Lilli Lowrey'19 Ocean's Plastic Biological Research w Dr. Wessner

Biology Major

  1. Home
  2. Academic Departments
  3. Biology
  4. Biology Major
Academic Departments

The Biology Major at Davidson

The Biology Department is committed to preparing students for success in graduate school, professional school and as career candidates.

Biology majors have faculty advisers in the department to help them select courses that will meet their individual goals.

Courses span the spectrum of biological disciplines that prepare students for advanced studies in a wide variety of fields. 100-level courses serve as the entry courses to the major. The 200- and 300-level biology courses give students access to a broad range of biological knowledge and technical skills.

The curriculum also prepares students to take a leadership role in society by furnishing them with the tools to make informed decisions about scientific issues.

"It is a lot of work, but a lot of fun. The biology major is great because you can tailor it to what you like. And it provides a great foundation for a career in the sciences or medical field."

Bookmark

Biology Major Handbook

The Biology Major Handbook (Google Doc) provides academic and administrative information about biology at Davidson.

Biology Major Handbook

Alumni Profile Zane Libke '21

Inspired by Ecuador’s rich biodiversity during his study abroad program, Zane Libke '21 returned there upon graduating to pioneer the country’s first field genomics lab. When his research plans through a Putnam award were thwarted by the pandemic, the Biology Department and Genomics Program agreed to help, finding funds to support his fieldwork post-graduation.

Upon return, Libke will conduct a one-week workshop for summer research students on how to use DNA barcoding, a method of species identification using a short section of DNA from a specific gene or genes.

Learn More About Libke's Research Journey

Courses You Might Take

BIO 113
Integrated Concepts in Biology

Introduction to biology’s core concepts from molecules through cells including information, evolution, cells, emergent properties, and homeostasis. The weekly laboratory emphasizes core competencies of the process of science, the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, data interpretation, quantitative skills, communication in multiple formats, and experience with large databases.

BIO 201
Genetics

Integration of molecular and classical genetics, including the physical nature of genetic material, the many levels of gene and genome regulation, transmission of genetic information and patterns of inheritance, gene mapping/identification via traditional and modern methods, and genetic engineering in many contexts.

BIO 227
Conservation Biology & Biodiversity

This course focuses on biological diversity of the environment. Themes of the course focus on how biodiversity is created, maintained, and lost; the diversity of ways how humans define, view, and value biodiversity; how biologists define, measure, and analyze biodiversity; methods for the scientific study of biodiversity; and the diversity of philosophies and approaches to the conservation of biodiversity. 

Related Academic Programs

Interested in Studying Biology at Davidson?