Biology

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Professors: M. Campbell, Case, Peroni, Putnam, Stanback
Associate Professors: Bernd, Dorcas, Hales, Hay (On leave, Spring), Lom (Chair), Paradise, Wessner
Assistant Professors: Barsoum, Sarafova
Lecturer: McNally
Visiting Assistant Professor: Round
Visiting Instructor: Price
Affiliated Faculty: Ramirez (Psychology), Heyer (Mathematics), Myers (Chemistry)

Distribution 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 pre-medical studies or plan to major in biology or another science. Biology 107-109, 111, and 112 fulfill the distribution requirement for a laboratory science. Biology 102-105 are taught without a laboratory component. Biology 107 credit is granted to students who score 4 or 5 on the AP exam, or 6 or 7 on the IB exam.

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 or 369).

Major Requirements

The biology major requires eleven courses: Biology 111 and 112; eight biology courses numbered 299 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, 307, and 308); Group B (305, 311, 312, 316, 317, and 331); and Group C (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 111(or 112)/113/160; 111(or 112)/110; or 112/140; and Physics 120/220 or 130/230 are strongly recommended. Premedical students should consult with the Premedical Director when choosing their basic science classes.

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 and/or 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 and research results must be presented in writing and orally by the deadlines specified in the handbook. The recommendation of the department regarding honors or high honors will be based upon quality of the course work, research, and 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. Permission of instructor is required. See http://www.bio.davidson.edu/programs/sfs/sfshome.htm

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

Biology Courses

Biology 100-level courses are open to all students and may fulfill the area requirement in the Natural Science and Mathematics. Biology 111 and 112 are the prerequisite courses for most 300-level courses in the biology major. The 300-level biology courses give students access to a broad range of biological knowledge and technical skills. Stressing problem-solving and critical thinking, these courses are appropriate for any student who has completed Biology 111 or 112 but they are not limited to biology majors. Topical, discussion-based seminar courses (360s) and research courses (350s and 370s) are often limited to juniors and seniors. Biology 401 is a capstone course open only to senior biology majors.