Majors:

1) Biology

2) Biochemistry

3) Conservation Biology

4) Neuroscience

5) Biology-Physics

6) Environmental Studies-Biology

Minor:

1) Biology

Certification to Teach Biology

Students interested in a major offered by the Biology Department are required to complete a Major Declaration Form in consultation with a faculty member.

Students entering St. Lawrence with an interest in biology should enroll in Biology 101 and 102 during their first year. They should also seek early advisement by a biology faculty member. The current minimum requirements for the biology major are two semesters of Biology 101-102 (1.5 units each) plus an additional six units of biology courses. At least two units of these courses must be at the 300 or 400 level. Half-unit biology offerings may also be used to fulfill this requirement. In addition to the biology course units mentioned above, the major also requires courses in Chemistry (Chem 103 and 104) and Math (Math 113 or two semesters of calculus).

Certain courses have no lab or field component (or other limiting condition) and are designated as “major credit restricted” or MCR. Only one such course can count in the minimum six units of biology electives (courses beyond Biol 101, 102). Examples include 261, 333, the non-lab section of 360, and certain 400-level courses (see below).

Students are encouraged to take units of independent research, seminars or tutorials, especially during their senior year. However, to ensure breadth in course work, only one senior-level research unit can count toward the minimum requirements of the major. Only one unit of senior-level research will count toward the major requirement of two units at the 300 or 400 level. Also to ensure breadth, units of 381 or 382 will not count toward the minimum requirements of the major.

Biology comprises many subdisciplines directed toward the study of particular groups of organisms or processes. In addition, the biological sciences interface with many other fields to yield interdisciplinary areas such as biochemistry, environmental sciences, ethnobiology or paleontology. Because of this diversity, the department does not insist on a set pattern of courses that must be taken for the major, but it does expect students to select courses that provide both breadth and depth. Just as students obtain a liberal education, biology majors are also advised to obtain a broad preparation in biology.

Below are courses grouped according to their primary level of organization. Although majors may wish to concentrate within one area, students are expected to take courses from each of the following areas and from as many departmental faculty members as possible.

245,246. Genetics. 
250. Introduction to Cell Biology.
270. Endocrinology. 
288. Introductory Neuroscience. 
312. Developmental Biology.
320. Reproductive Physiology.
326. Animal Physiology.
231. Microbiology.
333. Immunobiology. (MCR)
386. Advanced Animal Physiology.
389. Advanced Neuroscience.
390. Research Methods in 
Transmission Electron Microscopy.
391. Research Methods in Scanning 
Electron Microscopy.
392. Research Methods in Confocal 
Microscopy.
393. Microscopy Project.
394. Research Methods in 
Biochemistry.
395. Research Methods in 
Molecular Biology. 

215. Invertebrate Biology. 
221. General Ecology.
227. Mammalogy.
258. Ethnobotany.
319. Plant Systematics.
330. Ecology of Lakes and 
Rivers.
340. Conservation Biology.
343. Evolution.
357. Behavioral Ecology.
360. Marine Ecology.
380. Tropical Ecology. 

209. Vertebrate Natural History.
215. Invertebrate Biology.
224. Biology of Vascular Plants.
225. Mycology.
227. Mammalogy.
240. Human Anatomy.
312. Developmental Biology.
231. Microbiology.
360. Marine Ecology. 

The Biology and Chemistry departments offer an interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry. The interface between chemistry and biology is an area of very active research and is the main driving force behind the biotechnology revolution. In this major, students will see how the tools and concepts of biochemistry are used to address fundamental questions related to the molecular basis of life processes. Students who major in biochemistry have the opportunity to study topics such as the mechanisms of drug action, structure and function of biological macromolecules, mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, hormonal regulation of physiological processes, gene expression, and molecular methods (including DNA Fingerprinting, PCR, immunoblotting). All biochemistry majors conduct an independent research project for at least one semester under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Students in the biochemistry major make extensive use of an impressive arrary of laboratory equipment and computer-based technologies housed in both departments. In addition to biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories, the chemistry department has a modern, high-field multinuclear NMR spectrometer and biology department has a Microscopy Center. The Microscopy Center has a confocal microscope, a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray analsysis system, and a transmission electron microscope.

Note that students majoring in biochemistry may not also major and/or minor in either biology, chemistry, or neuroscience.

Curriculum

Biology and Chemistry Courses	UNITS
General Biology (Biol 101, 102)	3
Advanced Biology from the following courses: Genetics (Biol 245/246) Microbiology (Biol 331) Introduction to Cell Biology (Biol 250) Developmental Biology (Biol 312)	2
General Chemistry (Chem 103-104 or Chem 105)	2.5
Organic Chemistry (Chem 221-222)	2.5
Biochemistry (Chem 309)	1
Advanced Biochemistry (Chem 415)	1
Biophysical Chemistry (Chem 342)	1
Research Methods in Biochemistry (Biol 394 or Bioch 394)	1
Molecular Methods (Biol 395)	1
Senior Project	1

 

 

Careful planning is required of those choosing this major. First year students who are interested in this major should get a second adviser from the biochemistry faculty as early as possible. This is especially true for those wishing to study in an international program. To assist in this planning, a model curriculum planning form is available in pdf format. You may print this form and go over it with your major adviser.

