The Biology department provides students who major in biology with a solid foundation in modern biology and the opportunity for advanced and independent investigation within the framework of a liberal arts curriculum. Biology offers two disciplinary majors, a B.A. and a B.S., and a disciplinary minor.
Because biology is a diverse discipline united by common principles, completion of certain core courses is required for all majors. The required core courses include a BIOL 160-level course (Introductory Topics), BIOL 212 Biostatistics, BIOL 220 Genetics, BIOL 236 Evolution, and BIOL 460 Senior Seminar.
If you'd like to view a full listing of our course options in Biology or any other subject, please visit the Online Course Catalogue.
disciplinary, 12 courses
Nine biology courses, seven of which must be taken at HWS. Biology courses must include a BIOL 160-level course, BIOL 212, BIOL 220, BIOL 236, BIOL 460, and at least two 300-level biology courses. BIOL 450 (independent study) may substitute for one 300-level biology course. Completion of BIOL 495 Honors may substitute for BIOL 460. Other required courses are MATH 130, CHEM 240 plus one other chemistry course.
disciplinary, 16 courses
All of the requirements for the B.A. major, plus one additional course from biology, and three more courses from chemistry, computer science, geoscience, mathematics, physics or psychology.
disciplinary, 6 courses
BIOL 160-level, BIOL 212, BIOL 220, BIOL 236 and two additional biology courses.
Our students chose from a variety of introductory and advanced courses, each designed with classroom and lab components that build a strong foundation in modern biological topics and methods.
Below, you'll find a sampling of some of our most popular classes, as well as suggestions for making Biology a part of your larger interdisciplinary experience at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Develop your skills for scientific inquiry, learn to articulate the central concepts of biology and explain your knowledge to your peers. Once you've done that, consider enrolling in WRRH 351, The Science Beat. Armed with knowledge of animal minds, biotechnology or exotic species, you'll read articles written by major science writers and write your own.
Learn about the interactions between plants and their environment and the evolutionary characteristics of these plants that make them thrive—or struggle—within their environs. Once you've explored how and why plants thrive, investigate how and why the physiological characteristics of plants can alter the course of history in HIST 286, Plants and Empire.
Discover your nervous system: how its parts are specialized, how complex emotions and other processes are produced and how it's modified by your experiences. You'll compare neural processes in both invertebrates and vertebrates (including humans) and participate in computer simulations and hands-on experiments. Once you've learned about the biology of the brain, check out PSYCH 211, Research in Behavioral Neuroscience, to learn more about the psychological nature of the brain-behavior relationship.
