2008-09 Catalog - Saint Mary's College of California

Biology CurriculumBiologyThe Biology Department offers a full range of courses designed to introduce undergraduate students to the major areasof modern biological science. The primary goals of the department are to prepare students for advanced study andresearch in biology and related sciences, for postgraduate study in medicine, dentistry, and the other health professions,and for careers in education, industry, agriculture, government service, and veterinary medicine. Students interested inthe health professions should check the Pre-Professional section (p. 154) of the catalog for additional information. Inaddition, the Biology Department provides Area B courses and non-major biology courses in which students who arenot science majors can learn science as a way of knowing through the study of various aspects of the life sciences andtheir effect on society.FacultyGerard M. Capriulo, Ph.D., Fletcher Jones Professor, Department ChairMarine Biology, Ecology, Invertebrate ZoologyCarla C. Bossard, Ph.D., ProfessorTerrestrial Ecology, Plant ScienceVidya Chandrasekaran, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant ProfessorCell Biology, Genetics, Developmental BiologyLawrence R. Cory, Ph.D., ProfessorGenetics, Amphibian Biology, Evolutionary BiologyBeckley K. Davis, Ph.D., Assistant ProfessorMolecular Biology, Immunology, GeneticsMargaret F. Field, Ph.D., Associate ProfessorPhysiology, Cell BiologyAllan K. Hansell, Ph.D., ProfessorCell Biology, Biochemistry, GeneticsWendy Lacy, Ph.D., Adjunct Associate ProfessorMicrobiology, Cell, Developmental BiologyPhillip Leitner, Ph.D., Professor EmeritusConservation Biology, Desert EcologyJacob F. Lester, Ph.D., ProfessorZoology, ParasitologySharon Minsuk, Ph.D., LecturerMolecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Evolutionary BiologyTodd Savoian, D.O.M., Adjunct Associate ProfessorAnatomy, PhysiologyLisa Sawrey-Kubicek, M.S., LecturerNutritional ScienceGregory R. Smith, M.S., ProfessorAnatomy, PhysiologyLearning OutcomesStudents who graduate with a major in biology will be able to:• DEMONSTRAte a solid knowledge in all three major areas of biology:molecular and cellular; organismal; and ecology and evolutionary.• ANALYZe logically and critically scientific information.• APPLY knowledge they have already mastered from current andprevious courses to the exploration of new areas of inquiry.• COMMUNICate skillfully through written and oral reports.• USe biological methodology competently for laboratory research.• INTEGRATe an awareness of ethical issues with their understandingof and work in biology.Admission RequirementsApplicants planning to undertake the biology major must present creditsfor one year of chemistry and four years of mathematics. One coursein biology, one year of physics, and three years of a second languageare strongly recommended. Students with less than a B average in highschool science, mathematics and languages or with any course deficiencyshould seek the advice of the Admissions Office and the Biology Departmentbefore beginning their studies. A diagnostic chemistry examinationis required of all students beginning a science curriculum at Saint Mary’s.This examination is administered by the Department of Chemistrybefore the start of classes each fall and is designed to detect importantdeficiencies in a student’s background. In some cases, the student may beadvised to correct any deficiencies before undertaking the biology majorcurriculum. This can often be done within a four-year stay at Saint Mary’sbut may require summer school attendance.61