Chair: Professor Debby Walser-Kuntz

Biology offers courses that emphasize both the diversity and unity of life. This emphasis is coupled with an examination of the basic processes of biology, including the mechanisms of heredity, regulation, development and evolution. Our majors consider biology from points of reference that reflect life's different levels of organization, from biochemical and molecular, through cellular and organismic, to population and ecosystem levels.

Can I major in it?

Yes, a major is offered.

Topics explored

Biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, physiology, development, immunology, neurobiology, behavior, evolution, and ecological interactions at the population and community levels.

How to get started

BIOL 125 Dyad: All students in this course are concurrently enrolled in a Philosophy course. This course is recommended for students who have taken AP, IB, or Honors Biology in high school and who have a strong chemistry background. Offered fall term only.

BIOL 125 with problem solving: This course covers the same concepts as other versions of the BIOL 125 course.  The format of the course differs in that it is designed to allow time in class to apply new concepts, both in small groups and individually, by working through case study type problems with faculty present. Students enter Carleton having had a wide variety of academic experiences. The BIOL 125 with problem solving course provides a level playing field for students coming from schools without a strong science curriculum, advanced science course offerings, or lab opportunities. In addition, the emphasis on active learning is beneficial for students who like to learn by doing. Students who complete this course are prepared to continue on to Bio 126 or upper level biology courses. Offered fall term only (Fall 2011).

If you are interested in taking biology courses, but don’t think these courses are right for you, you could start with BIOL 125 winter term or BIOL 126 either winter or spring term *Note: you may take BIOL 126 before enrolling in BIOL 125. Alternatively you could start fall term with a math or chemistry course.

The introductory Biology sequence consists of two courses, Biology 125 and 126. The two courses can be taken in either order. Both courses are required before any further upper-level course work in Biology, with one exception. Students who receive a score of "5" on the AP exam or a score of "6" or "7" on the IB exam may elect not to take Biology 125. In this case Biology 126 is the only required introductory course. There are three versions of Biology 125 from which to choose, and students are urged to make a thoughtful choice of the proper offering for their background and learning style.

You can check the Courses page and the Majors page for more information.