Biology - Grinnell College

Biology from Grinnell College is a Campus Bachelor Biology degree that prepares you for a Science career. Biology investigates the processes of life at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. The department believes that the study of biology helps all students to become more scientifically literate and exposes them to the diverse ways in which biologists pose questions and gather and interpret data. Aside from its contribution to a liberal education, the biology curriculum may be an introduction to a career in research, education, environmental science, the health professions, conservation, or a range of other fields. The department recommends that students considering a biology or biological chemistry major take both Biology 150 Introduction to Biological Inquiry and Chemistry 129 General Chemistry in their first year. These courses may be taken in either order. It also recommends that students take calculus (Mathematics 123 - 124 or 131) during their first year. In the first semester of their second year, students should take both Biology 251 Molecules, Cells, and Organisms and Chemistry 221 Organic Chemistry I. Students continuing as biology majors should then enroll in Biology 252 Organisms, Evolution, and Ecology in the second semester. These core courses prepare students to continue with advanced-level courses of their choice and to undertake independent research projects. Since the focus of the curriculum at all levels is on the process of discovery in biology, classroom activities emphasize experimental design, analysis of data, and reading from the scientific literature, while laboratories emphasize student-designed experiments or projects and writing scientific papers and posters. All majors are encouraged to conduct independent study or summer research in association with Grinnell faculty or at an off-campus site or program. In such cases, careful advanced planning with an adviser will make it easier to take advantage of these opportunities. Students also are encouraged to develop their skills in written and oral communication through investigative reports, class presentations, or a departmental seminar. View more details on Grinnell College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Biology courses.