Study to find jobs, submit applications, and learn more about the job search process. Students have access to Handshake — a website for job postings, events, resumes/cover letters, and career management.
Major & Career Exploration
Exploring career options, choosing a major, and making career decisions is a multi-step process in which all students are encouraged to engage early and often. Goucher students have a variety of resources available through the Majors and Career page to assist them in this process.
Job Search
A Goucher education prepares students for today’s job market and beyond. Students can explore job opportunities and access job search resources through the CEO Job Search page.
Graduate & Professional School
Students access resources for searching and applying to graduate and professional school through the CEO Graduate and Professional School page, through faculty and staff members, or utilizing their own resources, network and tools.
Academic Partnerships
Goucher College has partnered with other institutions to provide students with expanded academic and post-graduate opportunities. Partnerships include dual-degree programs and accelerated graduate pathways with the following colleges: Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola, Middlebury, Notre Dame of Maryland University, University of Maryland Baltimore.
News
- May 26, 2025
Robert Slocum, Emeritus Faculty in Biological Sciences, recently published a research paper in Frontiers related to his long-standing research interest in plant metabolism. The paper is entitled, "Modified pea apyrase has altered nuclear functions and enhances the growth of yeast and Arabidopsisa."
- October 3, 2024
Goucher's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students have outpaced the national cohort on the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology exam.