As an introduction to the field of biology, entering majors must successfully complete foundation courses in Principles of Biology I and II (BIOL 104 & 105) These introductory courses are prerequisites for all core courses in the biology curriculum. Genetics (BIOL 200) is also required and is a prerequisite for many core courses. The remaining biology courses are selected from the three core areas:
Students must take two courses (7 credits minimum) from each of these Core Areas (six total) in any sequence that best suits their interests and goals, to include at least one in plant sciences (P) and one in animal sciences (A). The courses that they may select from the three core areas include:
Molecular Biology and Developmental Genetics:
Organismal Anatomy and Physiology:
Ecological and Evolutionary Biodiversity:
Additional special-topics courses (BIOL 250, 350, or 450) on a variety of subjects are periodically offered that also fulfill core requirements.
In Addition...
Internships and Off-Campus Experiences: Biology majors are encouraged to do internships on or off campus. Most internships are graded and one internship counts toward the GPA in the biology major; but, internships cannot be substituted for core courses.
2008-2009
Biology Requirements for the major:
As an introduction to the field of Biology, entering majors must successfully complete foundation courses in 101 Biology in Practice, and 202 &203 Concepts in Biology. These three courses are prerequisites for all core courses in the biology curriculum (202&203 may be replaced by a Biology Advanced Placement test score of 4 or 5, together with a grade of A in Biol 101). The upper-level core courses are split into three areas: Cell and Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, and Ecology and Evolution. Biology majors must take the following:
Two courses from each area (unless taking a 400-level course in a particular
area resulting in a 3-2-1 distribution)
At least one course from each subject area must be a lab course
At least one course of the six must have a significant plant component (P)
At least one course of the six must have a significant Biological Diversity
component (D)
Courses in the three areas are as follows:
Cell and Molecular Biology:
300 Animal Development (D)
301 Plant Development (P) (D)
306 Microbiology (D)
312 Molecular Biology of the Cell
313 Genetic Analysis
314 Immunology
321 Electron Microscopy
420 Developmental Genetics
405 Biochemistry + Lab (Chem)
405 & 406 Biochemistry (lectures only) (Chem)
Organismal Biology:
206 & 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology
302 Plant Physiology (P)
304 Medical Physiology
307 Vertebrate Zoology (D)
309 Medicinal Plants (P)
311 Invertebrate Zoology (D)
317 Exercise Physiology
401 Neurobiology
428 Comparative Physiology
Ecology and Evolution:
303 Ecology
305 Plant Biology (P)
308 Aquatic Ecology
318 Evolution (D)
403 Biodiversity and Conservation(D)
415 Microbial Ecology
435 Behavioral Ecology
Senior Research Project
The Biology Research Project begins in the Fall Term of the Junior year when students take the Research Methods in Biology course (2 credits), at which time they will develop a research project proposal. They will then conduct the research during the following Fall and Spring Terms (4 credits: may be taken as 2 credits fall, 2 credits spring). The research must be completed by the end of Spring Term, written up in scientific journal format, and presented at the annual Biology Symposium.
Internships and Off-Campus Experiences
Biology majors are encouraged to do internships or other significant educational programs off campus. Most internships are graded and one internship may count toward the GPA in the major, but internships can not be used to substitute for a core course.
Additional Requirements
107 & 108 Chemistry or 109 Chemistry (Chem)
201 Organic Chemistry (Chem)
140 & 141 Physics or 201 & 202 Physics (Phys)
108 Statistics or 121 Single Variable Calculus (Math)
Senior Comprehensive Examination
Grades for all courses taken in biology plus courses required for the major from other departments are used to calculate the average in the major for Departmental Distinction.
Three-Year Degree Option:
For students majoring in biology, Hartwick’s Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program is a unique opportunity to earn a degree in three years. For more information visit the Program Web site at www.hartwick.edu/threeyearbachelors.xml.
