• Introduction
  
  
• AB Options (Bachelor of Arts)
  
  Biology
  Human Biology
  
  
• ScB Options (Bachelor of Science)
  
  Biology
  Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  Biophysics
  Marine Biology
  Applied Mathematics - Biology
  Computational Biology
  
  
• Affiliated Programs
  
  Neuroscience
  Environmental Sciences
  Biomedical Engineering
  
• Help with Prog ram Planning

Introduction

AB = Bachelor of Arts
ScB = Bachelor of Science

Programs are available leading to either the AB or ScB degree in the biological sciences. The standard AB and ScB programs in Biology are designed to provide both the breadth necessary for an appreciation of the diversity and unity which characterize living beings, and the opportunity for in-depth study of one or more areas of biology. The AB Biology program allows the most latitude in course choice and attracts the most students. It is appropriate for students with diverse career interests including biological research, health careers, science education, and science writing, as well as law and business. The ScB in Biology attracts students who are definitely science oriented at the beginning of their freshman year, many of whom intend to go on to graduate study in a biological or medical science. It requires a greater introduction to the physical sciences than the AB program and offers more opportunity for advanced work.

Many of the creative developments in contemporary science derive from the interplay between biology and a physical science. Additional standard concentration programs which involve an interdisciplinary approach include the programs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Aquatic Biology,Biophysics, Applied Math-Biology, Human Biology and Neuroscience.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

*·The ScB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program is a related program administered by the Chemistry Department.

**·The ScB in Neuroscience is administered by the Department of Neuroscience, within the Division of Biology and Medicine. REQUEST A DETAILED HANDBOOK FROM THAT DEPARTMENT.

·The ScB in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program offered by the Department of Environmental Studies. A Biology-oriented program is possible within this program.

Mathematics: MA 9, 10,or equivalents;
Chemistry: Two courses (Chem 33,35);
(Equivalent placement credits may be substituted.)

This is a program that offers a strong foundation in biological sciences, within the context of a Theme comprised of interdisciplinary selections.

I. Prerequisites: One Math course (9 or 10); Chem 33; and BI 20. (Psych 1 may also be necessary as a prerequisite for upper level psychology courses, if these are included as part of the Theme selected.) AP credits can substitute for prerequisites.

II. Biology: Five courses including

•BI 47 (Genetics); or , BI 48 plus 51

•One course in Organismal and Population Biology, such as BI 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 188.

III. Methods:

One course in statistics or methods, such as:

PY 9 (CG 9); SO 110; AM 165; PY 104, 139; BC 212, 213; CG 124, 167; AN 160.

IV. Theme: Concentrators must also choose one of the following four Themes and take four additional courses from among those listed under the chosen Theme.

• No more than ONE of the courses chosen within the Theme category may be in Biology or Neuroscience.

• At least one of these Theme courses must be beyond the introductory level.

• Courses to be included are subject to the advisor's approval.

A. Human Ecology and Evolution: BI, CG, and AN courses in comparative biology, development and evolution; PY courses dealing with animal behavior and communication; ES courses concerning the interrelationships between humans and the environment.

B. Human Health and Disease: BI and BN courses dealing with structure, function, health and disease of humans and their cells, tissues, organs, organ systems and populations; PY courses focusing on normal and abnormal psychology; AC, AN, BC, HI, SO and UC courses dealing with health and disease in the context of culture, gender and environmental issues.

C. Race and Gender: BI courses focusing on gender, evolution, and comparative biology; BC, PY, AA, PB, ED, SO, AN, AC, CG and UC courses concerned with issues of culture, gender and race.

D. Brain and Behavior: BI courses dealing with behavioral ecology; BN courses; appropriate courses in AN and CG; PY courses (physiologic, developmental, social, and experimental).

