Nov 28, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2008-2009 
    
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Rensselaer Catalog 2008-2009 [Archived Catalog]

Biology

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The undergraduate curriculum in biology is designed to prepare students for admission to graduate or professional school. Recognizing that flexibility is essential for students with specific interests and goals other than those spelled out in the traditional curricula, it is designed to leave many options open to the student. The following is a sample biology curriculum, completion of which requires a minimum of 128 credit hours.

First Year

Fall

  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring

  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4

Second Year

Fall

  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring

  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4

Third Year

Fall

  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • BIOL Biology Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring

  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • BIOL - Biology Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Fourth Year

Fall

  • BIOL - Advanced Lab Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • BIOL - Biology Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring

  • BIOL - Culminating Experience Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)
  • BIOL - Biology Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 3 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Electives

Twelve courses in biology are required for graduation. Careful selection of biology electives and technical electives in the third and fourth years may contribute significantly to preparation for various professional goals. Technical electives include any pertinent courses in biology, other sciences, or mathematics.

Students who anticipate working on a senior thesis are strongly urged to take two of the advanced laboratory courses (BIOL 4710, BIOL 4720, BIOL 4740) in their junior year, since these courses offer excellent preparation for independent laboratory work and meet the communication intensive requirement.

Concentrations

Technical and free electives may be chosen to provide a concentration in biochemistry, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, biophysics, biotechnology (genetic engineering), chemical engineering, computer science, environmental science, management, mathematics, microbiology, psychology, or technical communication. Program advisers should be consulted.

Footnotes

  1. Chosen from one of the following three courses: BIOL 4710, BIOL 4720, or BIOL 4740. All three courses are writing intensive.
  2. Chosen from one of the following three courses: BIOL 4070, BIOL 4060, or BIOL 4990 or by department approval of another course or project.
  3. One of the biology electives can be chosen from any of the following classes: CHEM 2440, CHEM 4300, CHEM 4330, any BCBP course except BCBP 4760.

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