Students begin their study of biology at Bucknell by taking four core courses that introduce the primary areas of biological investigation with basic laboratory techniques. A wide variety of advanced classes, research opportunities, and an active seminar program complete the students' course of study.
Once their core courses are completed, students are encouraged to participate in the biology department's research program in which they conduct research under the direct supervision of one of the faculty members for course credit. The research, done at a highly professional level, often results in articles that are co-authored by students and published in professional journals.
Special facilities for research at Bucknell include equipment for liquid scintillation counting, electrophoretic separation of DNA and proteins, cell culture, DNA synthesis, polymerase chain reaction, spectrophotometry, ultracentrifugation, and high performance liquid chromatography. In addition, Bucknell has a large greenhouse, containing research and demonstration areas and housing an herbarium collection of 20,000 plant species. The University also has a 65-acre Natural Area, located 12 miles from campus along the Chillisquaque Creek. Bucknell also is affiliated with the Woods Hole (Massachusetts) Marine Biological Laboratory and with the Archbold Biological Station in Lake Placid, Florida.
Bucknell's biology faculty believes that scientists benefit from the exchange of ideas. The seminar program brings students and faculty together to discuss research in progress or to hear talks by visiting scientists. Students engaged in summer research, in the honors program, or conducting research for their master's degree present seminars as well.
The biology professors at Bucknell are teacher-scholars. Not only are they active, enthusiastic teachers; they are researchers with international reputations. They have received research grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Of the 70 to 80 biology graduates each year, most go on to professional schools--primarily medical, but also dental, veterinary, and law. A few earn their doctorates in biology at larger institutions. Bucknell's biology program leads to a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts degree, depending on students' needs. Graduate students may earn either a master of science or a master of arts degree in biology.
The major in biology in the bachelor of arts program requires eight courses in biology: the core sequence of BIOL 205, 206, 207, and 208, which must be completed by the end of the third year, and four 300-level or above electives (only one of which may be BIOL 399). At least one of the four electives must be in each of the two following areas (see below).
The major in biology in the bachelor of science program requires nine courses in biology: the core sequence of BIOL 191, 201, 202, 203, and five additional 300-level biology courses. At least one of these electives should be in each of the two following areas:
Students who successfully complete BIOL 121-122 and wish to major in biology may receive core credit pending consultation with the department.
All students with a major in biology are required to take CHEM211-212. Students in the bachelor of arts curriculum must complete the CHEM 211-212 sequence by the end of the sophomore year. Bachelor of science students will take CHEM 211-212 during their first year. Students are required to take one year of mathematics: MATH 201 (Calculus I) and MATH 216 (Applied Statistics). Bachelor of science students will also take one year of physics (PHYS211-212) and two additional courses in major-related areas. Any two of the following courses will satisfy this requirement, although a second year of chemistry or MATH 202 is generally recommended: CHEM 221, 331, 340, 351, 352; CSCI 203, 204; GEOL 103, 104, 106, 205, 213, 305, 310; MATH 202, 211, 217; PHYS 221; PHIL 220; PSYC 250; ANBE/BIOL/PSYC 266; ANBE/PSYC 366.. Other courses may be substituted with department approval.
Students interested in pursuing work beyond the undergraduate degree are encouraged to elect MATH 217 (Statistics for the Biological Sciences and/or MATH 202 Calculus II and consult their academic advisor or premedical adviser. Transfer students must complete at least four courses in biology in residence at Bucknell, only one of which may be BIOL 399.
A minor in biology consists of five courses. Two of the five courses must be selected from among the following introductory level courses: BIOL 121, 122, 205, 206, 207 and 208. At least two of the courses must be 300-level courses, exclusive of BIOL 399.
Students interested in environmental aspects of biology may wish to review the description of the Environmental Studies Program.
Students interested in molecular aspects of biology may wish to review the description of the Cell biology/Biochemistry Program.
Students interested in the behavioral aspects of biology may wish to review the Animal Behavior program.
The following lists indicate which courses in the department fulfill the Disciplinary Breadth requirement (DB) and the Broadened Perspectives for the 21st century requirement: Human Diversity (HD) and Natural and Fabricated Worlds (NFW):
* lab courses
Each student in the College of Arts and Sciences must satisfy the requirement of a Capstone course or an equivalent experience, usually in the senior year after all distribution requirements have been completed. The goal of the Capstone Experience is to provide opportunities for students to: (1) synthesize and integrate knowledge within and across disciplines; (2) reflect and evaluate their entire educational experience, as well as to examine the process of integration and reflection itself; (3) make connections between the topic of focused study and real-world problems and questions that will continue to engage them after they leave Bucknell; and (4) interact with students who have different perspectives in order to foster a collaborative approach to learning and creative problem-solving that will carry over into their future lives.
