Navigating Courses in Biology and Chemistry
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Navigating Courses in Biology and Chemistry On this page: Curriculum What choices do I have and when do I have to make them? Planning for Off-campus Study The role of independent research Graduating with honors What if I'm considering going to medical school after college? What if I'm considering teaching as a career? What if I'm not sure what I want to do? Curriculum
Listed below are sample schedules for students majoring in biology,
chemistry, and biological chemistry.
Biology 1st year Fall - Bio 150 or Chm 129; Math 131 (123) 1st year Spring - Bio 150 or Chm 129; **Math 133 (124) 2nd year Fall - Bio 251; Chm 221++ 2nd year Spring - Bio 252; **Chm 222 or **Math 209 3rd and 4th years - 5 electives* (can include summer research or classes). A maximum of four credits of advanced work in a related field may be applied toward the major. The following courses are on the approved list: ANT-221 or ANT-325; BCM-262; ENV-395; PSY-336. Chemistry 1st year Fall - Chm 129; Math 131 (123) 1st year Spring - Chm 210 (formerly Chm 130); Math 133 (124) 2nd year Fall - Chm 221++; Phy 131; (Math 133) 2nd year Spring - Chm 222; Phy132 3rd year Fall - Chm 363 3rd year Spring - Elective 4th year Fall - Elective 4th year Spring - Elective Biological Chemistry 1st year Fall - Bio 150 or Chm 129; Math 131 (or 123) 1st year Spring - Bio 150 or Chm 129; Math 133 (124) 2nd year Fall - Bio 251; Chm 221++ 2nd year Spring - BCM 262; Chm 222 3rd year Fall - Phys 131 3rd year Spring - Phys 132 4th year Fall - Chm 363 4th year Spring - Elective* *Note that one advanced elective must be taken in the junior or senior year. **These courses are not required, but are suggested. ++Note that students with Chemistry AP/IB credit must take Chm 130 as a prerequisite to Chm 221. [top] What choices do I have and when do I have to make them?
If you're unsure about where you're headed (Biology, Biological Chemistry, or
Chemistry) you should take Bio 150, Chm 129, Math 131, and Math 133 in your first
year. This will leave all options open to you. In the Fall of your second year you
should enroll in Bio 251 and Chm 221. At this point (prior to the sprint semester of
your second year) you will need to decide if you intend to pursue the Biology,
Biological Chemistry, or
Chemistry major. You must
declare a major
(download form from the Registrar), and prepare
a 4-year plan, prior to registration for your 5th semester.[top] Planning for Off-campus Study
Planning for off-campus study requires careful
consideration. It is to your advantage
to begin the planning process in your first year. If you are planning an off-campus
experience you should plan to be away during your 5th, 6th, or 7th semester.
Biological chemistry and chemistry majors should talk with their advisors about
when physics and physical chemistry should be taken in relation to an off-campus
experience.Off-campus study courses approved for the biology major. [PDF] Off Campus Study Program at Grinnell [top] The role of independent research
Independent research is a central part of all three majors. It is required for chemistry
major, and strongly recommended for biology and biological chemistry majors.[top] Graduating with honors
To be considered for honors in biology, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the
College's general requirements for honors (see Academic Catalog, Part 2),
must conduct an independent research project (either at Grinnell or elsewhere) and
share their findings with fellow biologists in a departmental seminar. The award of
honors is not based solely on grades and achievement in the classroom or lab. It
signifies, in addition, an underlying commitment to the discipline as evidenced by
participation in departmental affairs and activities (e.g., acting as a TA or mentor, or
serving on the SEPC), including regular attendance at departmental seminars.[top] What if I'm considering going to medical school after college?
You can major in any of the three areas above (or any other at the college), but will
want to take the following science courses before you take the MCATs (Medical
College Admission Tests):Biology 150, Biology 251 and Biology 252 Chemistry 129, Chemistry 210 (formerly Chm 130), Chemistry 221 and Chemistry 222 Physics 131 and Physics 132 Math 131 and Math 133 (or Math 123 and Math 124) Students who wish to go on to medical school right after graduation should plan to take the MCATs in April of their 3rd year. Since this limits their options in non-science courses, most students take the MCATs at the end of their senior year and spend a year following graduation gaining work experience in a medical or research setting. Grinnell's Health Professions Advisory Committee can help you with these decisions. [top] What if I'm considering teaching as a career?
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, you must contact the
education department prior to preregistration in
the first semester of your second year. To be
certified to teach in a scientific discipline at the secondary level, you'll have to take
5 education courses in addition to major requirements.
See the College Catalog for more specifics.
[top] What if I'm not sure what I want to do?
That's OK. You're here to explore your interests. Regardless of your potential career
plans, it is to your advantage to discuss your interests with your advisor as soon as
possible. Planning ahead isn't like signing a contract - it will help you to keep your
options open.[top] |
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