Biology

Studies in Biology at Swarthmore

Students are introduced to the study of biology at Swarthmore by taking BIOL 001: Cellular and Molecular Biology offered each fall, and BIOL 002: Organismal and Population Biology offered each spring. These two courses may be taken in either order (non-sequentially) and are the foundation of further biological studies at Swarthmore. It is not uncommon for students to take BIOL 002 in spring of their first year and then BIOL 001 during the fall of their sophomore year after taking chemistry here at Swarthmore. We find that students perform better in BIOL 001 if they have a solid foundation in chemistry.

Diverse intermediate-level courses, some offered in alternate years, allow students to choose coursework in areas of particular interest. Intermediate courses numbered 010-039 have laboratories (practicums) while courses numbered 040-069 often do not.  Intermediate courses generally have BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 as prerequisites. Some of these courses also require prior coursework in the Chemistry and/or Mathematics Departments. Finally, advanced seminars numbered 100-139 have specific intermediate-level courses as prerequisites and are usually taken by students in their junior or senior year.

The Biology courses are grouped as:

• General Studies (BIOL 001 - 009) with no biology prerequisites.
  • BIOL 001 & 002 Foundation series.
  • BIOL 003-009 Other introductory courses and first year seminars (FYS).
• Intermediate (BIOL 010 - 069) most requiring both BIOL 001 and 002 as prerequisites.
  • BIOL 010-019 Group I Cellular & Molecular Biology with laboratory component (practicum).
  • BIOL 020-029 Group II Organismal Biology with laboratory component (practicum).
  • BIOL 030-039 Group III Population Biology with laboratory component (practicum).
  • BIOL 040-069 other intermediate-level topics generally without a lab component.
• Advanced Seminars (BIOL 100-139) in corresponding Groups I, II, and III. 
  • All require specific intermediate course(s) as prerequisites.
• Independent Studies 
  • BIOL 093: Directed Reading
  • BIOL 094: Research Project
  • BIOL 098: Neuroscience Thesis Research
  • BIOL 180: Honors Research.
• Senior Comprehensives required for majors and honors majors, respectively.
  • BIOL 097: Themes in Biology
  • BIOL 199: Senior Honors Study
  • BIOL 095: Senior Project with special permission in lieu of BIOL 097.

Application Process for the Major or Minor

We ask students to attend the departmental information meeting for Sophomores (usually held in early February). This helps students prepare their plan of study which is submitted in the spring of Sophomore year when declaring majors and minors. Information about courses and other aspects of the major, minor, honors, and affiliated interdisciplinary majors are also available on the Biology Majors & Minors webpage.

Following the initial submission of a student’s major and plan of study as Sophomores, we strongly encourage all students to update and monitor their plan of study each semester until graduation.  This is a planning tool utilized by students, faculty, and the department to determine student needs and departmental course offerings.

All accepted or deferred biology majors, honors majors, and honors minors are assigned an academic adviser in the Biology Department. Course minors are not assigned an academic advisor. However, the Biology Administrative Coordinator is available for guidance.

A student’s advisor, the Chair of the Biology Department, and the Administrative Coordinator for Biology are always available to answer any questions.

Acceptance criteria for the major

Students declare their intended major(s) and/or minor(s) in the spring of their Sophomore year.  A projected course of study, including a narrative of intention, is uploaded to the major/minor portal by the student at that time. The department evaluates these student plans and determines if they are accepted, deferred, or denied to the biology major.  Acceptance to the major requires:

1. Successful completion of BIOL 001, BIOL 002, plus a third biology course with a lab.  Courses numbered 003-009, 093, or 094 may not be used for acceptance to the major.
2. Applicants must have an average grade of C (2.00) or better in BIOL 001 and BIOL 002.
3. CHEM 010, or placement approved by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.
4. Swarthmore College credit for two courses in mathematics or statistics consisting of MATH 015 or above (except MATH 020) or STAT 011 or above. Alternatively, students may complete Calculus II (MATH 025) to satisfy the math requirement. Students who place out of MATH 025 have satisfied the math requirement for admittance to the major. The Biology Department strongly recommends a course in statistics for majors.
5. In addition, the applicant must have an average grade of C (2.00) or better in all courses taken in the Biology Department and the Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering (biology, physics and astronomy, chemistry and biochemistry, mathematics and statistics, engineering, computer science, and applicable environmental studies courses).
6. CR/NC: Unpublished grades in biology for the first semester of the first year will be considered in the C average requirement; passing grades of CR in other courses in the Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) are acceptable. 
7. Students who have not completed the requirements for acceptance to the major will be deferred until the end of the fifth semester or until they have completed the requirements.  Students who have not completed all requirements for acceptance to the major by the end of the fifth semester will no longer have priority in lotteries based on their sophomore plan, and will need to re-apply for the major before the last day of classes in their junior year.

