Interested in Biology? The Biology Department offers three majors:
(1) Biology explores life at scales ranging from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems.
(2) Biochemistry (offered as an interdisciplinary major with the Chemistry Department) addresses the molecular basis of life, exploring the interface between biology and chemistry.
(3) Ecology and Biodiversity (offered as an interdisciplinary major in the Environmental Studies Program) integrates biology with other disciplines, engaging students in both applied and theoretical aspects of environmental challenges.
Which classes should you take during your freshman year?
If you are interested in majoring in Biology, we recommend that you try to take at least one introductory biology class your freshman year. You should also consider taking chemistry. We offer two introductory biology classes:
Biology 131: Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
An introduction to the study of biology. Topics include evolution, Mendelian genetics, ecology, conservation biology, and a survey of the diversity, structure, and function of major groups of organisms. Laboratory class.
Biology 132: Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology
An introduction to the study of biology. Topics include the molecular basis of life, bioenergetics, molecular genetics, the structure and function of cells and vertebrate physiology. Biology 131 is not a prerequisite for this course. Laboratory class. [note: if you have not taken much chemistry in high school, you may want to take Chem 101 in your first semester, then Biol 132 in the second semester]
Note: You may take Biology 132 and Biology 131 in any sequence. Both classes are offered every semester.
Our website (
http://www.sewanee.edu/biology/top.html) has additional information about the majors, links to class homepages, and the phone numbers and email addresses of Biology faculty. Please don't hesitate to call or email us with any questions. Dr. David Haskell is the Department Chair and can be reached at 598-1918 or
dhaskell@sewanee.edu
