Apr 25, 2024  
2005-2006 
    
2005-2006 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology


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Professors: Case (Chair), Putnam
Associate Professors: Bernd, M. Campbell, Dorcas, Hay, Peroni (On leave, Fall), Stanback, Wessner
Assistant Professors: Hales, Lom, Paradise
Lecturer: McNally

Core Requirements


Any 100-level biology course may be counted toward the fulfillment of the area requirement in Natural Science and Mathematics. The department recommends Biology 111 and 112 for students who are in premedical studies or plan to major in biology. Biology 104, 111, and 112 fulfill the core requirement for a laboratory science. Biology 100W and 103 are taught without a laboratory component.

Cultural Diversity Requirement


Students who participate in the School for Field Studies in a non-western country receive Cultural Diversity credit for Biology 384. Cultural diversity credit is also given for the summer programs in Kenya and Zambia (Biology 368).

Major Requirements


The biology major requires eleven courses: Biology 111 and 112; eight biology courses numbered 300 or above; and Chemistry 115. Of the eight biology courses numbered 300 or above, at least one course must be taken from each of the following groups: Group A (301, 302, 303, 306, and 308: Group B (305, 311, 312, 316, and 331); and Group C (314, 315, 321, 322, 323, and 341). Seven of the courses required for the major must be Davidson courses taught by Davidson College faculty.

Chemistry 201, 202; Mathematics 130 and either 135 or 110; and Physics 120/220 or 130/230 are strongly recommended.

Honors Requirements


The departmental honors program is designed to promote individual excellence through directed independent study and research. Twelve lecture and research courses are required, including Biology 111, 112, 371, 372, and Chemistry 115. Students should plan their programs with their faculty advisors such that the combination of courses and research meets, in general, the balance of courses specified for the major. A proposal should be submitted for departmental action in the spring semester of the candidate’s junior year. Research results must be presented in writing and orally to the department in the spring semester of the candidate’s senior year. The recommendation of the department regarding honors or high honors will be based upon quality of the course work and the research and its presentation. A detailed description of the honors program in biology can be found in the biology department handbook.

School for Field Studies


Davidson College is affiliated with the School for Field Studies, enabling students to participate in a semester-long or month-long program studying environmental issues. Students must apply for acceptance to the School for Field Studies.

The semester and summer programs concentrate on international environmental issues at one of five SFS centers: Baja, Mexico; British West Indies; Costa Rica; Australia; or Kenya. Semester program students receive course credit for Biology 381, 382, 383, and 384. Summer program students receive course credit for Biology 105 or 385.

Biology Courses


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