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Biology Josef Kurtz, Ph.D. Chair The biology major at Emmanuel College has three objectives: 1) to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts in biology; 2) to develop students’ capacities to use and critically evaluate scientific knowledge; and 3) to collaborate with students to develop keen problemsolving skills and appreciate how biology is related to issues that affect society.
Emmanuel College biology majors pursue careers in medicine, veterinary sciences and dentistry; they seek graduate training in biochemistry, public health, molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology and forensics; or they engage in studies in the fields of ecology, environmental sciences, marine or wildlife biology. Others obtain immediate employment as research technicians in academic or commercial research labs. The curriculum also prepares students for the option of secondary school teaching for those interested in a teaching career.
At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have: • Working knowledge of general principles of biology, nature of living systems, cellular structure and function, molecular biology of the cell, mechanisms of membrane transport, fundamentals of enzymes, cellular receptors, and cellular reproduction. • Working knowledge of the diversity of living organisms, structure and function at the organismal level, the paradox of unity and diversity, differentiation and specialization, principles of evolution. • Working knowledge of the principles of inheritance, classical genetics, bacterial genetics, molecular genetics, genomics, and human genetic disorders. • Working knowledge of the chemical structure of the components of living systems (DNA, RNA, proteins, oligosaccharides and lipids), macromolecular interactions, enzyme function (including kinetics), metabolic pathways (including photosynthesis). • Working knowledge of biological techniques, including microscopy, spectrophotometry, dissection, care of laboratory animals, solution preparation, electrophoresis, centrifugation, extraction, purification, enzymology. • Working knowledge of laboratory safety, including collection of data safely, safe disposal of chemical and medical waste, and good laboratory practice. • Working knowledge of experimental design, data and error analysis, methods of biological analysis, computer technology used by biologists, and the types/uses of scientific search engines.
2012-2013 Academic Catalog
Programs of Study for Liberal Arts and Sciences
The biology major provides a solid core of courses along with a rigorous laboratory experience, enabling each graduate to pursue a wide variety of career options. Modern instrumentation and current computer technology are intensively used in the laboratory courses. Laboratory courses also provide an opportunity for student-directed research. Successful and motivated sophomores, juniors and seniors may also be engaged in undergraduate research with faculty. Advanced research through senior research internships is available on or off campus, particularly at the major hospitals and research institutions in the Longwood Medical Area.
Learning Goals and Outcomes