Capstone courses may be interdisciplinary seminars open to all Arts and Sciences students or they may be offered by individual departments or groups of departments for their own majors. In all cases, they are small seminars of approximately 15 students in order to ensure maximum participation and interaction among class members.
Students who have a GPA of 3.5 or better may choose to pursue an honors thesis. A proposal is due by October 15 of the student's senior year, with completion and defense of the thesis in May. Interested students should see relevant faculty members.
Students interested in environmental aspects of biology may wish to review the description of the Environmental Studies Program.
Students interested in molecular aspects of biology may wish to review the description of the Cell biology/Biochemistry Program.
Students interested in the behavioral aspects of biology may wish to review the Animal Behavior program.
Applicants for admission should have credit for a minimum of eight courses in biology or supporting disciplines (chemistry, physics, mathematics, etc.) with a grade point average of 3.0 in these courses, although exceptions may be made for students showing marked improvement during their undergraduate program or demonstrating exceptional aptitude or achievement. Applicants must submit both aptitude and advanced test GRE scores. All incoming graduate students are required to pass a course in statistics or biostatistics unless they have already passed such a course as an undergraduate. See the Graduate School for more details.
Eight courses are required for the master's degree; added work may be required of students whose undergraduate program is too narrow or limited. In such cases, the student must achieve the equivalent of a B.S. or B.A. degree in biology from Bucknell University. At least five of the eight courses must be in biology, and all must be at the 600 level. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required, and not more than two courses of C work will be accepted toward the degree.
Facilities are available for graduate research in several areas of biology. Laboratories are well instrumented for graduate research in drug metabolism, glycoprotein synthesis, spermatogenesis, genetics, immunobiology, plant physiology, molecular biology, and developmental biology. Recently, an electron microscopy laboratory was established. Extensive research projects in evolutionary biology and ecology are underway at Bucknell. Facilities are available for research in population genetics, fire ecology, primary productivity of streams and lakes, resource allocation in plant communities, and predator-prey studies of marine invertebrates.
602. Microbiology II: Bacteria (II; 3, 3) Ultra-structure, metabolisum, and molecular biology of prokaryotes. Roles in disease, food production, and colonizing extreme environments will be included. Laboratory procedures of bacterial cultivation and identification. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
611. Vertebrate Diversity (AI; 3, 3) Considerations of vertebrate systematics, largely based on eastern U.S. fauna, providing evolution, natural history classification and identification of the major groups (excluding birds). Field collecting and curatorial techniques emphasized. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
612. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (AII; 2, 6) Organogenesis and gross morphology with emphasis on functional and evolutionary modifications of animal structure. Gross dissection and techniques used in morphology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
614. Comparative Neuroanatomy (II; 3,3) Gross morphology and histology of vertebrate nervous and sensory systems. Laboratory techniques in gross dissection and histological preparation are stressed. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
616. Plant Growth and Development (II; 4, 0) The physiological and molecular bases of growth and development at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels. Effects of light and hormones on gene expression and the resultant changes at higher levels of organization. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
619 and 620. Seminar (I or II; R; 2 or 4) Half to full course
621. Behavioral Ecology (II; 3, 0) A consideration of behavioral adaptations to various ecological situations. Topics include habitat choice, foraging behavior, defenses against predation, mate choice, and brood care. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
622. Animal Physiology (II; 3, 3) Integration of cell and organ physiology. Topics include ion transport, neurophysiology, muscle mechanics, osmoregulation, cardiovascular and exercise physiology. Laboratory included. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
623. Mammalian Histology (I; 3, 3) Basic organizational patterns of mammalian tissues. Includes some histological techniques. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
624. Sensory Physiology (AII; 4, 0) Sensory systems and stimulus-sensitive receptors as transducers of the internal and external environment will be studied using cellular/molecular approach. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
625. Principles of Genetics (II; 3, 3) A comprehensive study of the mechanism of heredity with emphasis on linkage, recombination, and gene structure. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
627. Molecular Biology (I; 3, 3) Synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein, genetic phenomena in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; laboratory experience in the regulation and manipulation of genes. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