V. Senior Capstone Activity: May be fulfilled by the Human Biology Senior Seminar, if it is offered, or by an independent activity such as a Directed Research/Independent Study (BI 195/196) project, or an appropriate advanced course, or an internship in an area relating to the program's Theme. The appropriate Senior activity will be developed or selected with consultation and approval of the concentration advisor. Capstone activities other than the senior seminar will frequently include the preparation and oral presentation of a thesis.

NOTE: The inclusion of independent study courses (such as BI 195/196) within this program, and their fulfillment of the advanced level course requirements, is subject to approval by the advisor.

Concentration Advisors: Advisors by theme are as follows:

• Bio 20

(Back to Top)

ScB BIOLOGY

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree (20 courses)

Parts A, B, and C are required:

Part A, Prerequisites (equivalent placement credit may be substituted)

Mathematics: MA 9, 10, or 17, or equivalent placement
Chemistry: 3 courses (CH 21, 22, 25; or 31, 35, 36; or 33, 35, 36);
Physics: PH 3, 4, or equivalents (Engin 3, 4)

Part B, Core courses

Same as Part B core for the A.B. program with the exception that program must include research proficiency (usually via BI 195, 196) among the core courses.

Part C, Cluster: Choose either Option 1 or Option 2

Option 1: Physical Science Cluster

Required: Three additional courses with a physical science orientation, from the following areas, subject to advisor's approval: Applied Mathematics; BI 109, 112, 127, 172; BC 213; Chemistry (any beyond the prerequisites taken); Computer Science (except CS 2 and 7); Engineering (except EN 3, 4, 9, 90, 93/94 series); Mathematics (beyond the prerequisites, except MA 42); Physics (PH 25 and above); Others (e.g., advanced geology) by special approval of concentration advisor.

Option 2: Advanced Biology Focus

Required: Three additional biological sciences courses (not including BI 195, 196 research):

• At least two, and preferably all three, must be at the advanced level (above 100-level)

• These must form a thematic grouping, approved by advisor, within the context of the individual's planned program.

Examples of choices for thematic groupings include (but are not limited to): Molecular Biology; Biochemistry; Immunology; Evolutionary and Comparative Biology; Physiology and Biotechnology; Neurobiology; Genetics; Plant Sciences.

ADVANCED COURSEWORK:

An advanced course is one which approaches specific aspects of a particular discipline at the leading edge of knowledge. Material from the current literature in the field is commonly used to supplement standard texts. Course structure may combine lecture with seminar/discussion format, where articles are read, reviewed and analyzed, by the students. This is an important critical-thinking exercise.

Courses classified as "advanced" are those numbered above the 100-level, including the 200-level graduate courses (which are available to prepared undergraduates with permission).

LAB COURSES:

The Biomed faculty agrees that, besides being fundamental to research, laboratory experience is an invaluable means of learning science. Many courses in the Biomed Curriculum (including most of the Bio 19 group, and Bio 20) include laboratory work. It is recognized that the character of the labs varies among courses; it thus behooves students to balance their academic programs by including different kinds of lab experiences.

Some labs are geared towards observation. This allows students a chance to study examples of material described in lecture. For example, in histology (189) and embryology (32) labs, students work at the light microscope with comprehensive slide collections. 32 and 131 include observation of living material (e.g., frog and chick embryos) ; 44 includes study of functional aspects of vascular plants.

Other labs emphasize getting acquainted, first-hand, with living organisms, either through dissections, demonstrations or fieldtrips. Examples include various vertebrates (19.7; 39; 188), invertebrates (41, 46), seed plants (43) and microbes (111; which also includes individual laboratory projects.).

Still other labs teach concepts through experimentation. These labs involve using standard techniques, collecting data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions; or field methodology. This experience can be found in genetics (47), microbiology (51), biochemistry and molecular biology (127) neurobiology (BN 100, BN 167), physiology (80, 117) and ecology (45, 141, 143, 144 and 150) courses.

Finally, great potential for a comprehensive research experience (lab or fieldwork) comes in the form of Directed Research (BI 195/196). Through these faculty-sponsored projects, students investigate unknowns by developing hypotheses, designing protocols, and performing new experiments - all with the possibility of discovering new, publishable information.