NOTE: Students who major in biochemistry may not major or minor in either biology or chemistry.

Relevant Courses in other Departments:

Physics (Phys 103-104 or 151-152) - 2 units required
Calculus (Math 135) - 1 unit required and necessary for the biophysical chemistry course.

Statistics (Math 113) Strongly recommended but not required
A second semester of calculus is also recommended

Return to top of page

Conservation Biology has as its central tenet the protection of the world’s biodiversity. Biodiversity, the sum total of all living things, represents the immense variation and richness found in the natural world. Effectively addressing the world’s biodiversity crisis requires scientific training and consideration of a variety of issues related to economics, globalization, environmentalism, culture, politics, and ethics. Our Conservation Biology major exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach to Conservation Biology including study and practice at both local and global levels. This major meets the needs of a growing number of St. Lawrence students by providing a science degree that prepares students for employment or graduate programs in Conservation Biology. Conservation Biology encompasses ideas and methods from Biology, the other natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR:
Introductory courses:
Biology 101
Biology 102
Global Studies 101
Economics 100
Environmental Studies 101
Allied Science/Math course 1*(See list of courses below)
Allied Science/Math course 2*(See list of courses below)

200 and 300-level courses:
Biology 221
Biology 245/246 OR Biology 343

Advanced ecology course# (See list of courses below)
Biodiversity course 1@ (non-animal)
Biodiversity course 2@ (can be animal)
Global Studies 301
Biology 340

Global perspectives elective& (See list of courses below)

400-level courses:
Senior Year Experience (minimum 1 semester)

“Non-northeastern” Study Rrequirement - A unique aspect of our Conservation Biology major is that it requires students to obtain significant experience outside of the Northeastern United States. The reason for this requirement is to ensure that students gain exposure to a variety of ecosystems in order to further their appreciation for patterns in global biodiversity, but to also expose students to a variety of cultural and political perspectives related to conservation issues. Significant experience outside of the northeastern United States is defined as biological study of an extended duration (at least 1 week but could extend for a full semester) in some location other than the mixed hardwood forests and aquatic systems found in northern New York.

*To complete the Allied Science or Math requirement, do 1 of the following 3 choices:
1) Take the Chemistry 103/Chemistry 104 sequence (2 courses, with lab)
2) Take the Geology 103/Geology 104 sequence (2 courses, with lab)
3) Take two of the following 4 math courses: Math 113, Math 213, Math 135, Math 136

#To complete the Advanced Ecology course, take 1 of the following:
Forest Ecology, Ecology of Lakes and Rivers, Landscape Ecology, Microbial Ecology, Behavioral
Ecology, Marine Ecology, Tropical Ecology

@Biodiversity electives (you must take two, 1 animal, 1 non-animal) include:
Invertebrate Paleontology, Vertebrate Natural History, Invertebrate Biology, Mammalogy, Ornithology,
Microbiology, Biology of Vascular Plants, Plant Systematics, and Mycology

&To complete the Global Perspectives Elective, take 1 of the following courses:
ANTH 102 – Cultural anthropology, ANTH/ENVS 255 – Environmental Perception and Indigenous Knowledge,
ANTH/ENVS 210 – Environmental Archaeology, ANTH/ENVS 240– Environment and Resource Use in Kenya
(DIV), ECON 228 – African Economies, ECON/ENVS 308 – Environmental Economics, ECON/ENVS 384 –
Natural Resource Economics, ECON/GS 234 – Comparative Economic Institutions, ECON/GS 236 – Globalization
Issues: Equity, the Environment and Economic Growth, ECON/GS 336 – Economic Development, ENVS 261 –
Sustainable Agriculture Systems, ENVS 263 – Sustainable Development, ENVS 363 – Ecotourism: Panacea or
Viable Sustainable Development, GOV/ENVS 312 – Environmental Law and Politics, GOV/GS 327 – Politics of
Development and Underdevelopment, GS 215 – World Regional Geography, GS 280 – Culture and Ecology, PHIL
335 – Environmental Ethics and Global Relations, PHIL/ENVS 310 – Philosophy of the Environment, SOC/ENVS
465 – Environmental Sociology , SOC/GS 375 – Environmental Movements, SOC/GS 476 – Globalization and
Sustainability, SOC/GS/ENVS 253 – Race, Class and Environmental Justice. Abroad Courses - Many courses taken while students are abroad might count in this category and would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Return to top of page

The departments of biology and psychology have collaborated to create a dual-track major in neuroscience. Students may elect a cellular track or a behavioral track as described below. Both tracks are designed to give students preparation for graduate study in a variety of neuroscience subdisciplines as well as preparation for entry into health professions. It is imperative that first-year students seek early advisement from a biology or psychology faculty member; they should also begin the introductory courses in each department during the first year.

