The information listed below is a direct excerpt from the 2013-14 Course Catalog.
Published annually, the Course Catalog sets out the requirements of the academic programs--the majors, minors, and concentrations. Each Bryn Mawr student must declare her major before the end of her sophomore year. Students may also declare a minor or a concentration, but neither is required for the A.B. degree. Students must comply with the requirements published in the Course Catalog at the time when they declare the major, minor and/or concentration.
The Course Catalog also sets out the College requirements. Students must comply with the College requirements published at the time they enter Bryn Mawr College.
2012-13 Catalog
2011-12 Catalog
2010-11 Catalog
2009-10 Catalog
Students may complete a major or minor in Biology. Within the major, students may complete minors in computational methods, environmental studies or neural and behavioral sciences.
The programs of the department are designed to introduce students to unifying concepts and broad issues in biology, and to provide the opportunity for in-depth inquiry into topics of particular interest through coursework and independent research. Introductory- and intermediate-level courses examine the structures and functions of living systems at all levels of organization, from molecules, cells and organisms to populations. Advanced courses encourage the student to gain proficiency in the critical reading of research literature, leading to the development, defense and presentation of a senior paper. Opportunities for supervised research with faculty are available and highly encouraged.
Course requirements for a major in Biology include four quarters of introductory biology, BIOL110-113, six courses at the 200 and 300 level (excluding BIOL 390-398), of which at least three must be laboratory courses; and one senior seminar course (BIOL 390-395, or 398-399). Two semesters of supervised laboratory research, BIOL 401 or 403, may be substituted for one of the required laboratory courses. In addition, two semester courses in general chemistry and three additional semester courses in allied sciences, to be selected from Anthropology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology are required for all majors. Selection of the three additional allied science courses must be done in consultation with the student's major adviser and be approved by the department.
Students interested in pursuing graduate studies or medical school are encouraged to take two semesters each of physics and organic chemistry. In addition, all biology students are encouraged to take courses that enhance their quantitative reasoning skills.
A score of 5 on the Advanced Placement examination, or equivalent International Baccalaureate scores, can be used to satisfy one semester (2 quarters) of the introductory biology requirement for the major. Two additional quarters of BIOL 110-113 are required to fulfill the introductory biology requirement. The department, however, highly recommends 4 quarters of introductory biology for majors. Placement out of 2 quarters of introductory biology does not satisfy the introductory biology pre-requisite for 200/300-level courses.
Departmental honors are awarded to students who have distinguished themselves academically or via their participation in departmental activities. Final selection for honors is made by the Biology faculty.
A minor in Biology consists of six semester courses in Biology.
Minors in Environmental Studies, Computational Methods, and Neural and Behavioral Sciences are available for students interested in interdisciplinary exploration in these areas. Check relevant sections of the course catalog for complete descriptions of the minors.
The College offers a certification program in secondary teacher education.
Students who object to participating directly in laboratory activities involving the use of animals in a course required for the major are required to notify the faculty member of her or his objections at the beginning of the course. If alternative activities are available and deemed consistent with the pedagogical objectives of the course by the faculty member, then a student will be allowed to pursue alternative laboratory activities without penalty.
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