Biology Major
Major Description
The major in Biology provides students with the skills to perform scientific inquiry using current experimental approaches as they pursue a deeper understanding of the interconnections among living things. We study how recent advances in the biological sciences are driving extraordinary new discoveries and innovations in areas such as evolution, ecology, cell biology, genetics/genomics, and neuroscience. Biological research provides essential information as we address urgent challenges of biodiversity conservation, global climate change, epidemiology, and human health and well-being. Increasingly, biological issues are playing a fundamental role in social and medical ethics, journalism, and public policy.
Biology students are curious, keen observers who seek answers about the natural world. Coursework requires analytical and critical thinking skills and a sense of imagination. Students are encouraged to nurture abilities to understand complex processes, follow detailed protocols, analyze data, and communicate about their research. As biology deals with living organisms and potentially sensitive research, the model biology student should possess strong ethics, respect for life, and a commitment to responsible practices.
A major in Biology can form the foundation of a career in research, medicine, conservation, public health, bioethics, sustainable resource use, and many other areas.
Admission to the Major
Students who begin the Biology Major their first year are able to take maximum advantage of upper-level biology courses and research opportunities in later years. The major can successfully be completed if begun during sophomore year. Biology students may consider taking a semester abroad.
The required introductory courses do not have prerequisites or corequisites, but it is recommended to have some chemistry background or to take General Chemistry (CHEM141/CHEM142 or CHEM143/CHEM144) concurrently.
Major Requirements
The Biology Major’s required course of study includes:
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Two introductory courses with their associated labs:
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Any three additional semesters of related courses from at least two different departments. These are courses that address approaches and methodologies applied in biology and include:
- Mathematics: MATH117 or higher
- Archaeology: ARCP350
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Six or more elective biology courses at the 200 and 300 levels, which must include:
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One capstone experience
Important Notes:
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No more than three of the mid-level courses listed above may be counted towards the six advanced elective requirements.
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At least three elective courses (200-level and above) that are counted toward the Biology major cannot be simultaneously used to fulfill any other major.
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Biology majors are allowed to apply at most one elective course or one cognate course taken credit/unsatisfactory toward fulfilling the major requirements. However, this is discouraged because good performance in major courses is an important aspect of a student's transcript.
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A strong background in chemistry is recommended for students planning to enter graduate or medical school. Most medical and health-related graduate programs require two years of college-level chemistry, including laboratory components and a biochemistry course.
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Students planning to attend medical, dental, or other health professions graduate school should note that admission requires a year each of introductory biology, physics, and math (such as calculus or statistics) and two years of chemistry (general and organic), including any laboratory components.
Important Requirements for Double Majors:
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At least three elective courses (200-level and above) that are counted toward the Biology major cannot be simultaneously used to fulfill any other major.
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Two Statistics courses, even from different departments, cannot both be counted as cognates.
Electives may be chosen from among the following courses at the 200, 300, or 500 levels. See WesMaps for current course offerings. The courses are grouped thematically below for your convenience only.
Cell and Developmental Biology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL/MB&B223 | The Molecular Basis of Cancer | 1 |
| BIOL/MB&B228 | Introductory Medical Biochemistry | 1 |
| BIOL/MB&B232 | Immunology | 1 |
| BIOL/MB&B237 | Signal Transduction | 1 |
| BIOL241 | Cell-Cell Interactions in Development | 1 |
| BIOL/IDEA267 | Engineering Biology: Cells and Tissues | 1 |
| BIOL295 | Physiology and Cell Biology of Cancer | 1 |
| BIOL317 | Genes and Mechanisms in Vertebrate Sex Determination | 1 |
| BIOL322 | Cell Migration in Development and Disease | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B325 | Stem Cells: Basic Biology to Clinical Application | 1 |
