The Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate courses for both majors and non-majors and provides majors with diverse opportunities to pursue research in the laboratories of faculty members. The department's faculty are committed to providing students with a broad exposure to biological processes and systems and a deep understanding of biology at environmental, organismal, cellular, and molecular levels.
Majors:
1. Acquire a foundation in biology such that they will be able to understand and evaluate a broad spectrum of biological information, for example information presented in the media and relevant to public policy decisions.
2. Develop an in-depth understanding within a biological area of concentration. This area of concentration will be designed in consultation with faculty to meet the student’s educational and career goals. Such depth will allow students to understand and critically evaluate current scientific literature in one or more areas of biology.
3. Understand research methods and approaches currently used in the life sciences through coursework and by having the opportunity to perform an independent research project under the supervision of a Dartmouth faculty member.
4. Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
5. Develop written and oral communication skills, allowing for communication of Biology information accurately and effectively to both scientists and non-scientists.
Minors:
1. Acquire a foundation in biology such that they will be able to understand and evaluate a broad spectrum of biological information, for example information presented in the media and relevant to public policy decisions.
2. Understand research methods and approaches currently used in the life sciences through coursework and by having the opportunity to perform an independent research project under the supervision of a Dartmouth faculty member.
3. Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. Develop written and oral communication skills, allowing for communication of Biology information accurately and effectively to both scientists and non-scientists.
This site provides information useful to current and prospective undergraduate students, including descriptions of our course majors and minors, and advising program; an overview of research opportunities in biology; and helpful links about careers in biology. To learn more about a particular topic, use the links listed above.
If you have any questions not covered here or in the Organization-Regulations-Courses (ORC), please contact the Chair of the Undergraduate Committee, Professor Elizabeth F. Smith.
If you are a prospective student and would like to set up an appointment with a faculty member, please contact the department office by e-mail.
Christopher G. Reed Biologist Award: Ayah M. Ahmed, Brendan M. Anderson, Larkin Elderon, Grace E. Snow, Nicholas R. Weir, and Carla J. Williams.
Florence Fletcher Charles Botany Prize: Carla J. Williams
Willard W. Eggleston Memorial Botany Prize: Chelsea J. Little, Nicholas R. Weir