Graduation requirements for the major

1. Credit requirements: Students graduating in the Class of 2025 and majoring in biology must complete a minimum of (8) biology credits, at least (5) of which must be taken at Swarthmore College.  CHEM 038 (Biochemistry) may be counted as (1) of the (8) biology credits. SP credits cannot be used to satisfy the major credit requirement. Note: For the Class of 2026 and beyond: Biology majors will be required to complete (9) biology credits. CHEM 038 will no longer be accepted to satisfy the Group I requirement. However, it may be used towards (1) of the biology elective credits for the major.
2. Grade Point Average: Biology majors must maintain a grade point average of C (2.0) or better in all courses taken in the Biology Department and in the Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering. 
3. CR/NC: Unpublished grades in biology for the first semester of the first year will be considered in the C average. Passing grades of CR in NSE courses are acceptable. After the first semester, only (1) biology course with a recorded grade of CR can be used to fulfill the requirements of a biology major and will not factor into the GPA requirements.  Seminars (100-139) and BIOL 097 may not be taken CR/NC.  
4. Major distribution requirements:
   1. Intermediate Courses:  Students majoring in biology must pass at least (1) intermediate course in each of the following three groups. These courses are all practicums, including a lab:
      1. Group I. Cellular and Molecular Biology (BIOL 010-019). CHEM 038 (Biochemistry) may be counted as a Group I course for the Class of 2025 and the grade will be counted towards the biology GPA.
      2. Group II. Organismal Biology (BIOL 020-029)
      3. Group III. Population Biology (BIOL 030-039)
   2. Advanced Seminars: All biology majors are required to take at least (1) seminar (BIOL 100-139). These are advanced offerings that uses primary rather than secondary source materials and encourage active student participation in presentation and discussion of materials. Note that all seminars have at least (1) intermediate level course (BIOL 010-039) as a prerequisite. All seminars must be taken at Swarthmore College.  To enroll in a seminar, Biology students must earn a B(3.0) grade or better in the intermediate course used as the seminar prerequisite.
   3. Biology Elective Courses:  Biology majors must take the required number of additional biology courses in addition to the other course requirements listed.  This requirement may be satisfied by any biology course numbered between BIOL 003-139. This includes general studies and first year seminars (BIOL 003-009), BIOL 093 or 094, intermediate courses without a lab component (BIOL 040-069), as well as Group I - III intermediate and seminar courses not used towards other requirements.  BIOL 095, 097, 098, 180, 199, or SP credits may not be used towards the elective requirements for a biology major.
      1. Students majoring in biology may count only (1) course numbered 003-009 as a biology elective credit. 
      2. Students majoring in biology may count no more than (2) credits in BIOL 093: Directed Reading and/or BIOL 094: Research Project as biology elective credit(s). Note additional requirements for more than (1) credit of 093 and/or 094 on the Research Opportunities @ Swat Bio website.
      3. CHEM 038 (Biochemistry) may be counted as a Group I course for the Class of 2025.  If counted as a Group I or biology elective, the CHEM 038 grade will be counted towards the biology GPA. Note: For the Class of 2026 and beyond, CHEM 038 will no longer be accepted to satisfy the Group I requirement. However, it may be used towards (1) of the biology elective credits for the major.

5. Required Senior Comprehensive: BIOL 097: Themes in Biology is offered in the spring semester each year and is usually taken by students in their senior year. This course features a series of visiting speakers who give presentations from all areas of biology. It enables faculty and students to interact on an intellectually challenging project; allows students to think about biology at a variety of levels of biological organization; and gives students the opportunity to meet and interact with distinguished biologists.