| BIOL332 | Genomics Era Cell and Development | 1 |
| BIOL334 | Shaping the Organism | 1 |
| BIOL340 | EvoDevo: Origins of Variation in the Phenotype | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B343 | Muscle and Nerve Development | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B345 | Developmental Neurobiology | 1 |
| MB&B375 | The Cell-Division Cycle and Cancer | 1 |
Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation Biology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL/ENVS220 | Conservation Biology | 1 |
| BIOL/ENVS226/E&ES240 | Invasive Species: Biology, Policy, and Management | 1 |
| BIOL/ENVS233/E&ES234 | Geobiology | 1 |
| BIOL235 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 1.5 |
| BIOL290/ENVS286 | Plant Form and Diversity | 1 |
| BIOL/E&ES312/ENVS311 | Global Change Biogeography | 1 |
| BIOL316 | Plant-Animal Interactions | 1 |
| BIOL318 | Nature and Nurture: The Interplay of Genes and Environment | 1 |
| BIOL/COMP/CIS327 | Evolutionary and Ecological Bioinformatics | 1 |
| BIOL/ENVS337 | The Origins of Bacterial Diversity | 0.5 |
| BIOL346/E&ES238/ENVS340 | The Forest Ecosystem | 1 |
| BIOL365 | Calderwoods Seminar in Public Writing: 21st-Century Biology | 1 |
| ARCP/E&ES350/ENVS348 | Animals in Archaeology | 1 |
| BIOL368/ENVS369/E&ES342 | Ecological Resilience: The Good, the Bad, and the Mindful | 1 |
Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MB&B/BIOL231 | Microbiology | 1 |
| BIOL242 | Quantitative Methods for the Biological and Environmental Sciences | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B257 | Neurogenetics | 1 |
| BIOL/CIS263 | Demystifying Data: Introductory Data Analysis and Modeling | 1 |
| BIOL/MB&B/CIS265/COMP113 | Bioinformatics Programming | 1 |
| BIOL/CIS270 | Systems Biology with Programming | 1 |
| MB&B306 | Epigenetics | 1 |
| BIOL/CIS310/MB&B311 | Genomics Analysis | 1 |
| BIOL/CIS/COMP327 | Evolutionary and Ecological Bioinformatics | 1 |
| MB&B/BIOL333 | Gene Regulation | 1 |
| MB&B394 | Advanced Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 1 |
Neurobiology and Behavior
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL/NS&B224 | Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B/PSYC239 | Functional Anatomy of the Human Brain | 1 |
| NS&B/BIOL243 | Neurohistology | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B244 | Neuropharmacology | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B245 | Cellular Neurophysiology | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B247 | Laboratory in Neurophysiology | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B250 | Laboratory in Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B251 | Laboratory in Basic Practices in Neuroscience | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B252 | Cell Biology of the Neuron | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B254 | Comparative Animal Behavior | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B299 | Waves, Brains, and Music | 1 |
| NS&B302 | Neurobiology of Aging | 1 |
| NS&B304 | Glia: Not just neuronal glue! | 1 |
| NS&B/BIOL328 | Chemical Senses | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B345 | Developmental Neurobiology | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B347 | Mammalian Cortical Circuits | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B351 | Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | 1 |
| NS&B/BIOL/PSYC353 | Neurobiology of Neurological Disorders | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B/PSYC356 | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B/FGSS357 | Sex and Gender: From Synapse to Society | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B358 | Neurobiology of Movement | 1 |
| NS&B/BIOL360 | Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis in Health and Disease: Molecules, Cells, and Circuits | 1 |
| BIOL/NS&B373 | Exploring the Brain-Body Interface: The Neuroscience of Basic Survival | 1 |
Additional Courses That Can be Credited to the Elective Requirement
With permission from the department, the following courses may be applied toward fulfilling the mid-level elective requirement for the Biology major.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARCP/ENVS/SISP/IDEA203/ANTH212 | The Secrets of Ancient Bones: Discovering Ancient DNA and Archaeology | 1 |
| ARCP/ENVS/ANTH/E&ES257 | Environmental Archaeology | 1 |
| CHEM/NS&B323 | Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Disease | 1 |
| CHEM/MB&B325 | Introduction to Biomolecular Structure | 1 |
| CHEM/MB&B383 | Biochemistry | 1 |
Additional notes on fulfilling the Biology major:
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Cross-listed courses that are included on the list above are automatically credited to the biology major.
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At least three elective courses (200-level and above) that are counted toward the biology major must be used to fulfill only the biology major and cannot be simultaneously used to fulfill another major.
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Courses in the BIOL 400 series (such as research tutorials) contribute toward graduation but do not count toward the major, although they can be used to fulfill the capstone requirement (see below).
