Study abroad for Biology majors
After graduation
- Graduate school
- Health professions
- Jobs
Biology has changed in the past century from descriptive natural history to a quantitative, analytical science. The biology major at Beloit reflects the analytical nature of the subject, as each student is expected to develop research studies and analyze biological data from his/her first semester through their time at Beloit College.
Requirements: Each student electing a major in Biology takes an introductory sequence of courses including one unit of organismal biology, chosen from Human Biology, Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Marine Biology, or Ornithology a course in Biometrics (Biology 247) and one in Genetics (Biology 289). In the senior year, as part of the Senior Seminar, each student prepares a paper for publication in The Beloit Biologist, which reports original research or reviews the scientific literature about a particular biological topic.
Options: Each student majoring in Biology elects specific major from four that are offered. Each option emphasizes a unique aspect of biology while requiring at least one course from each of the major components of biology: evolution, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and ecology. Each option requires additional courses, which should be chosen in consultation with the major adviser.
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The options within the Biology Major are:
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Supporting sciences: A strong background in the supporting sciences is important to all students studying biology. Students intending to major in biology should complete one biology course, introductory chemistry, and one other required course in science or mathematics during their first two semesters at Beloit. All Biology majors require students to take Introductory Chemistry (Chemistry 117) and Organic Chemistry 1 (Chemistry 230), as well as Calculus or Finite Math (Mathematics 110 or Math 104). Many of the major tracks require additional courses in chemistry, math, physics, geology and/or the social sciences.
Those students considering post-graduate study in biology or a health profession (e.g. medical, dental or veterinary school) should consult a member of the biology department during their first two semesters to plan their course schedule.
Student research: Biology majors at Beloit College participate in research projects and internships at the College, at other universities, and at field sites. Recent student projects have included study of the yeast genome at University of Chicago, the pathogenesis of tuberculosis at Oregon Health Sciences University, a study of the ecology of sea turtle egg production and use in Costa Rica, a study of signaling molecules in the brain at Northwestern University, and a study of chick recognition by red-winged blackbirds in Beloit, WI. See Internships and Research page for more information.
Courses Required of all Biology majors
- Introductory sequence:
- One organismal course (Human Biology, Zoology, Microbiology, Botany, Marine Biology, Ornithology)
- Biometrics (Biology 247), taken by the 4th semester
- Genetics (Biology 289), taken by the 5th semester
- Electives
- One course selected from each of the following fields of biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Physiology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Ecology
- 4-5
additional courses to fulfill requirements of the Biology major
options, selected in consultation with the major advisor.
Supporting courses
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- Introductory Chemistry (Chemistry 117)
- Organic Chemistry 1 (Chemistry 230)
- Calculus or Finite Math (Math 110 or 104)
- Capstone course
- Senior seminar in Biology, Biology 382, including a paper published in The Beloit Biologist
Contact Biology@Beloit.edu
Last updated 2/26/03