Biology

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Professors: Case (Chair), Putnam, Peroni, M. Campbell
Associate Professors: Bernd, Dorcas, Hales, Hay, Lom, Paradise, Stanback, Wessner
Assistant Professor: Sarafova
Lecturer: McNally
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Haynes, Watson
Affiliated Faculty: Ramirez (Psychology), Heyer (Mathematics)

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 premedical studies or plan to major in biology. Biology 104, 111, and 112 fulfill the distribution requirement for a laboratory science. Biology 100W and 103 are taught without a laboratory component. Biology 104 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).

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, 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 130/135, 130/110, or 130M/137; 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, 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. Permission of instructor is required. See http://www.bio.davidson.edu/programs/sfs/sfshome.htm