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The Biology Major at St. Olaf College

(St. Olaf College Catalog - Biology Section)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
Students majoring in biology complete eight biology courses and a year of chemistry (Chemistry 121, 123, 126, or 125, 126). The eight biology courses must include: four core courses that emphasize cell/molecular biology (Biology 125 or Chemistry/Biology 125-127), biodiversity and evolution (Biology 126), genetics (Biology 233), and ecology (Biology 261); one course that focuses on a group of multicellular organisms (Biology 242, 247, 248, 251, 252, 266, or 275); one level III Biology course; two elective biology courses. The integrated chemistry-biology sequence (Chemistry/Biology 125, 126, 127) may be taken in lieu of Biology 125, and Chemistry 125 and 126. (In general, completion of at least two level II courses are required to take a level III course.) Only one independent study (Biology 298) or independent research (Biology 396 or Biology 398) can count toward the major; internships (Biology 294 or 394) do not count toward the major. Biology 294 and 394 can only be taken P/N.

In addition to courses designated as biology, the following courses can count as biology electives:

Chemistry 379: Biochemistry I
Biology/Environmental Studies 226: Conservation Biology
Biology/Environmental Studies 228: Environmental Health
Neuroscience 239: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience or Psychology 238: Biopsychology
Exercise Science 375: Physiology of Exercise
Psychology 385: Human Neuropsychology

or other courses as approved by petition to the department. For two of these courses to count, they must be from different departments or programs. No more than three level I biology courses, including Biology 125 and 126, and Chemistry/Biology 127, may count toward the major. Only Biology Department courses (including independent research) may count toward the level III requirement. See below for a planning table for the biology major.

Students wishing to count for the major a course taken abroad or at another institution must consult with the chair before taking the course.

While programs leading to graduate work are planned on an individual basis, most programs require students to have completed two or more quantitative courses (mathematics, statistics, or computer science), two courses in physics, and at least four courses in chemistry.

Students intending to enter graduate or professional school are encouraged to consult with the biology faculty to plan a course of study appropriate for the postgraduate program. Students pursuing a secondary school science education teaching license with a life science specialty must complete the biology major including Biology 123 or 243 as one of their electives. Additional courses are required as specified by the Education Department. Interested students should consult faculty in the Education Department.

Please refer to the St. Olaf Catalog for more information about the major and for descriptions of biology major and non-major courses. Link to Biology Section of St. Olaf Catalog

Majors may decide to concentrate their courses in one of several areas and should consult with the departmental staff members regarding a plan of study. However, the introductory work for all aresa is the same. The biology staff recommends the following guidelines for first years and sophomores:

Planning Tables

First Year

*Students with AP or IB credit should consult with advisor.

Sophomore Year

Interims during the first two years are electives. Consult with an advisor regarding which courses to select.

The appropriate beginning courses in chemistry (121 or 125), mathematics (120, 126, 128), and physics (124) are determined for each student by the departments involved based on placement examinations or conferences during Week One. Some variations in the above progress may be recommended after consultation by the student with her/his advisor. Bio 125 does require some knowledge of chemistry. See the College Catalog for additional information. Some students may wish, and perhaps should, complete the foreign language requirement in their first year. Deviation from the program recommended above should be worked out carefully with one's advisor. If you do not have a biology faculty member as an advisor, please feel free to contact any biology faculty member for advice. If majoring in biology you should transfer to a biology advisor by the end of your sophomore year.

PRE-HEALTH

The basic two-year program can be used with some modifications to fit the need of most individuals. Students interested in Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental or Pre-Veterinary preparation can get needed advice from any member of the biology staff even though their advisor may be in another department. Dr. Ted Johnson is chair of the Health Professions Committee for health related fields and Dr. Jean Porterfield is the Biomedical Studies Director. We encourage you to discuss programs (such as Pre-Med, Pre-Dent) with them. Dr. Diane Angell will assist any student interested in the Pre-Vet programs.

PRE-TEACHING

Students with interests in teaching science in secondary schools should also consult as soon as possible with Dr. Diane Angell (Biology) or Dr. Eric McDonald in the Education Department (Teacher Education Program) at St. Olaf.

PRE-GRADUATE WORK

A student planning to do graduate work in biology should begin to discuss her/his interests with staff members early in a career at St. Olaf. As more specific interests develop in a particular area of biology, a program should be planned according to individual goals and should include some independent research work. This program can be developed with the assistance of the biology faculty member most appropriate for the area of interest. Many opportunities for independent research in biology are available during the summer and during the academice year at St. Olaf and at a wide variety of other institutions.