   1. BIOL 097 is required for graduation. Students who fail BIOL 097 have failed the comprehensive exam and thus may not graduate. 
      1. A student may be given permission by the chair of the Biology Department to enroll in BIOL 097: Themes in Biology during their junior year. To ensure that students are ready to participate in a meaningful manner in the course they must have successfully completed at least (3) credits of intermediate and advanced seminar courses in addition to BIOL 001 and 002 before enrolling in BIOL 097.
      2. The Biology Department faculty and chair may give permission to a student to write a senior paper and enroll in BIOL 095: Senior Project, to satisfy the College requirement of a comprehensive examination in certain, unusual circumstances.

6. NSE Breadth Requirements and Courses: The study of biology relies on concepts and tools from other disciplines in the natural sciences.  In order to strengthen these connections we require biology majors take Natural Sciences and Engineering breadth courses in order to enhance their abilities as broadly trained biologists.  

   1. Courses that satisfy the NSE breadth requirement for the biology major are:  ASTRO 014 or above, CHEM 015 or above, COMP SCI 021 or above, ENGR 005 or above (with the exception of ENGR 007 or ENGR 010), ENVS 060, ENVS 068, ENVS 079, MATH 15 or above (with the exception of MATH 020), PHYS 003 or above (with the exception of PHYS 029), STAT 11 or above, ECON 031 or 035. 

i. Courses used to meet the Chemistry or Math/Stat criterion for acceptance to the major may not be counted toward the NSE breadth course requirement.  Courses used to meet any other biology major requirement may not be counted toward this requirement. While a student may test or place out of the Math criterion by AP, IB, or math placement test for acceptance to the biology major, both NSE breadth courses necessary for the completion of the major must be taken after matriculation at Swarthmore. If a student uses CHEM 038 to satisfy a biology requirement, it may not be used to satisfy the NSE breadth requirement.  

Acceptance criteria for the Honors major

The course requirements for acceptance to an honors major in biology are the same as those for a course major in biology with the following additional requirements:

1. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.00 in all biology and Natural Sciences and Engineering Division courses. They must obtain a grade of B (3.0) or better in all biology courses and seminars used for the honors program. 
2. Prospective honors students are encouraged to talk with faculty early in the process to discuss their path, interests, and studies.

Graduation requirements for the Honors major

Requirements for graduation with an Honors Biology degree are the same as for a regular Biology major with the following additional requirements:

1. Credit and grade requirements for honors: Students must earn a grade of B or better for all intermediate courses and advanced seminars used for honors preparations and maintain an overall average grade of B (3.0 GPA) or better in all biology and NSE courses.  All courses used for honors preparations cannot be taken CR/NC. Honors students may not take BIOL 097: Themes in Biology for credit but are welcome and encouraged to attend the seminars.  BIOL 095, 097, 098, or SP credits cannot be used to satisfy the credit requirement. Note: For the Class of 2026 and beyond: Biology majors, including honors, will be required to complete (9) biology credits. CHEM 038 will no longer be accepted to satisfy the Group I requirement. 
2. Distribution requirements for honors:
   1. ​​Intermediate Courses: Same course requirements as a course major meeting the grade requirements for honors.
   2. Advanced Seminars: All honors biology majors are required to complete at least (2) seminars (BIOL 100-139) meeting the grade requirements for honors. These (2) seminars used for honors preparations must be taken from different faculty members and both must be taken at Swarthmore College.
   3. Biology Elective Courses: As listed for a course major are not required for an honors biology major.
   4. NSE breadth course requirements: Same requirements as a course major meeting the grade requirements for honors.
3. Research requirement for honors: At least (1) credit of BIOL 180: Honors Research is required. An additional credit is permitted, but not required. Thesis research will be graded by an external examiner. 

   1. Students who are accepted into the program must select a research project and mentor by the middle of the junior year. Final approval of the student’s honors program will occur during the fall semester of the senior year.

   2. The primary mentor for the thesis need not be a Swarthmore faculty member, but a Swarthmore faculty member must agree to be an on-campus mentor.

   3. Students should plan on completing their research by the end of the fall semester of their senior year.

   4. The honors thesis has a page limit of 20 pages (double-spaced) not counting references, figures, figure legends, or tables.
4. Senior Honors Study and Thesis completion: BIOL 199: Senior Honors Study is required for all honors majors in the spring semester of their senior year. This integrative and interactive program prepares each student to finalize and present their research thesis work formally, in both oral and written forms. At mid-semester, students present their projects to the faculty and other honors students for review. Comments from faculty and students will guide students in revising and polishing their written theses. BIOL 199 is Credit/No Credit and the evaluation is done by the biology faculty.

