Biology

Professor: Morrison; Associate Professors: Huang (Department Chair), Parrish, and Staab; Assistant Professors: Kerwin and Matison; Lecturer: Burley.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Dr. Morrison: cell biology, vertebrate diversity; Dr Huang: developmental biology and genetics; Dr. Staab: comparative anatomy and physiology; Dr. Parrish: molecular biology and genomics; Dr. Martinson: ecology and botany; Dr. Kerwin: microbiology and marine biology. The Biology Department offers a major that provides the essential background for students who wish to pursue graduate or professional studies in health care and those who wish to pursue careers in biological research. From its founding, the College and the Biology Department have prepared men and women to enter medical school and graduate programs in the life sciences.

Many Biology students find employment and enjoy successful careers with a bachelor’s degree. They enter a variety of fields such as genetics, immunology, marine science, cancer research, and environmental analysis. In addition, many students successfully enroll in postgraduate programs at the master’s or doctoral level immediately following graduation from McDaniel. Our undergraduate course offerings cover the basic requirements for most graduate programs. Students should be aware that many doctoral programs require calculus (MAT 1117), two semesters of organic chemistry (CHE 2217, 2218), and two semesters of physics (PHY 1101, 1102) in addition to the courses required by the major. Specific requirements should be discussed with the student’s faculty advisor, and advisors of specific professional tracks (such as premed).

Students may decide to pursue a career in such health science fields as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine. Our curriculum, coupled with pre-professional advising, enables students to meet the course requirements for these programs. Students interested in health careers should consult Dr. Susan Parrish for specific advice early in their undergraduate studies.

Students interested in environmental studies may follow our environmental studies specialization within the department. Students should consult Dr. Holly Martinson or Dr. Randy Morrison for specific advice.

Students interested in molecular biology may follow our molecular biology specialization within the department and should consult Dr. Cheng Huang or Dr. Susan Parrish for specific advice.

Students may elect to minor in elementary or secondary education for teacher certification. Biology students interested in a career in education should consult: 1) the Education Department section in this Catalog and work with natural sciences advisor in that department; 2) a formal Biology Department advisor as assigned by department chair .

Biology majors with interests in academic areas outside the sciences are encouraged by the Biology Department to develop these talents. Our students have graduated with double majors in Art (medical illustration, graphic design), Business and Economics, English (journalism), History, World Languages (French, Spanish), Kinesiology (sports medicine, physical education trainer), and Philosophy. The department also has a Dual major with the Mathematics Department.

Please see teacher certification requirements in Biology .
Please see the dual major option in Biology – Mathematics Dual Major .

Honors in Biology
Honors in Biology will be awarded to graduating seniors who have earned at least a 3.50 grade point average in all courses taken in the major and who are recommended by the Department. Departmental recommendation is partly based on evaluation of an original research-based capstone project done by the student, and a 15-minute research oral presentation. Students may pick up guidelines in the Department Office.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Biology

Programs

Courses