Courses for Non-Majors
The following courses do not have prerequisites and, as such, are appropriate for non-majors.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL106 | The Biology of Sex | 1 |
| BIOL140 | Classic Studies in Animal Behavior | 1 |
| BIOL146 | Primate Behavior: The Real Monkey Business | 1 |
| BIOL173 | Global Change and Infectious Disease | 1 |
| BIOL/MB&B181 | Principles of Biology I: Cell Biology and Molecular Basis of Heredity | 1 |
| BIOL/MB&B182 | Principles of Biology II | 1 |
| BIOL/ENVS/E&ES197 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 1 |
Student Learning Goals
Biology majors acquire the following knowledge and competencies:
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A broad and integrative understanding of the theory and practice of biology
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Critical and quantitative thinking
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Creative problem solving
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Scientific reasoning
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Ethics of biological research
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Understanding of the role of biology in society and sustainability practices
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Designing and conducting original research
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Written and oral communication about scientific concepts and research findings
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Comprehension and critical interpretation of primary scientific literature
Students will use their biological knowledge and skills to become effective, scientifically-informed citizens and professionals.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and abilities through research projects, critical analysis papers, participation in class discussions and collaborative group work, and presentations. Written exams, peer review, and self-assessment will also evaluate their class performance.
Advanced Placement
Students who have received a grade of 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam may receive one University credit toward graduation.
Students with a score of 4 or 5 may place out of one of the two Introductory Biology courses (BIOL181 or BIOL182 ) but must first consult with an instructor teaching these courses.*
Students interested in placing out of MB&B181 in the fall semester should contact Professor Cori Anderson (canderson05@wesleyan.edu) regarding the placement exam.*
*Note: We recommend against “placing out” of MB&B181/BIOL181 for almost all students interested in the Biology major. Although some of the material from a high school AP course will be familiar, the depth and rigor of MB&B181/BIOL181 provide a strong foundation as you move forward to more advanced courses.
Prizes
Dr. Neil Clendeninn Prize – Established in 1991 by George Thornton, Class of 1991, and David Derryck, Class of 1993, for the African American student who has achieved academic excellence in biology and/or molecular biology and biochemistry. This student must have completed their sophomore year and should exemplify qualities of character, leadership, and concern for the Wesleyan community as shown by Dr. Neil Clendeninn, Class of 1971.
The Peirce Prize – Awarded in successive years for excellence in biology, chemistry, and geology.
Transfer Credit
Up to two outside credits for biology courses may also be applied from another institution (during a study abroad program, for example). Prior permission must be obtained from the departmental liaison, Professor Michael Singer (msinger@wesleyan.edu), to ensure creditability of specific courses from other institutions.
Related Programs or Certificates
Environmental Studies Minor
The Environmental Studies (ENVS) program is interdisciplinary and offers both a minor and a linked major. The ENVS-linked major is a secondary major and requires a student also to have a primary major in another department, program, or college. ENVS majors write a senior thesis or essay in environmental studies that is mentored by a professor in another department, program, or college (e.g., biology). There is also an opportunity to earn an ENVS minor, which does not require a senior thesis or essay.
Informatics and Modeling Minor
The Integrative Genomic Science pathway within this minor will be of particular interest for life science majors. See wesleyan.edu/imcp/igs.html.
Neuroscience and Behavior Program
Several faculty members in the Biology and Psychology Departments also participate in the Neuroscience and Behavior Program that, at the undergraduate level, constitutes a separate major. Information about that program can be found at wesleyan.edu/nsb.
BA/MA Program
The BA/MA program provides an attractive option for life science majors to gain graduate level research experience. Students are advised to begin research by their junior year if they intend to pursue the BA/MA in biology. Admission is competitive and based on GPA, faculty recommendations, and research experience.
Additional Information
The BIOL/MB&B 338/339 seminar series features distinguished scientists from other institutions who present lectures on their research findings. These seminars aim to relate material studied in courses, tutorials, and research to current scientific activity. These seminars are usually held on Wednesday at noon and are open to all University community members. Undergraduates are especially welcome.
Honors
To be considered for departmental honors, a student must:
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Be a biology major and be recommended by a faculty member.
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Have at least a B average (GPA of 85 or above) in courses credited to the major.
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Submit a thesis based on laboratory research, computational research, or mathematical modeling. The thesis is carried out under the supervision of a department faculty member.
Capstone Experience
The Capstone Experience is required for Biology majors and students must complete at least one of the following:
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One semester of a 300-level seminar, lab, or field course
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Two semesters of a Senior Thesis tutorial
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A summer research internship in biology or a related life sciences area