Note: While all ScB programs require Directed Research, these courses can be, and often are, included as electives in AB programs as well.

•The specific courses chosen to fulfill the student's program are subject to the approval of the concentration advisor and/or Associate Dean of Biological Sciences.

(Back to Top)

• 3 courses in Mathematics, Statistics and/or Computer Science (typically including MA 9 and MA 10)


• 2 courses in Physics (typically PH 3, 4 or equivalent)


• 3 courses in Physical and Organic Chemistry (beginning with CH 33)


• 1 course in Biophysical Chemistry (CH 40 or 113)


• 3 courses in Biochemistry (BI 28 and BI 127, plus CH 123 or CH 124)
  
  

• Prof. Kimberly Mowry, x3-3636 (Bio-Med, Box G), class of '04
• Albert Dahlberg, x3-2223 (Bio-Med, Box G), class of '03 and '05
• Prof. J.W.Suggs, x3-3436 (Chemistry, Box H), all classes

(Back to Top)

Standard Program for the ScB degree

Biophysics is the study of biology by applying principles of physics in the broadest sense. Brown faculty are active in the following areas of biophysics research: biomechanics of cell cytoskeleton and signal transduction, biotechnology for drug and gene delivery, and molecular structure and function of receptors and ion channels. Biophysics concentrators may perform independent studies in those research areas or in other areas in a related department. Because of this breadth of subject matter, the biophysics concentration prepares students for careers in many fields including scientific research, medicine, and patent law. For the same reason, careful curricular planning is necessary. Biophysics requires a significant level of competence in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology.

Students interested in an ScB degree in biophysics are urged to consult the biophysics concentration advisor at an early stage of their concentration planning.

Requirements

Eighteen courses as follows:

1. PH 5 ,6 (or 7-8)

2. CH 33, 35, 36 and either CH 40, 113, 114, or PH 153.

3. MA 10 and 18 (or equivalent).

4. BI 20 and three 100-level biomed courses chosen with approval of the advisor. Examples include courses in cell biology (BI 50,105 or 106), physiology (BI 110, BN 102), pharmacology (BI 126), and biotechnology (BI 108, 109, 112, 114).

5. Six additional intermediate or advanced level courses, chosen from the biological (e.g. biochemistry, genetics, physiology), physical, engineering, and/or computer sciences and mathematics. Examples include biology (BI 28, 47, 80), physics (PH 47, 50, 141, 142), mathematics (MA 52), and applied mathematics (AM 33, 34, or equivalent).

6. At least one semester (two are recommended) of Directed Research (BI 195, 196, or equivalent in a related department).

Concentration Advisors:

• Edith Mathiowitz, Class of '04 and '06

Standard Program for the Sc.B. Degree

The Marine Biology program provides the foundation for graduate study in biology or geology, or for jobs in such areas as environmental studies, limnology and oceanography, and various scientific laboratories.

Required:

1. CH 33; P3, 4; MA 9, 10 (or equivalent).

2. Three additional courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science (any except CS 2 and 7), engineering or geological sciences, as approved by advisor.

3. Seven courses in Biomed: i) Four from the following: Bio 41, 42, 44, 51, 80, 118, 144, 188; ii) and three additional Biomed courses: highly recommended are Biomed 20, 47, 48, 105 or 106, 118, 131, 134, 143, 147.

4. Three out of the following group of related science courses (or substitutes as approved by the Concentration Advisor): CS 4; EN 6; GE 7, 31, 112, 124, 158, 195; CH 35, 36; ES 12, a course in statistics.

5. Directed Research: BI 195, 196 (may be taken for one or two concentration credits).

A summer or semester at a field station is recommended. Please note that some recommended courses are offered every other year; others have limited enrollment and require early sign-up.

