Biology Concentrations
In addition, a concentration is required from the following (maximum of one):
Provides flexibility in course selection for students with a holistic interest in biology.
Recommended for those who want experience in biotechnology and want to be prepared for the business world as well as research.
Recommended for those with a passion to study biology associated with biodiversity patterns, populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, and their ecological interrelationships in the natural world.
Provides direction for students with a passion for understanding the complexities of the human body in health and disease, through an understanding of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pathology, and disease.
Leverage Gordon’s location on the coast as well as take advantage of collaborations with Wood’s Hole, Marine Studies Consortium, and Au Sable Institute.
Honors in Biology
Students may graduate with honors in biology by conducting, writing, presenting and defending an honors thesis based on substantial research during their senior year. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, candidates will develop a thesis proposal and register for 4-8 credits of research (BIO 471 , BIO 472 ). The candidate will select a thesis committee of three faculty members: the advisor as the chair of the committee and two other faculty members, one of whom must be from a program outside the student’s major. The role of the committee includes: first, to approve the research proposal from the candidate; second, to help shape and monitor the progress of the candidate’s research; and third, to read and approve the candidate’s final thesis. Completed research must be presented in the biology senior seminar class or in a scheduled seminar open to the public and defended orally with the Honors Thesis Committee prior to exam week. The minimum GPA for an honors candidate is 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall.
