Biology

Description

The Biology concentration enables students to study, in depth and in breadth, the science of life and living matter. Whether pursuing the A.B. or Sc.B. in biology, students can expect to learn broadly in the discipline through a selection of courses in three areas: cell and molecular biology, structure and function, and organismal biology. In addition, students pursuing the ScB complete a thematic cluster through which they gain an in-depth understanding of a particular biological subfield (examples include immunobiology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and biotechnology). The concentration also emphasizes practical skills and experimental design. Concentrators are therefore required to take at least three courses with a laboratory or fieldwork component. Within all of these requirements, students have a high degree of flexibility and choice. Broad research opportunities are also available across several departments within the basic sciences as well.

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

Learn cell and molecular biology, biological structure and function, and organismal biology
Understand the organization and function of basic biological systems
Know the core mathematical and chemical principles relevant to biology and genetics
Attain in-depth understanding of one biological subfield
Know how to handle and interpret scientific data
Gain laboratory experience
Engage in independent research

Requirements

For information about Biology programs, and instructions for declaring this concentration, please visit the Biology Undergraduate website. Prospective concentrations should contact Marjorie_Thompson@brown.edu in order to schedule their concentration planning meeting and have advisory assignment made. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.

Honors and Capstones

View Honors website

Students pursuing an Sc.B. in Biology must conduct independent research and enroll in BIOL 1950/1960. Students aspiring to receive Honors in biology must complete a thesis project representing the culmination of two or more semesters of research. An oral presentation is also required. Upon completion of the research, the faculty advisor and a second reader provide an evaluation in which the student’s work must be assessed as satisfactory or better in order for Honors to be awarded. Quality grades (A, B, and/or S with distinction) within the concentration are also required for Honors. Please see the department's website for a complete description of program requirements.