Concentration Advisor:

• Annette Coleman, x3-3917

(Back to Top)

Standard program for the ScB degree:

Requirements:

1. AM 35,36 (or 33,34), 165 and another approved 100-level course.

2. AM 107 (if offered), and any 4 other biology courses to be agreed upon by the student and advisor. (see below for some possible areas of emphasis).

3. MA 9,10 (or equivalent) and 52 (or an Applied Algebra course).

4. CH 33. Recommended for some concentrators: CH 35, 36, and BI 28.

5. PH 3,4 (or equivalent).

6. Two additional courses in applied math, biology, chemistry, math or physics. At least one of these must be an independent study course (e.g., AM 193,194; BI 195,196).

Possible areas of emphasis and suggested courses include:

1. Biochemistry: BI 28, 127 and CH 35, 36.

2. Cells, Tissues and Organs: BI 80; 110, 117, and/or appropriate bioengineering courses such as BI 108, 109, 112, 114, 211.

3. Neurosciences: BN courses, AM 40.

4. Population Biology and Ecology: 42, 43, 45, 48, 141, 142, 143, 144, 147, 148, 150.

5. Genetics: BI 47, 141.

Concentration Advisors:

• Professor D. Rand, x3-2890 or x3-1063, Walter Hall 202 or BioMed Center 418

• Check with Applied Math Department

(Back to Top)

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

This standard Sc.B. concentration in computational biology is designed to provide a sound pedagogical foundation for the field that is at the intersection of computer science, biology, and related disciplines. Problems of molecular biology are practically insolvable without sophisticated use of computers; additional targets are medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and pharmacology. The core of this concentration is designed to provide a balanced background for the field; the tracks are designed to differentiate among a number of professions with distinct expertise and skills. The Department of Computer Science, the Division of Biology and Medicine, and the Department of Chemistry each appoint a concentration advisor.
Assuming the prerequisites are satisfied, the concentration requires 16 courses, including four track courses and one course for the senior project.

Prerequisites :

1. MA 9 and 10 or 17, and BI 20, or equivalents.

Requirements:

1. Physics: PH 3 and 4, or PH 5 and 6

2. Chemistry: A complete three-course sequence in organic chemistry through CH 36

3. Biology: BI 28 and 47

4. Computer Science: CS 15,16 or CS 17,18; plus CS 22 and CS 181.

Capstone Experience
Students enrolled in the computational biology concentration will complete a research project in their senior year under faculty supervision. The themes of such projects evolve with the field and the technology, but should represent a synthesis of the various specialties of the program. A minimum of one semester of independent study is required (such as BI 195 or CS 193/4), although many students may conduct a full year of independent study.

Electives (specialized tracks) :

Students choose one of the following three tracks and take three or four courses within the chosen track. The current concentration advisors associated with each track are listed below.

1. Software Track
This track is designed for students whose interests lie in the development of high-quality software (tools and systems) for biological applications. Appropriate courses are CS 31, CS 32 and two among the following: CS 123, 127, 141, 155, or 157, and a suitable course in statistics. Current concentration advisor: Professor Franco P. Preparata (Department of Computer Science).
2. Molecular Modeling Track
This track is designed for students who wish to gain competence in the field of molecular modeling and drug design. Students shall take CH 121 (Molecular Modeling) and three additional courses, normally CH 115 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics), an advanced biochemistry course (either CH 123, CH 124, or BI 127), and a biology course including but not limited to BI 53 (Immunology), BI 126 (Physiological Pharmacology), or BI 154 (Molecular Genetics). The specific courses for this track should form a coherent theme related to the independent study and are to be approved by the concentration advisor (currently Professor J. William Suggs, Department of Chemistry) in consultation with the independent study advisor.
3. Biological Sciences Track
This track is designed for students whose interests lean more towards biological questions. Students shall take four courses comprising a coherent theme (e.g., biochemistry, ecology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology). The courses are to be approved by the concentration advisor (currently Professor David Rand, Division of Biology and Medicine).

(Back to Top)