The goal of the Biology Department is to engender a comprehensive knowledge of and appreciation for the many dimensions of the biological sciences. We emphasize the close relationship of biology to other scientific disciplines, such as mathematics, chemistry and physics, and also stress the importance of biology in society and within the historical liberal arts tradition.

Those who concentrate in biology and related areas choose a variety of professional and career goals including those of ecologist, medical doctor, biotechnologist, veterinarian, laboratory research technician, teacher, clinical laboratory scientist, graduate student, dentist, physical therapist, environmental profession and many others. Special affiliations/agreements exist between Albright College and such institutions as Penn State (Early Assurance Program with Hershey Medical School), Duke University (cooperative forestry, environmental studies) and regional schools of clinical laboratory science (medical technology).

All members of the biology faculty are available for advising and counseling in areas related to the biological sciences. Because requirements and recommendations for various postbaccalaureate programs vary from year to year, students are encouraged to seek advice from faculty members in the department. For advice on health and allied health professions, contact Professor Karen Campbell. For advice on environmental science professions contact Associate Professors David Osgood or Steven Mech.  For advice on marine and aquatic science professions contact Assistant Professor Bryce Brylawski.

Biology concentrators are encouraged to participate in the honorary societies, groups and independent activities within the department. This includes Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-medical honor society, Professor Campbell, adviser).

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Concentration in Biology

Requirements
• A total of 10 courses in biology, including BIO 201, 202, 203 and one 400-level course.
• No more than three courses at the 200-level may be counted toward the area of concentration.
• Biology concentrators must pass all three of the 200-level courses, earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 over the three courses, or have permission of the Biology Department chair, in order to enroll in 300- or 400-level courses.
• Seniors must take the department exit exam as a graduation requirement.

In addition, one course from each of the following three groups must be taken:
• Group I (BIO 311, 312, 314, 315 and 318)
• Group II (BIO 321, 327, 332, 342 and 343)
• Group III (BIO 306, 317, 323, 324 and 334)
• Within the context of these guidelines, students may freely elect any biology course or CHE 325 to meet the 10-course requirement.
• MAT 131 (Calculus I) or BIO 300
• CHE 207 and 208
Students doing an Independent Study must register for the Research Seminar.

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Co-Concentration in Biology

Requirements
• A total of seven courses in biology, including BIO 201, 202, 203 and one 400-level course.
• Co-concentrators must pass all three of the 200-level courses, earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 over the three courses, or have permission of the Biology Department chair, in order to enroll in 300- or 400-level courses.
• Seniors must take the department exit exam as a graduation requirement.

In addition, one course from each of the following three groups must be taken:

• Group I (BIO 311, 312, 314, 315 and 318)
• Group II (BIO 321, 327, 332, 342 and 343)
• Group III (BIO 306, 317, 323, 324 and 334)

 

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Interdisciplinary Concentrations in Biology

The department also participates in formal interdisciplinary areas of concentration such as psychobiology, biochemistry and environmental science. Certain biology concentrators, such as those anticipating entrance into cooperative forestry, environmental studies or teacher education programs, may include a geology course as a part of their program, upon approval of the department chairperson. Students interested in pursuing teacher certification in biology must consult the chair of the Education Department regarding specific requirements for the program.

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Biotechnology Track

Albright offers a special track in biotechnology. This track is primarily for biology concentrators but may be completed by students in other concentrations (such as biochemistry and psychobiology) who have the prerequisites.

Requirements
• Six of the following eight courses, with at least one being a 400-level seminar: BIO 321, 327, 332, 343, 495, 496, 498, CHE 325, 326

Biology students in the biotechnology track must meet the following requirements:
• BIO 201, 202 and 203
• The six biotechnology courses listed above
• One course from Group I or Group III
• MAT 131 or BIO 300
• CHE 207 and 208

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Marine and Aquatic Science Special Program

Requirements
In addition to completing the requirements for the biology or environmental science concentrations, students electing to complete the marine and aquatic science program must complete the following courses:
• BIO 311
• BIO 312 or BIO 315
• BIO 317
• BIO 318

In addition to the above requirements, students are strongly encouraged to seek an experiential, off-campus experience in marine science. Consult Dr. Bryce Brylawski for more information.

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Co-op Programs

Requirements:
• BIO 201, 202 and 203
• BIO 300 and 311
• One course in botany
• CHE 207 and 208
• ECO 105 must be taken for general studies
• ECO 335 is highly recommended

For additional information on co-op programs, contact Professor Richard Heller.

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Independent Research

Independent research (see catalog description) under supervision of a member of the Biology Department is strongly encouraged. Recent independent research projects have included studies on bat ecology and echolocation, ultrastructure of insect visual receptors, the ecology of area streams, lakes and wetlands, the distribution of endangered species of mammals, and cloning of genes using recombinant DNA techniques. Such projects involve field trips to nearby ecosystems, and the use of equipment such as a Zeiss EM 109 transmission electron microscope, a digital scanning electron microscope, fluorescence microscopy, laminar flow hoods for working with sterile technique, ultramicrotomes, computer-assisted recording of physiological variables, amplification and electrophoresis of DNA and proteins and scientific imaging equipment. A Geographic Information Systems computer laboratory, a greenhouse, complete color darkroom facility, and faculty-student independent research space support laboratory experimentation in many courses and independent projects.

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