Curriculum:

Core courses required by both tracks:

General Biology (101, 102) 3 units
General Chemistry (103, 104) 2.5 units
Organic Chemistry (221) 1.25 unit
Introductory Psychology (100 or 101) 1 unit
Intro. & Adv. Neuroscience (Bio 288, 389) 2 units
Senior Research: Neuroscience 1-2 units = 10 - 11 courses subtotal

A year of Physics (Phys. 103-104 or 151-152), the second semester of Organic Chemistry (Chem. 222), and Calculus (Math 135) are highly recommended, especially for those who intend to pursue graduate study in neuroscience.

NOTE: Students who major in neuroscience may not major or minor in either biology, biochemistry, and/or psychology.

Careful planning is required of those choosing this major. First year students who are interested in this major should get a second adviser from the neuroscience faculty as early as possible. This is especially true for those wishing to study in an international program. To assist in this planning, a model curriculum planning form is available in pdf format. You may print this form and go over it with your major adviser.

Cellular Neuroscience Track:

Students must take either: Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 205; preferred) or Statistics (MATH 113). MATH 113 is recommended for students who are interested in health careers.

Students need to select one of the following:

Genetics (BIOL 245 or 246)
Introduction to Cell Biology (BIOL 250)
Animal Physiology (BIOL 326)

PLUS a minimum of 2 units of courses from:

*Unless indicated each course is equal to 1 unit

Genetics (BIOL 245 or 246)
Introduction Cell Bio. (BIOL 250)
Endocrinology (BIOL 270)
Developmental Biology (BIOL 312)
Animal Physiology (BIOL 326)
Advanced Animal Physiology (BIOL 386)
Cell and Molecular Basis of Memory (BIOL 348)
Research Methods in Confocal Microscopy (BIOL 392, .5 units)
Microscopy Project (BIOL 393, .5 units)
Research Methods in Molecular Biology (BIOL 395)
Biochemistry (CHEM 309)
Advanced Biochemistry (CHEM 415)

Behavioral Track:

Students must take Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 205) and a minimum of 4 units from the list of courses below:

*Unless indicated each course is equal to 1 unit

Hormones & Behavior (PYSC 326)
Sensation & Perception (PYSC 327)
Physiological Psychology (PYSC 331)
Learning (PYSC 401)
Memory and Cognition (PSYC 402)
Animal Behavior (PSYC 432)
Cognitive Neuropsychology (PSYC 480)
Animal Physiology. (BIOL 326)
Advanced Animal Physiology (BIOL 386)

In the Behavioral Track, at least 2 of the 4 required elective courses must be taken with a laboratory component. The elective biology courses included in this track all have mandatory labs and may satisfy this requirement. The 5 psychology elective courses listed above may be taken with or without a lab component.

Return to top of page

Students may elect a combined major in biology and physics as a basis for work or advanced study in such fields as biophysics; radiation biology, radiological health, or environmental science. The major is also acceptable for premedical students.

Required courses

4 courses of Biology, General Biology (2 semesters), Animal Physiology (2 semesters)

4 courses of Physics; these must include 2 semesters of second-level Physics (Phys 221, 222)

2 additional courses in biology and physics; chosen in consultation with the advisor.

Chemistry 221, 222

A research project at the interface of Physics and Biology.

Recommended courses :

Chemistry 342

Mathematics 205

Advisement will be provided by both biology and physics departments. Since this major is expected to serve students with a wide range of interests, anyone considering it is encouraged to consult with these departments concerning an appropriate schedule of courses, including interdepartmental offerings which may be available.

Students contemplating this major should also be aware of possibilities for advanced placement in chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses which could provide added flexibility to their programs. For instance, students with good high school backgrounds in physics may not need to take courses at the beginning level of Physics.

Return to top of page

Interdisciplinary Major Core Courses:
All interdisciplinary majors in environmental studies require the following
courses:

Introduction to Environmental Studies 1 unit
Policy/Pollution Courses (PP) 3 units
Foundation of Environmental Thought 1 unit
Electives* 2 units
total - 7 units

*One elective should be a cross-listed environmental science course for
B.A. students or a social science or humanities course for B.S. students.

Biology Courses:

Biology 101,102. General Biology 2 units
221. General Ecology 1 unit
Biology Electives* 5 units
total - 15 units

*Electives that are cross-listed should be taken under the biology number.
Biology electives must include two 300- or 400-level courses. No more
than one course designated as major credit restricted can be used as an
elective under biology. Students anticipating graduate work in biology
should take chemistry and statistics.

Return to top of page