2007-08 - Pitzer College

246 SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Group 3:
• Evolution (145)
• Ecology (146L)
• Animal Behavior (154)
• Marine Ecology (169L)
• Tropical Ecology (176)
• Special Topics in Biology:
• Organismal Biology (187b)
Off-Campus Study at an advanced level (OCS courses may substitute for courses in
Groups 1, 2, and 3; approved summer research experience may substitute for OCS by
prior arrangement.) (Off-Campus Study is strongly recommended but not required.)
A one or two semester thesis (Biology 190L or 191; or Biology 188L and 190L)
Chemistry
The student of chemistry examines, describes, and explores the composition, structure,
and properties of substances and the changes they undergo. This curriculum provides a
firm foundation in the principles of chemistry as well as sufficient experience to prepare
the student for basic research, secondary school teaching, the pursuit of a career in
medicine, or graduate study in the field.
Major Requirements—The major in chemistry requires a minimum of 13-15 courses:
• Chemistry 14-15, Basic Principles of Chemistry; or Chemistry 29,
AcceleratedGeneral Chemistry; or both semesters of the AISS course
• Chemistry 116-117, Organic Chemistry
• Chemistry 121-122, Principles of Physical Chemistry
• Physics 33-34, Principles of Physics; or Physics 30-31, General Physics, with
permission of adviser; or both semesters of the AISS course
• Chemistry 126-127, Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry
• Chemistry 128, Inorganic Chemistry
• Chemistry 177, Biochemistry
• Electives: one advanced elective (two halves) in chemistry, biochemistry,
molecular biology, or interdisciplinary electives involving chemical concepts of
techniques, chosen in consultation with the chemistry faculty
• Senior Thesis in Chemistry: chemistry majors must complete one of the
following: Chemistry 190L, Chemistry 188L-190L, or Chemistry 191. For further
information, see “senior Thesis in Science”.
NOTES: Mathematics 31, Calculus II is co-required of Chemistry 121, and mathematics 32,
Calculus III is co-required for Chemistry 122. Additional electives in chemistry, mathematics,
physics and computer science are strongly recommended for all chemistry majors.
Requirements for a Combined Major in Chemistry: A combined major in chemistry
requires seven upper-division courses, in addition to senior thesis. This reduces the load
of a regular chemistry major by two courses. The seven courses must include: Organic
Chemistry 116 and 117, Physical Chemistry 121 and 122, at least one semester of
Advanced Laboratory (either 126 or 127), and either Inorganic Chemistry 128 or
Biochemistry 177. The remaining elective can consist of either a single upper-division
course or two halves. All lower-division courses and prerequisites in other disciplines
(math, physics) must still be met.
247
Biology-Chemistry: This is a combined major at the interface of biology and chemistry
which partially overlaps the requirements for those two individual majors. It is
particularly appropriate for those going on to graduate work and also provides a strong
background for those entering medical, dental, and veterinary school.
Courses required for the Biology-Chemistry major:
• Biology 43, 44, or both semesters of the AISS course; 157, 170, 177;
• Chemistry 14, 15 (or Chem 29), or both semesters of the AISS course; Chemistry
116, 117, 121, 122, 126, 127;
• Physics 30, 31 (or 33, 34); or both semesters of the AISS course
• Mathematics 30, 31;
• Senior Thesis 190L or 191 or 188L and 190L.
Environmental Science: Environmental Science entails the study of the natural environment
and can lead to career opportunities with governmental agencies, environmental
monitoring and consulting organizations, and wildlife conservation groups. Students
should consult with advisers concerning their specific educational and professional goals.
Courses required for the Environmental Science major:
• Biology 43, 44; or both semesters of the AISS course
• Chemistry 14, 15 (or 29); or both semesters of the AISS course
• Statistics (biostatistics preferred);
• Five (5) advanced courses in Biology-these must include Ecology (normally Bio
146), Natural Resource Management, a course in Field Biology, two additional
electives in Biology (chosen in consultation with the faculty adviser); one of the
electives may be substituted by Organic Chemistry; Geology 50 or 130; a one or
two-semester science thesis; a semester abroad or a summer program in a field
ecology is strongly recommended. In addition to the above courses, students
must take one course exploring the relationships between humans and the
natural environment (e.g., Ethnoecology, Environments Workshops, or Native
Americans and Their Environment).
Neuroscience
The major program in Neuroscience requires 16 courses including a core program and
electives drawn from one of two tracks as listed below. Particular combinations of
electives should be discussed with a faculty member in neuroscience. This major provides
preparation for graduate work in biology, psychology, neuroscience, and the health
sciences, although admission to particular graduate programs is likely to require some
additional course work.
Common Core:
• Foundations in Neuroscience (Bio/Psych/Phil 95)
• Introductory Biology with Lab (Bio 43L/44L, or both semesters of the AISS
course; Joint Science, Bio 40/41M, Pomona; Bio 52/54, HMC)
• Cell and Molecular Neurobiology (Bio 161L, Joint Science)
• Introductory Chemistry with Lab (Chem 14L/15L or Chem 29L, or both semesters of
the AISS course, Joint Science; Chem 1a/b, Pomona; Chem 21/22 + 25/26, HMC)