Review of work for honors: The Biology Department will review the academic work of all candidates for honors at the end of the junior year and in November of their senior year. Progress on thesis research is assessed at the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year. At these times, the department may ask a candidate to discontinue participation in the honors program. Withdrawal from the honors program must occur by December 1st of the student’s senior year. A student who withdraws from the honors program is responsible to ensure they satisfy the requirements for the regular major.

Honors examinations: Students will take written examinations based on each of their (2) seminar preparations and submit their written honors research thesis as their third honors major preparation. The (2) biology written examinations will be closed-book, 3-hour exams. The oral exams for both seminar materials and research thesis are normally one-on-one. Oral examinations for seminar preparations are normally 45 minutes in length. The oral exams for thesis research are 60 minutes in length.

Biochemistry

The Biology Department, in collaboration with the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, offers a course major and an honors major in biochemistry. This major gives students the opportunity to gain a strong background in chemistry with special emphasis on the application of chemistry to biological problems. Approval and advising for this special major are obtained through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and details about the course and honors major can be found in the Chemistry and Biochemistry   section of this catalog. The Biology Department encourages biochemistry majors to take both BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 as most intermediate level courses in biology require both courses as a prerequisite.

1. Honors biochemistry majors are expected to participate in BIOL 199: Senior Honors Study only if the thesis research is done in the Biology Department.
2. Honors biochemistry majors must conduct thesis research with a Swarthmore faculty member.

Biology and Educational Studies

Biology and Educational Studies Course Requirements

The Biology and Educational Studies major requires (6) to (8) credits in biology depending on specific degree path.  Most students take the introductory biology series, (1) course from each of the (3) intermediate groups, plus an elective (any course from BIOL 003-139). Four credits in the NSE Division are also required covering chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and an elective.  This major includes at least (5) credits in educational studies and these programs may include teacher’s certification. Students should consult with the Educational Studies Department about their specific requirements.  Approval and advising for this major are through both the Biology and Educational Studies Departments.  

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is an inherently interdisciplinary community that draws on expertise in the humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and the social sciences to tackle environmental issues of great complexity and sociopolitical importance. Our mission is to enable students to be responsible custodians of a rapidly changing and interconnected world.

The Biology Department supports the Environmental Science and Technology aspect of this curriculum for regular and honors majors and minors.  Please see the Environmental Studies  catalog section for more information.  Acceptance and advising are through the Environmental Studies Program.

Neuroscience

The Psychology Department in conjunction with the Biology Department offers a major in neuroscience for course and honors majors. This major combines work in the two departments in a way that allows students flexibility in choosing the focus of their neuroscience major.  Currently, approval and advising for this major is done through the Psychology Department.  Details about the neuroscience major can be found on the Psychology website.

Individualized majors

Individualized majors may be constructed after consultation with the chairs and approval of the participating departments. These majors are expected to specify a field of learning that crosses departmental boundaries and can be treated as a sub-field within the normal departmental major. Individualized majors consist of at least (10) credits, but usually not more than (12). A more detailed explanation of an individualized major is found in Chapter 7 “Educational Program .” Previously approved individualized majors include cognitive science, computational biology, biostatistics, and biophysics.

Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Credit

Both BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 are required for the biology major, minor, and as prerequisites for many intermediate and advanced biology courses. However, (1) credit for either of these courses may be replaced by an advanced placement examination with a qualifying score. This is granted after (1) biology course with laboratory is successfully completed in the department.

One biology credit is awarded for a score of 5 on the Advanced Placement examination; a score of 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate; or A on the Higher Level of Biology, Advanced Level Examination, German Arbitur, Austrian Matura or French Baccalaureate exam.

Note that the department strongly encourages all students with AP/IB credit to take both introductory courses. They cover material at the collegiate level necessary for upper level courses and introduce students to many of our department faculty.  If AP/IB credit is utilized, this counts towards the credits needed for a biology degree.  If both BIOL 001 and 002 are taken, the AP/IB credit is dropped from the transcript.

Study Abroad & Transfer Courses

Study Abroad: The Biology Department faculty enthusiastically support study abroad.  Study abroad is nearly always compatible with completion of a degree in (8) semesters (including the semester(s) spent abroad) with proper, advanced planning. Planning is the key to success, and students contemplating study abroad are urged to contact the Global Engagement Office early in the planning process.

