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MAJOR IN BIOLOGY

A Major in Biology teaches students how to investigate and appreciate the unity of function that underlies the diversity of life forms. Lectures encourage students to synthesize the best of classical and contemporary ideas in Biology. Laboratory work gives students technical expertise, and helps them to observe, ask questions, test hypotheses, analyze results, and present their conclusions orally and in writing. Elective courses provide a guided choice of advanced study in Biology and related areas. Students may participate in seminars, independent study, internships and summer research. With its flexibility, the major prepares students for careers in industry, education, research and the health professions, and for further study in graduate and professional schools.

It is important for intended Biology majors to take both CHE 131 and BIO 160 in their first year.

Required Courses*:

CHE 201- 202 Organic Chemistry PHY 201- 202 General Physics BIO 210 Genetics (must be taken before Junior year)
One of four: BIO 220 Invertebrate Zoology BIO 230 Botany BIO 240 Mammalian Anatomy BIO 250 Microbiology One of five: BIO 330 Histology BIO 340 Cell and Molecular Biology BIO 370 General Physiology BIO 410 Immunology BIO 420 Developmental Biology One of four: BIO 360 Ecology BIO 320 Evolution BIO 310 Animal Behavior BIO 430 Comparative Physiology

Electives:

Four additional three- or four-credit electives from: Biology at the 200 level or above; or CHE 414 Biochemistry; or BIO 480 Seminar in the Life Sciences. At least one course must be at the 400 level. A maximum of two of these electives can be selected from internships of BIO 490 or 491. Additional internship of independent study credits will count toward degree requirements but will not count toward the major in Biology.

MAJOR IN BIOLOGY WITH CONCENTRATION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

In the past 20 years, a new biotechnology has developed around the study of living things at the molecular level. The chemistry of genetics has found applications in medicine and industry. Techniques of molecular genetics have allowed dramatic advances in our understanding of developmental biology, physiology, immunology, and evolution. This major provides a balanced foundation in biology, plus an introduction to the theory and methods of biotechnology and molecular biology. Students in the major are encouraged to do internships at biotechnology laboratories in the Worcester area. When they graduate, students can pursue graduate study in the biological sciences or in the health sciences. The major is also excellent preparation for a teaching career or employment in a biotechnology-based field. Required Courses*: CHE 201- 202 Organic Chemistry PHY 201- 202 General Physics BIO 210 Genetics BIO 250 Microbiology BIO 340 Cell and Molecular Biology BIO 440 Biotechnology: Theory and Practice CHE 414 Biochemistry

Electives:

Three additional three- or four-credit electives in Biology from level 200 or above. A maximum of two of these electives can be selected from internships or BIO 490 or 491. Additional internship or independent study credits will count toward degree requirements but will not count toward the major in Biology. (Total of 12 required courses)

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES 108 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES MINOR IN BIOLOGY

Students who wish to pursue the study of life forms and functions may elect a Minor in Biology. This course of study may appeal to students majoring in the behavioral sciences who plan a career in a healthrelated field. Ordinarily the student will begin with BIO 160 Concepts in Biology, adding at least four courses chosen from the departmental offerings in consultation with an advisor from the department. Courses taken below BIO 160 require the approval of the department Chairperson.

Did you Know?

Members of the Class of 2006 interned at more than 120 corporations, nonprofit organizations and schools.