Biology

Please see the Science section of this catalog for more information.

Biology entails the study of the entire process of life from its beginning, through its development, reproduction and to its cessation and decay. Many of the new developments and discoveries in this dynamic field are the result of interdisciplinary cooperation between biologists, chemists, physicists and computer scientists. These researchers have added considerably to our understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms of living systems at cellular, molecular, organismic, population and ecological levels. Career opportunities for those who major in biology are numerous. Besides being one of the traditional preparatory fields for those pursuing careers as health care professionals, biology is an excellent choice of major for those interested in secondary education, ecology, or the burgeoning genetic engineering industry. And, of course, the areas of academic and industrial research are open to those who pursue a PhD in the discipline.

Students wishing to continue their education in biology-related graduate or professional school programs may need to supplement this basic curriculum with additional course work in science. Suggested programs are available and Keck Science faculty should be consulted for advice at the earliest possible opportunity.

Advisers: J. Armstrong, M. Coleman, N. Copp, G. Edwalds-Gilbert, S. Gilman, P. Ferree, D. McFarlane, J. Milton, J. E. Morhardt, M. Preest, L. Schmitz, Z. Tang, B. Thines, D. Thomson, E. Wiley

J. Armstrong: Genetics, cell and molecular biology; chromatin dynamics and gene regulation in the fruit fly.

M. Coleman: Neurobiology, neurophysiology, neural basis of behavior, neural control of auditory-vocal learning in songbirds.

N. Copp: Animal behavior, vertebrate and invertebrate physiology, neurobiology.

G. Edwalds-Gilbert: Cell and molecular biology; pre mRNA splicing in yeast.

P. Ferree: Genetics, molecular biology, and early development of Drosophila (fruit flies) and Nasonia (jewel wasps); chromosome structure and evolution; host- pathogen interactions.

S. Gilman: Marine ecology; invertebrate biology; climate change ecology; biophysical ecology; population biology.

D. McFarlane: Evolutionary ecology; biogeography; late Quaternary paleoecology and extinctions.

J. Milton: Computational neuroscience, motor control, development of expertise.

J. Emil Morhardt: Vertebrate ecology and physiology; environmental management.

M. Preest: Physiology and ecology of animal energetics; thermal biology of terrestrial ectotherms; osmoregulatory physiology; herpetology; muscle physiology.

L. Schmitz: Functional and evolutionary vertebrate morphology; paleobiology; evolution of vertebrate vision.

Z. Tang: Cell and molecular biology, biochemistry; cell cycle control in yeast.

B. Thines: Molecular biology; functional genomics; circadian rhythms and environmental responses in plants.

D. Thomson: Conservation biology, population modeling, ecology of biological invasions, plant ecology and plant/pollinator interactions.

E. Wiley: Molecular biology; genetics, chromatin structure in the ciliate Tetrahymena.

Programs

Major

Minor

Biology Minor

Combined Major

Biology Combined Major

Other Programs

Biology Courses