Biology

Students must complete a total of 24 elective credits in biology, including at least one course from each of four organizational levels (Population, Organismal, Cellular and Molecular), and at least one course from each of three skills emphases (Literacy, Experimental, Analytical/technical). Elective courses designated in each of these categories will be published prior to registration each semester.

Elective credits may also be filled by other appropriate courses such as

1.  Upper level biology courses (300 or higher) at other AUC institutions;
2.  Up to 4 hours of coursework in other disciplines relevant to biology training (examples might include History of Medicine, Biostatistics, Biomedical Ethics, Epidemiology, etc.);
3. Up to 4 hours of elective credit through independent research, BIO 487, with approval of a faculty supervisor and the department chair.

All biology electives taken outside of the biology department or at AUC institutions must receive prior approval from the department chair.

Biology majors must complete the following cognate courses with a grade of C or better:

Chemistry

• One year of General Chemistry with lab: CHE 111, CHE 111L, CHE 112, CHE 112L
• One year of Organic Chemistry with lab: CHE 231, CHE 233L, CHE 232, CHE 234L

Mathematics

• Two semesters of Mathematics selected from the following: MAT 211, MAT 212, MAT 205

Physics

• One year of General Physics with lab: PHY 111, PHY 112

Computer Science

• One semester of Computer Science for science majors – CIS111 or higher

Objectives

Disciplinary Breadth
1. understand functional categories of biological organization and interconnections among them
2. develop a solid foundation of basic biological concepts that inform scientific understanding
3. understand how evolutionary mechanisms apply in molecular, cellular, organismal and community level dynamics

Scientific Literacy
1. develop skills of observation and critical reading of texts and environments
2. interpret representations of data and models
3. understand hypotheses and conclusions
4. identify gaps in knowledge
5. formulate scientific questions
6. recognize synthesis of new ideas

Communication Skills
1. develop skills to interpret and construct a scientifically based argument
2. develop oral communication skills for formal presentations and informal scientific discourse
3. develop facility with scientific writing and model making

Analyzing Scientific Data and Results
1. interpret quantitative and qualitative representations of data in tabular, graphical or descriptive form 2. identify significant trends in scientific data
3. evaluate scientific results in terms of original hypothesis
4. apply statistical analysis to scientific interpretation

Science as an Experimental Process
1. synthesize scientific hypothesis and derived research questions
2. design hypothesis-driven, controlled experiments
3. construct appropriate data sets
4. critique experimental approaches

Developing Technical Expertise
1. develop proficiency in accurate data collection
2. conduct proper calibration and use of scientific instrumentation
3. develop appropriate use of scientific techniques in experimental design

Science as a Way of Knowing
1. understanding the process of science compared to other modes of inquiry
2. integrating scientific knowledge and biology within a social, political or historical context
3. recognizing both the potential and limitations of scientific application

Integrated Identity
1. exploring intersections of identity as Spelman biology majors
2. reflecting on how academic preparation and professional aspirations impact their worldview
3. Reflect on how their worldview impacts their professional and academic aspirations and their value system

Stay on top of what you need to know to excel and thrive as a biology major at Spelman College. The following forms are in PDF format. You will need to download the free version of Adobe Acrobat to access the information.

• Plan of Study Sequence
• Biology Elective Course List
• Course Audit Form
• SAWOK Elective Approval Form
• SAWOK List of Courses

Neuroscience BS/MS Program

In partnership with the Neuroscience Institute of Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College’s Department of Biology offers a novel five-year BS/MS program in neuroscience, the only program like this in the country.

This unique dual-degree program is designed to provide undergraduates with neuroscience research training early in their academic careers. Participants finish with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Neuroscience.

According to the latest National Science Foundation data (2015), of the 1100 neuroscience Ph.D.s awarded, 30 were to African Americans. On average, 52% of these degrees went to women. So at best, there may be 15 African-American women with this training.