Biology
The Biology programs at Pitzer are offered through the Department of Natural Sciences, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges . The Biology major aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to effectively engage and evaluate biological issues and innovations in the wider world, and to prepare them as leaders in research, science education, biotechnology, and health-related career fields.
Learning Outcomes
We see the following specific student learning goals as critical to achieving the above:
- Understand the foundational scientific principles and findings in the student’s major field of biology.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by developing specific hypotheses and designing controlled experiments to test those hypotheses.
- Read, understand and critique original research articles.
Advisors: J. Armstrong, S. Budischak, P. Chandrangsu, P. Ferree, F. Finseth, S. Gilman, A. Hers, D. McFarlane, J. Monroy, M. Preest, D. Thomson, Z. Wilson
Major Requirements
The major in Biology requires the completion of at least 14 courses and a senior thesis.
Required Courses*‡
Biology Foundation Courses (4-5)
STEM Breadth Courses (3†)
Breadth courses may not be double counted as Foundation or Elective courses. Courses should be selected in consultation with a Department of Natural Sciences advisor. Note that some courses in this list may be required pre-requisites for some upper division biology courses.
- Up to two courses in Organic Chemistry (CHEM 116L KS -Organic Chemistry , CHEM 117L KS -Organic Chemistry )
- Up to two courses in General Physics (PHYS 030L KS -General Physics Life Sciences I , PHYS 031L KS -General Physics Life Sciences II or PHYS 033L KS -Principles of Physics I , PHYS 034L KS -Principles of Physics II )
- One introductory course in computer programming (BIOL 099 KS -Introduction to Python , CSCI 051 CM -Introduction to Computer Science , DS 001 SC -Intro to Python & Data Analysis , CSCI 004 PZ -Intro to Comp Sci for Non-majors , CSCI 005GRHM -Intro to Biology & Computer Sci , or equivalent).
- One math course for which MATH 030 PZ -Calculus I or higher is listed as a prerequisite
- One upper division Environmental Science course taught by the Department of Natural Sciences (e.g., EA 100L KS -Global Climate Change w/Lab , EA 103 KS -Soils and the Environment , EA 104 KS -Oceanography )
- One course in the history, philosophy, or ethics of science (e.g. HIST 082 HM -Science&Technol in Modern World , PHIL 035 CM -Intro: Science/Tech/Human Values , PHIL 038 CM -Intro: Reason and Reality , ANTH 123 PO -Anthropology of Genetics , HIST 101ACPO -Dark Ecologies , HIST 101E PO -Science and Empire , BIOL 047 PO -Being Human in STEM , HIST 081 HM -Sci and Tech Early Modern World )
- NEUR 125L JT -Minds, Brains, and Programs
Biology Elective Courses (6‡†)
These six courses should be numbered 100 or higher, including at least three laboratory courses (indicated by the “L” subscript). The following courses also count as biology electives: CHEM 177 KS -Biochemistry , NEUR 103 KS -Neurobiol Motiv,Reward,Addiction , NEUR 148L KS -Cell and Molecular Neuroscience , NEUR 149 KS -Systems & Behavioral Neuroscienc , NEUR 161 KS -Neuroendocrinology , NEUR 181 KS -Neurological Disorders , SCI 119 CM -The Senses . Other courses may count as well, please consult your advisor. Elective courses may not be double counted as foundation or breadth courses.
Senior Thesis in Biology (1-2)
Students should complete one of the following options. Students must register their thesis plans with the Department of Natural Sciences during the spring semester of their penultimate year.
* Note: 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. Department faculty should be consulted for advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
**Note: All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
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