628. Endocrinology (II; 2, 3) The organs of internal secretion of the vertebrates and invertebrates from the standpoint of their phylogeny, microanatomy, and physiology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
630. Plant Systematics and Ecology (AI; 2, 4) Principles of systematic botany, based on the Pennsylvania flora, giving training in evolutionary and ecological relationships, classification, and identification of higher plants. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
633. Biology of Fishes (S; 15, 20) Emphasis on classification, anatomy, and evolution; physiology and biochemistry; locomotion. Includes one-week field trip to marine, estuarine, and freshwater habitats. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
634. Limnology (I; 3, 3) The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of freshwater communities are studied. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
638. Symbiology (I; 3, 0) The principles of symbiotic interactions from molecular and cellular mechanisms to ecological adaptions of hosts, vectors, and parasites. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
639. Developmental Biology (I; 3, 3) Morphological, physiological, and biochemical aspects of cellular and embryonic development of animals and plants. Emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
640. Biochemical Methods (II; 2, 6) A course in laboratory techniques including cell fractionation, protein, and nucleic acid analysis. Spectrophotometry, chromatography, centrifugation, and electrophoresis are emphasized. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
641. Organic Evolution (AI; 4, 0) The principles and mechanisms of evolution in plants and animals, covering population phenomena, speciation, life history strategies, adaptation, systematics, and biogeography. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
643. Neuroscience (I; 3, 0) Brain structure and function emphasizing cellular and molecular approaches to neural development, plasticity and degeneration. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
644. Marine Biology (II; 3, 3) The ecological, systematic, and physiological implications of the marine environment. Laboratory will include field trips. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
645. Tropical Marine Biology (S; 5, 15) A field course in marine biology of coral reef in the Virgin Islands. Emphasis on taxonomy and data collecting. Students undertake projects on the reef. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
646. Environmental Physiology (AI; 3, 3) Effects of environmental constraints on physiological processes at both the organ-system and whole-organism levels. Emphasis on vertebrate taxa. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
647. Virology (I; 5, 0) Virus structure, function, and interactions with the host, emphasis on bacterial and animal viruses. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
648. Immunobiology (II; 3, 3) Antigen-antibody reactions and their applications to biological problems. Serological skills and techniques employed in modern immunology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
649. Immunobiological Methods (AI; 0, 6) A course in laboratory techniques including competitive binding assays, monoclonal and polyclonal antibody production, fluorescent labeling, and western blot analysis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
652. Cell Biology (II; 3, 3) Covers biomembranes, cell growth patterns, cell signalling, the cytoskeleton, cell organelles, and microscopic technique. Laboratory includes experience with cell culture. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
653. Community/Ecosystem Ecology (II, 3, 0) The physical and biological mechanisms that structure natural populations, including nutrient cycling, energy flow, succession, species interactions, food webs and broader ecosystem and biogeographic processes. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
655. Social Insects (II; 3, 3) Evolution and genetics of social behavior, caste, communication in foraging and colony defense, queen and worker control over reproduction, social homeostasis and population dynamics. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
656. Plant-Animal Interactions (I; 3, 3) The coevolution and ecology of plants and animals covering pollination ecology, seed dispersal, plant-herbivore interactions, and habitat constraints on the behavioral ecology of animals. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
658. Invertebrate Zoology (II; 3, 3) A survey course on the invertebrate phyla covering functional morphology, life histories, phylogenetic relationships, symbiosis, ontogeny, and behavior. Laboratories emphasize living animals. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
660. Graduate Research (I or II; R; 0, 12 or 24) One half, one, or two full courses
665. Optics/Microscopy (II; 2, 4) A laboratory course in microscopic theory and methods including the nature of light; geometrical and physical optics, bright field, phase contrast, dark field, differential interference, fluorescence, and laser microscopies; video techniques; and image analysis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
670. Primate Behavior and Ecology (I; 3, 3) Introduction to research on prosimians, monkeys, and apes, Diversity, habitat, diet, growth, reproduction, social behavior, cognitive abilities. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
680. Thesis (I or II; 0, 6 or 12) Half or full course
Courses offered occasionally: BIOL 607 (Techniques in Electron Microscopy), BIOL 626 (Cytogenics), BIOL 657 (Quantitative Biology).
Disclaimer:
This web page is for general informational purposes only. As degree
requirements sometimes change year to year, students must refer to the
Bucknell University catalogue of their beginning year for exact degree
requirements.
