Core component:
The following six core courses must be taken (22 hours)

BIOL 150G. * General Biology (four credits)
 

BIOL 204. Human Anatomy and Physiology
A systematic analysis of the structure and function of the human body. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)

CHEM 140G. General Chemistry
A general study of the properties, structure, and bonding of elements and compounds. Chemical calculations and an introduction to chemical thermodynamics are also included. (Four credits.)

PSYC 101G. Introduction to Psychology
An examination of the scientific study of psychology. Lecture sessions emphasize current concepts in the biological roots of behavior, learning, perception, human memory, social behavior, psychopathology, and applied psychology. Laboratory sessions stress the application of quantitative interpretations of data and the scientific method to the study of human and animal behavior. (Four credits.) 

PSYC 243. Mind, Brain, and Behavior
This course provides a first exposure to the relationship between the brain and behavior. Topics include neuronal communication, perception, cognition, learning and memory, and the biological basis of consciousness. This course serves as a prerequisite to PSYC 303, PSYC 318, PSYC 320, and PSYC 327. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. (Three credits.)

PSYC 318. Biopsychology
This course emphasizes understanding the function of the brain and its relation to behavior. Topics include the biochemistry of neural conduction and synaptic transmission, neuro physiology, brain disorders, the biochemistry of learning and memory, and mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, or BIOL 101 and PSYC 201 or consent of instructor. (Three credits.)

Biology Sequence (10 hours)

MATH 207. Statistics for the Sciences
An introduction to statistical methods with examples and problems aimed toward the sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, experimental design, probability, basic statistical inference. Chi-Square analysis, analysis of variance, correlation, and simple and multiple regression. Prerequisite: Four years of college preparatory Mathematics or MATH 106 or permission of instructor. (Four credits) 

BIOL 222. Introduction to Research I
A seminar designed to introduce the biology major to the scientific literature. Students will learn to search for, retrieve, summarize, and evaluate primary sources of biological research. Students will also evaluate proposals and final research presentations of the research of advanced biology majors. (one credit.)

BIOL 322. Introduction to Research II
A seminar designed to introduce the biology major to planning scientific research. Building on previous knowledge of scientific literature, students learn how to design experiments and apply appropriate statistical methods to the results. Students write a proposal for an independent research project that includes a thorough literature review and present their proposal orally to faculty and student peers. Prerequisite: BIOL 222 (one credit.)

BIOL 440. Research I
An individual research project chosen by the student in consultation with the biology faculty. Includes designing and executing a research project as well as keeping a detailed laboratory notebook. Prerequisite: BIOL 322 (Two credits.)

BIOL 450. Research II
A continuation of Research I. Students are expected to finish the research projects they began in BIOL 440. The main focus of this course will be analyzing and presenting research results in poster format and in a formal scientific paper. Students will be further required to serve as mentors to their peers enrolled in Research I. Prerequisite: BIOL 440. (Two credits.)

Psychology Sequence (11 hours)

PSYC 201. Research Methods I: Design and Analysis
An introduction to the scientific method as applied in the social and behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, the design and analysis of experiments, and the drawing of logical conclusions from behavioral data. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. (Four credits.) 

PSYC 202. Research Methods II: Synthesis and Communication
A continuation of Psychology 201. An introduction to the methods involved in behavioral research. Includes the logic, preparation, and design of controlled experiments. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of data and the communication of results. Experience is gained in literature search and writing reports using appropriate style and format. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 201. (Four credits.) 

PSYC 420. Research Seminar
The development and completion of a major research project during the senior year. The students will read and critique their own and other research literature, and conduct and report their research project. The senior comprehensive examination is administered. Prerequisites: PSYC 202, Senior standing, and consent of the instructor. (Three credits.)

Choose three courses, at least one from BIOL and at least one from PSYCH

BIOL 202. Genetics
An introduction to principles of heredity in animals and plants, including the contemporary understanding of genes and gene mechanisms. Laboratory exercises use both plants and animals to elucidate genetic principles. Prerequisites: Junior standing, BIOL 111 or 112 or 200 consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)

BIOL 325. Advanced Physiology
Detailed study of human cellular and systemic physiology, emphasizing muscle, cardiovascular, neural, respiratory, renal, and reproductive physiology. Advanced Physiology will build on fundamental knowledge acquired in BIOL 204. Laboratory exercises will be both descriptive and experimental. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 204. (Four credits.)

BIOL 333. Evolution
Evolution encompasses the synthesis of all biology from molecules to ecology. In doing so, evolution addresses the fundamental paradox: the diversity of living organisms. This course offers an exploration of the processes of evolutionary change in animals, plants, and microbes. Population, genetics, microevolution, speciation, adaptive radiation, and macroevolution will be addressed. Also, the origin of Homosapiens will be considered. Prerequisite BIOL 202. (Three credits.)

BIOL 345. Animal Behavior
A study of the diverse and fascinating range of animal behavior. How do we explain that in various animals we can observe infanticide, competition, and polygamy, but also cooperation, altruism, and monogamy? Using an evolutionary approach, this course will examine both the proximate mechanisms and ultimate reasons that explain the great variety of animal behavior as elucidated by animal behaviorists through ingenious experimentation and patient observation. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or BIOL 101 or 111. Cross-listed with PSYC 345. (Three credits.) 

CHEM 228. Organic Chemistry I
A survey of organic chemistry including the structure and reactions of some biologically important molecules. Also includes a qualitative introduction to chemical equilibrium. (Four credits.)

PYSC 239. Health Psychology
This course will explore the psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do become ill. Topics include the links between stress and immune system function and disease, psychological factors that mediate reactions to stress, and behaviors that endanger health. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (Three credits) 

PSYC 303. Drugs and Behavior
An exploration of the psychological, social, and biological factors involved in drug use, drug abuse, and treatment and prevention of substance use disorders. Topics include legal drugs such as alcohol and nicotine, and illegal drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and marijuana. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (Three credits)

PSYC 320. Cognition
This course explores learning, memory, problem solving, judgment and decision making, concept formation and language. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: PSYC 201. (Three credits.) 

PSYC 327. Sensation and Perception
This course examines how sensory information is received and translated into meaningful interpretations of the world we live in. A major emphasis on visual perception will make it possible to discuss diverse theories of perception and the methodologies that support them. Our exploration of these topics will lead us to consider both human and animal research investigations. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and PSYC 243 or consent of instructor.