Oct 06, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Major - Molecular Biology Specialization


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Department of Biology

Department Chair: Randall Morrison, Ph.D.

Description


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 students to enter medical school and PHD 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 1114, 1115) 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 - Dr. Susan Parrish).

Departmental Writing:


The Department of Biology extends writing throughout the major. Students who major in Biology are required to take two writing-intensive courses, plus BIO 4493: Senior Colloquium. Writing-intensive courses are noted with the # symbol.

Total Program Hours: 48


Requirements for Departmental Honors


Honors in Biology will be awarded to graduating seniors who have 1) completed an original research-based capstone project, 2) earned at least a 3.50 grade point average in all courses taken in the major, and 3) been recommended by the Department. Departmental recommendation partly relies on evaluation of the student’s oral presentation based on their research capstone project. Students may pick up guidelines in the Department Office.

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