Biology

Roger H. Laushman, Associate Professor of Biology; Department Chair

Taylor St. Claire Allen, Associate Professor of Biology

Jane Ellen Bennett, Lecturer in Biology and Laboratory Instructor

Mark R. Braford, Professor of Biology and Neuroscience

Yolanda Paje Cruz, Professor of Biology

Katherine E. Cullen, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

Mary C. Garvin, Donald R. Longman Associate Professor of Biology

Marta Laskowski, Associate Professor of Biology

Catherine A. McCormick, Professor of Biology and Neuroscience

Michael J. Moore, Assistant Professor of Biology

Maureen A. Peters, Assistant Professor of Biology

Angela J. Roles, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

Laura Romberg, Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry and Biochemistry

Robin S. Salter, Associate Professor of Biology

Keith A. Tarvin, Associate Professor of Biology

Janice Thornton, Associate Professor of Biology and Neuroscience

The goals of the Biology major are to: (1) teach the fundamental concepts and methods of the biological sciences; (2) engage all students in science as it is practiced by developing their capacities to use and evaluate scientific knowledge; and (3) explore relationships of biology to other sciences and to problems of social, cultural, and intellectual concern.

By proper selection of biology and other science courses in consultation with a departmental advisor, the major in biology can prepare a student for graduate study and research in a wide range of areas including anatomy, biochemistry, bioengineering, biophysics, botany, cell biology, conservation biology, developmental biology, ecology, environmental sciences, immunology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, mycology, physiology, virology, zoology, etc. The major in biology can also lead to a variety of careers in applied biology (medicine and agriculture and their allied fields) and science teaching.

Advanced Placement.

Advanced Placement. Students earning a score of 4 on the Advanced Placement Biology exam (AP Bio) will receive four hours of natural science credit, as BIOL 604, applied toward graduation requirements, but not toward the Biology major. Four hours of Biology major credit, designated as BIOL 605, are automatically granted to students earning a score of 5 on the AP exam, or a 6 on the International Baccalaureate exam, and these students are exempt from the introductory sequence (BIOL 118/119, 120), but must still complete the 27 hour minimum for the major, by earning 23 biology credits in addition to the four granted as Biology 605. Students with Biology 605 may elect, if they so choose, to take either Biology 118 plus 119, or Biology 120 for four credits; if both of these courses are taken, Biology 605 credit will not be granted. Students with AP credit must still take at least five laboratory courses.

Exemptions.

Exemption (not Placement) tests are offered twice annually, prior to the start of each semester for students wishing to be exempted from taking Biology 118, (not 119) or 120. You may not take the exemption exam for a course in which you have enrolled. Note that a score of 5 in AP Biology or a 6 on the IB exam will also exempt a student from these courses. It must be pointed out, however, that our core courses are appropriate and helpful for those intending to take the MCAT, GRE, or similar proficiency exams. See the above paragraph for advanced placement details.

Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions.

Students with a strong high-school science background find taking Introductory Biology and Chemistry courses simultaneously in the first semester both useful and challenging. Other students benefit greatly from taking only one of these courses during their first semester at Oberlin. Prospective Biology majors are urged to consult with a Biology faculty member during freshman advising period to discuss these options.