Perhaps nothing is as basic to human knowledge as the examination of life itself. The study of biology gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world – the structure and function of plants and animals, the evolution and diversity of living organisms and the cellular processes of life. Biological concepts and processes also are central to many of the most crucial issues of our time, from AIDS to genetics, environmental damage and the threat of bioterrorism.
The biology program at Hamilton introduces a broad range of students to the life sciences. At the same time, the program offers a strong scientific grounding for students who plan to pursue graduate study or enter the health professions and related fields.
At all levels, biology at Hamilton aims to offer a stimulating, thought-provoking experience. Classes are small. Students and faculty work closely together. An emphasis on lab work and research means that courses provide practical, hands-on training, with many opportunities to learn outside the classroom.
Following introductory courses, the curriculum provides students with a full range of more specialized courses: genetics, plant sciences, anatomy, invertebrate biology, microbiology, development, neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, endocrinology, ecology, evolution and others. All senior biology majors then pursue active research with one or more faculty members during the Senior Program.
Like all the sciences, biology at Hamilton is grounded in the College's innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills in most courses. Biology at Hamilton also has a strong interdisciplinary element, contributing to the Neuroscience, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Environmental Studies programs. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biology grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many disciplines. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
All senior biology majors engage in extensive research with a faculty member, and the focus on research is apparent even in the department's intro courses. This creates an atmosphere of scientific discovery in the labs and a sense of community among students and professors. The student biology club, BioMatters, helps the department choose speakers and plan events.
Biology is the largest of the science departments at Hamilton, with faculty members covering the breadth of the biological sciences in a diverse curriculum. Included are topics such as molecular genetics, environmental microbiology, neurochemistry, comparative endocrinology, plant diversity, marine biology, conservation and much more.
Like all the sciences, biology at Hamilton is grounded in the College's innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills in most courses. Biology at Hamilton also has a strong interdisciplinary element, contributing to the Neuroscience, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Environmental Studies programs. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biology grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many disciplines. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
All senior biology majors engage in extensive research with a faculty member, and the focus on research is apparent even in the department's intro courses. This creates an atmosphere of scientific discovery in the labs and a sense of community among students and professors. The student biology club, BioMatters, helps the department choose speakers and plan events.
Biology is the largest of the science departments at Hamilton, with faculty members covering the breadth of the biological sciences in a diverse curriculum. Included are topics such as molecular genetics, environmental microbiology, neurochemistry, comparative endocrinology, plant diversity, marine biology, conservation and much more.
Like all the sciences, biology at Hamilton is grounded in the College's innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills in most courses. Biology at Hamilton also has a strong interdisciplinary element, contributing to the Neuroscience, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Environmental Studies programs. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biology grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many disciplines. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
All senior biology majors engage in extensive research with a faculty member, and the focus on research is apparent even in the department's intro courses. This creates an atmosphere of scientific discovery in the labs and a sense of community among students and professors. The student biology club, BioMatters, helps the department choose speakers and plan events.
Biology is the largest of the science departments at Hamilton, with faculty members covering the breadth of the biological sciences in a diverse curriculum. Included are topics such as molecular genetics, environmental microbiology, neurochemistry, comparative endocrinology, plant diversity, marine biology, conservation and much more.
