courses of instruction - Lafayette College

BIOCHEMISTRY
For this interdisciplinary major, students
take courses in biology, chemistry, and psy
chology. From a set of core courses in be
havioral neuroscience, students examine
the nervous system at different levels and
explore how human and animal behavior
are affected by its actions. Students can
study the neural and behavioral activities
of animals and humans using such equip
ment as electroencephalographs (EEC) and
high-performance liquid chromatography.
Hands-on learning opportunities are
emphasized through laboratory courses
and student-directed research experiences.
These have led to student presentations at
professional conferences and coauthored
journal articles. Internships are available to
explore the applied aspects of behavioral
neuroscience with placements ranging from
a local game preserve to a health facility
specializing in Alzheimer's disease.
Students have the opportunity to do
one-on-one research with a faculty member
through the EXCEL Scholars program, and
those who qualify may conduct two semes
ters of research leading to an honors thesis.
Requirements for the B.S. major in Behav
ioral Neuroscience: 16 courses in addition
to the Common Course of Study. Required
courses include: Biology 101,102,256;
Chemistry 121,122,221; Psychology 110,
120,203,225 or 322,323, and 423; choose
two electives from the following group:
Psychology 232,233,240,321,324,325,225,
and 322 (both of these courses can only be
used as an elective if not taken as a required
course), Computer Science 302; and two
electives from the following group: Biology
211,212, 241,251,261, or Chemistry 351.
BIOCHEMISTRY
Majors in Biochemistry, one of the fastest
growing fields of science, take a core of
chemistry and biology courses including
molecular biology, genetics, and physio
logy. The curriculum involves the study of
the chemical characteristics and reactions
of organisms or living systems.
All of the chemistry and biology faculty
carry on active research programs in
which students are encouraged to partici
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pate. Biochemistry majors often create
projects in which they are guided by both
a biology and a chemistry professor.
Students can perform research as inde
pendent study or through the honors
program. Based on their academic record
and an interview, upperclass students may
apply to be teaching assistants.
Requirements for the A.B. degree in Bio
chemistry: Mathematics 125/186 or
161/162 or 161/176; Physics 111/112 or
121/122; Chemistry 121/122 or 125/213,
221, 222, 231, 311 (or: (323 or 325) and (324
or 326)), 351,352,452, and at least one oth
er advanced (200-level or above excluding
independent study or thesis) Chemistry
course (or none if Chemistry (323 or 325)
and (324 or 326) are taken); Biology 101,
102, 261, and at least one other advanced
Biology (200-level or above) course in ad
dition to other College-wide requirements
for the A.B. degree.
Requirements for the B.S. degree in Bio
chemistry: Mathematics 161,162, and 263;
Physics 121/122; Chemistry 121/122 or
125/213,221, 222,231, 323 or 325, 324 or
326 (must complete one of either 325 or
326), 332, 391 or 495, 351, 352,452, and at
least one other advanced chemistry course
(200 or higher level, excluding indepen
dent study or thesis). Biology 101,102,
261, and one additional Biology course
(200 level or higher), and one additional
300- or 400-level course in either Chemis
try or Biology in addition to other College-
wide requirements for the B.S. degree.
BIOLOGY
Professor Majumdar, Head; Professors Fried,
Holliday; Associate Professors Leibel, Waters;
Assistant Professors Reynolds, Young, Caslake;
General Biology Laboratory Coordinator/
Lecturer Mineo; Laboratory Supervisor
Schoeneck
Biology, the study of life, challenges stu
dents to think creatively and analytically
and allows them to participate in a fasci
nating academic adventure. The many ex
citing discoveries in medicine, genetics,