The goal of the Biology Department is to engender a comprehensive knowledge of and appreciation for the many dimensions of the biological sciences. We emphasize the close relationship of biology to other scientific disciplines, such as mathematics, chemistry and physics, and also stress the importance of biology in society and within the historical liberal arts tradition.
Those who concentrate in biology and related areas choose a variety of professional and career goals including those of ecologist, medical doctor, biotechnologist, veterinarian, laboratory research technician, teacher, clinical laboratory scientist, graduate student, dentist, physical therapist, environmentalist and many others. Special affiliations/agreements exist between Albright College and such institutions as Penn State (Early Assurance Program with Hershey Medical School), Duke University (cooperative forestry, environmental studies) and regional schools of clinical laboratory science (medical technology).
For advice on health and allied health professions, contact Professor Campbell.
All members of the biology faculty are available for advising and counseling in areas related to the biological sciences. Because requirements and recommendations for various postbaccalaureate programs vary from year to year, students are encouraged to seek advice from faculty members in the department.
Biology concentrators are encouraged to participate in the honorary societies, groups, and independent activities within the department. This includes Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-medical honorary society, Professor Campbell, adviser).
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Concentration in Biology
Requirements
• A total of 10 courses in biology, including BIO 201, 202, 203 and one 400-level course.
• No more than three courses at the 200-level may be counted toward the area of concentration.
• Biology concentrators must pass all three of the 200-level courses, earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 over the three courses,or have permission of the Biology Department chair, in order to enroll in 300- or 400-level courses.
• Seniors must take the department exit
exam as a graduation requirement.
In addition, one course from each of the following three groups must be taken:
• Group I (BIO 311, 312, 314 and 315)
• Group II (BIO 321, 327, 332, 342 and 343)
• Group III (BIO 304, 323, 324, 330 and 334)
• Within the context of these guidelines, students may freely elect any biology course or CHE 325 to meet the 10-course requirement.
• MAT 107 (Calculus I) or BIO 300
• CHE 207 and 208
Students doing an Independent Study must register for the Research Seminar.
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Co-Concentration in Biology
Upon approval from the department chairperson, students with special needs may combine biology courses with those in another discipline(s) to create a combined program (BIO 201, 202, 203, one 400-level BIO course, one group I BIO course, one group II BIO course and one group III BIO course) or an Individualized Study Program as described elsewhere in this catalog.
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Interdisciplinary Concentrations in Biology
The department also participates in formal interdisciplinary areas of concentration such as psychobiology, biochemistry and environmental science. Certain biology concentrators, such as those anticipating entrance into cooperative forestry, environmental studies or teacher education programs, may include a geology course as a part of their program, upon approval of the department chairperson. Students interested in pursuing teacher certification in biology must consult the chair of the Education Department regarding specific requirements for the program.
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Biotechnology Track
Albright offers a special track in biotechnology. This track is primarily for biology concentrators but may be completed by students in other concentrations (such as biochemistry and psychobiology) who have the prerequisites.
Requirements
• Six of the following eight courses, with at least one being a 400-level seminar: BIO 321, 327, 332, 343, 495, 496, 498 or CHE 325
Biology students in the biotechnology track must meet the following requirements:
• BIO 201, 202 and 203
• The six biotechnology courses listed above
• One course from Group I or Group III
• MAT 107 or BIO 300
• CHE 207 and 208
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Marine Science Program
Requirements
Students electing to complete the marine science program must complete the following courses:
• BIO 202 and 311
• Four marine science courses offered through Duke University in a semester to be completed off campus at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C. and the Bermuda Biological Station for Research.
• Two of the marine science courses may be applied toward concentrations in either biology or environmental science, with the approval of the Biology Department.
Students must apply to the Biology Department for admission to this program, which will normally be completed during the junior or senior year. Scuba certification is recommended.
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Co-op Programs
Requirements:
• BIO 201, 202 and 203
• BIO 300 and 311
• One course in botany
• CHE 207 and 208
• ECO 105 must be taken for general studies
• ECO 335 is highly recommended
For additional information on co-op programs, contact Professor Heller.
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Independent Research
Independent research (see catalog description) under supervision of a member of the Biology Department is strongly encouraged. Recent independent research projects have included studies on bat ecology and echolocation, ultrastructure of insect visual receptors, the ecology of Blue Marsh Recreation Area, the distribution of endangered species of mammals, and cloning of genes using recombinant DNA techniques. Such projects involve field trips to nearby ecosystems, and the use of equipment such as a Zeiss EM 109 transmission electron microscope, a digital scanning electron microscope, fluorescence microscopy, laminar flow hoods for working with sterile technique, ultramicrotomes, computer-assisted recording of physiological variables, amplification and electrophoresis of DNA and proteins and scientific imaging equipment. A microcomputer facility, a greenhouse and complete color darkroom facility support laboratory experimentation in many courses and independent projects.
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