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Requirements
The Biology curriculum was updated in May 2022 to include one additional course. Students who enter the college prior to Fall 2023 may use the previous curriculum, which required 10 units, or the new curriculum, which requires 11 units. Students who enter the college in Fall 2023 will use the new curriculum.
The new curriculum appears here. The old curriculum may be found in the Beloit College Course Catalog 2021-2023.
Biology
The biology department seeks to inspire and enable students to grow in their scientific understanding. Our courses and curriculum present a dynamic approach to scientific investigation: posing problems for study, proposing and probing hypotheses, and persuading peers. Using evolution as the unifying theme of biology, we emphasize current biological methods and rigorous conceptual analyses at all scales of organization, from molecules to cells to organisms to ecological communities.
We encourage biology majors to interact extensively with professors and with each other, and we use a variety of learning activities and mentored research experiences to illustrate the tools of the trade, to reinforce concepts, and to apply problem-solving techniques. The learning goals for students are to be able to: think critically about important biological issues of national and international concern; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and solve problems through the application of quantitative reasoning.
Majors
- Nine units:
- Two supporting units:
- Mathematics 110, 113, or 115.
- Physics 101 or 102 or Geology 100, 105, or 110.
- Students majoring biochemistry may choose to receive the Bachelor of Science degree rather than the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a minimum of 4 units in biology, computer science, geology, mathematics, and/or physics.
The biology major provides a broad background in biology at all scales of organization, from molecules to cells to organisms to ecological communities.
- Eight departmental units:
- One organismal biology course chosen from Biology 111, 121, 152, 172, or 208.
- One experimental design and statistical analysis course: Biology 247.
- One molecular-to-cellular level course: Biology 289.
- One population-to-ecosystem level biology course chosen from 210, 217, 275 (in consultation with advisor, when topic is appropriate), 365, 372, or 375 (in consultation with advisor, when topic is appropriate).
- Three additional units of biology courses numbered 200 or above.
- Capstone: one additional unit of biology with the CP designation.
- Three supporting units:
- One unit chosen from Chemistry 117, 150, 220, or 230.
- Two additional units chosen from courses in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics or any of the following courses: Philosophy 100, Anthropology 230, 260, 330.
- Students majoring in biology may choose to receive the Bachelor of Science degree rather than the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a minimum of 4 units in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and/or physics.
The environmental biology major provides a broad background in biology with a focus on how organisms interact with environments.
- Seven departmental units:
- One organismal biology course chosen from Biology 111, 121, 152, 172, or 208.
- One experimental design and statistical analysis course: Biology 247.
- One molecular-to-cellular level course: Biology 289.
- Two additional units of biology courses numbered 200 or above.
- Capstone: one additional unit of biology with the CP designation.
- Four supporting units:
- One unit chosen from Chemistry 117, 150, 220, or 230.
- One additional unit chosen from courses in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or physics.
- Two additional units with the Environmental Studies prefix (ENVS), Journalism 225 (when topic is environmental writing), or Political Science 255.
- Students majoring in environmental biology may choose to receive the Bachelor of Science degree rather than the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a minimum of 4 units in chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and/or physics.
Minors
The biology minor focuses on the mechanisms by which organisms regulate life processes, grow and develop, reproduce, and behave.
- Five departmental units.
- At least one organismal biology course chosen from: Biology 111, 121, 152, 172, or 208.
- At least one unit of molecular-to-cellular biology chosen from: Biology 208, 215, 237, 256, 257, 260, 275 (in consultation with advisor, when topic is appropriate), 289, 300, 340, 345, 347, 360, or 375 (in consultation with advisor, when topic is appropriate).
- At least one unit of population-to ecosystem biology chosen from: Biology 210, 217, 365, 372, or 375 (in consultation with advisor, when topic is appropriate).
- One supporting unit chosen from chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or physics.
Additionally:
- The minor is not open to majors in biology, biochemistry, or applied chemistry (with biology as a complementary discipline).
- No more than 2 units taken to satisfy requirements for a major or another minor may count toward the biology minor.
- No course may satisfy two requirements for the minor.
Additional Information
Students may apply to be considered for departmental honors if they have:
- a strong B average in BIOL courses,
- have completed an independent research project equivalent to 1 unit, and
- have made a formal public oral presentation on campus (e.g. Symposium Day, McNair Symposium) or a poster or oral presentation at a regional, national, or international conference; on-campus poster presentations and oral presentations in classes do not fulfill the presentation requirement.
No course may satisfy two requirements for a biology major.
Students who complete a biology major may graduate with the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students who wish to graduate with the Bachelor of Science degree must complete a minimum of 4 units in science and/or mathematics and/or computer science outside of the biology department.
Students anticipating graduate study or a medical career are urged to include the following courses in their undergraduate preparation:
- Chemistry 117 or 150, 220, 230, 235
- Mathematics 110 or 113, 115
- Physics 101, 102
Additional courses (e.g. Chemistry 240, 245, 300 and Mathematics 175) may be appropriate for graduate work in biology. Many graduate schools and some professional schools require knowledge of a non-English language (e.g. Spanish, French, Japanese, or Russian) for admission to their programs.
Students anticipating careers in the health professions are strongly encouraged to complete Sociology 275, Philosophy 221, and 2 units in literature and composition. Depending on the specific goal of the student and the requirements of potential professional or graduate programs, various additional courses in the sciences and other departments may be relevant and appropriate.