Biology Major

Allied Health Programs
Special programs separate from the departmental majors are offered in cooperation with the Thomas Jefferson University College of Health Professions in Philadelphia. See Other Approved Programs in Academic Program section.

Environmental Science
Gordon College participates in the program of AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies in three locations: India, Washington state and Michigan. Courses are designed to prepare students for work or further study in environmental endeavors. These courses may be taken by any Gordon student who meets the course prerequisites. In addition, through a combination of courses offered at Gordon and at AuSable, a student may complete a biology major with an environmental concentration (see requirements below) or minor in environmental studies (see minors) and may earn certification from AuSable as an environmental analyst. AuSable courses taken during the summer are available at half the normal Gordon tuition. See course descriptions below and in Off-Campus Curriculum.

Special Studies in Marine Biology
A summer Marine Biology Institute (offered in even-numbered years) and regular course offerings during the school year utilize diverse aquatic environments on or near the campus. See course descriptions.

International Seminar: Sustainable Tropical Agriculture
A 4-credit biology/missions course is offered during winter break under the College's International Seminar program. Taught at ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, Ft. Myers, Florida) and in Haiti or Honduras, the course involves study of tropical fruit trees and vegetables, tillage, aquaculture and appropriate technology. Lectures, workshops and field trips held daily. Travel involves work with local farmers, agroforestry and aquaculture projects. Students assist in clinics and travel to villages with health and farm workers. This is a unique opportunity for practical experience in agricultural missions. See BIO291. Contact Dr. Ming Zheng, Biology Department, and Global Education Office.

Requirements for the Major in Biology
The requirements stated below are based on the assumption that a student majoring in these programs will begin with biology courses in the freshman year. However, not all students are firmly committed to a major when they enter college. It is
possible to tailor individual programs to fit the needs of students who wish to change majors or who, for any other reason, must start the course sequence late.

A biology major requires 38 credits: 20 credits of specified courses, and 18 credits of electives. Majors normally take an introductory core of six courses in the sequence listed below, plus a senior seminar. At least one upper-level plant course (e.g., botany, ecology or approved AuSable course) must be taken regardless of concentration.

The following science and mathematics support courses are also required of all biology majors:

Each student will complete the biology major by selecting a concentration below. The number of biology electives required for each program varies.

Professional Concentration (18 credits of biology electives required.)
 
Health Professions Concentration
Students interested in entering a career in the medical, veterinary, dental or other health professions fields should complete the requirements for the Health Professions Program. See requirements for the concentration or minor listed in the Interdisciplinary and Off-Campus Curriculum section of the catalog. Contact Dr. Craig Story, Biology Department, for additional information.

Biotechnology Concentration
The following courses are required:

Ten additional biology elective credits are required. The following courses are strongly recommended: BIO314 Microbiology, BIO321 Molecular Cell Biology and Microscopy and BIO333 Immunology. Also recommended: ECB377 Principles of Marketing and ECB424 Small Business Management.

Environmental Concentration
BIO/NSM222 Environmental Science, BIO310 Ecology, CHE312 Analytical Chemistry II and two summer field courses at AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies. BIO440 Advanced Techniques in Ecology and BIO291 Sustainable Tropical Biology are recommended.

Marine Biology Concentration
The following courses are required:

Honors in Biology
Majors who research and write an honors thesis will be eligible to graduate with honors. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, candidates will develop a thesis proposal and register for 4-8 credits of research (BIO471, 472). In consultation with a faculty advisor, the candidate will select a thesis committee of three faculty members: the advisor as the chair of the committee and two other faculty members, one of which must be from a department outside the students's major. The role of the committee includes: first, to approve the research proposal from the candidate; second, to help shape and monitor the progress of the candidate's research; and third, to read and approve the candidate's final thesis. Each candidate is responsible for calling periodic meetings with his/her thesis committee to report progress and receive feedback. The minimum GPA for an honors candidate is 3.50 in the major and 3.00 overall.

Completed research must be presented in the biology senior seminar class or in a scheduled seminar open to the public, and defended orally with the honors thesis committee. Once the committee approves the thesis, four bound copies of the final thesis must be produced, each with a cover page followed by a signed signature page following the format of "The Guidelines for Honors Theses within the Department of Biology, Gordon College." Once bound, the thesis will be distributed to the candidate, the advisor, the Department of Biology and the Jenks Library.

Requirements for the Minor in Biology
Requirements are 24 credits of biology electives of which 16 credits must be laboratory courses.

Requirements for the Minor in Neuroscience
This interdisciplinary minor (24 credits) draws from biology, psychology, chemistry and kinesiology. See Dr. Bryan Auday, director, and additional information under Psychology Department.
 
Requirements for the Double Major with Middle School or Secondary Education
Students planning to teach biology at the middle school or secondary level should consult the education and biology chairs for specific requirements.