Prior to studying abroad, students should obtain preapproval and credit estimation as well as final approvals upon return through the Global Engagement Office. This process ensures the credits from abroad courses correctly get onto a student’s Swarthmore transcript. Please refer to the Global Engagement  webpage for more information. 

Transfer Courses: Matriculated Swarthmore students can present courses they would like to take at other institutions, not affiliated with a study abroad program, for credit approval towards a Swarthmore degree.  Similar to the study abroad process, courses will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine comparable credit and material. Please refer to the Transfer Credit webpage from the Registrar for more information. 

For Both: The Biology Department, through these processes, will evaluate comparable credits, distributions, and courses.  Equivalencies and credits will be given based upon course materials (syllabi, class schedules, completed work, tests, etc.) submitted by the student.  Note the required number of credits that must be taken at Swarthmore to complete a biology major or minor when considering study abroad or transfer courses. Study abroad or transfer courses must be taken after matriculation to be considered. Please contact the Biology Department Administrative Coordinator early in the process to assure proper evaluation and transcript documentation.

Research and Independent Studies

Swarthmore students conduct research:

• Within classes and labs as part of their studies.
• As BIOL 093: Directed Reading or BIOL 094: Research Project for academic credit.
• In paid research positions on grant-funded projects with faculty.
• Over the summer with our summer research program(s) here at Swarthmore and outside institutions.

Student Employment in the Biology Department

Annually, a variety of paid student positions are available to matriculated students.  These include:

• Teaching Assistants are students with course experience who are hired to assist in our introductory and/or intermediate courses.  These positions serve as laboratory assistants, van drivers, and/or study guides.
• Catalysts for our introductory courses facilitate small group, problem based learning in evening study sessions that supplement the courses.
• Research Assistants are students with course and research experience who are hired by a particular faculty member to work on their grant-funded research.
• Department Support Positions are available to help support the department in our greenhouse, media room, shop, and other aspects of the department operations. 

We encourage students to contact faculty directly, or the Administrative Coordinator for available opportunities.

Student Involvement in Searches & Reviews

Searches: The Biology Department conducts searches for faculty and/or staff positions at various times. Students are invited to serve on a search committee to interview and help select a candidate. This is an important role because we value the input and perspective of our students when hiring positions that will shape the Biology Department.  The faculty and staff often recommend students to this based on their engagement and interests in courses and research.

Reviews: Additionally, during the tenure and review process for biology faculty and laboratory instructors, students are asked to review their experiences with the candidate(s).  This is a vital part of the process and an opportunity to have a voice in these reviews.

Please contact the Administrative Coordinator to learn more about these opportunities.

General Studies (001-009)

• BIOL 001. Cellular and Molecular Biology
• BIOL 001SP. Cellular and Molecular Biology
• BIOL 002. Organismal and Population Biology
• BIOL 002SP. Organismal and Population Biology
• BIOL 004. First Year Seminar: Making Earth: How Plants & Soils Transform Our Planet
• BIOL 005. First Year Seminar - Exploring Regeneration & Cancer Biology Through Authentic Research.
• BIOL 008. First Year Seminar: Containing Multitudes
• BIOL 009. Our Food

Group I: Intermediate Cellular and Molecular Biology (010-019)

• BIOL 010. Genetics
• BIOL 013. Stem Cell Biology
• BIOL 014. Cell Biology
• BIOL 016. Microbiology
• BIOL 019. Omics

Group II: Intermediate Organismal Biology (020-029)

• BIOL 020. Animal Physiology
• BIOL 021. Neuroethology
• BIOL 022. Neurobiology
• BIOL 024. Developmental Biology
• BIOL 025. Plant Biology
• BIOL 027. Systems Biology
• BIOL 028. Global Change Biology

Group III: Intermediate Population Biology (030-039)

• BIOL 030. Animal Behavior
• BIOL 031. Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation
• BIOL 032. Animal Biodiversity.
• BIOL 034. Evolution
• BIOL 036. Ecology
• BIOL 037. Conservation Biology
• BIOL 039. Marine Biology

Additional Intermediate Biology (040-069)

• BIOL 040. Astrobiology
• BIOL 041. Ecology, Evolution and Development
• BIOL 042. Climate Change Science and Communication
• BIOL 046. Genetics & Cell Biology of Development.
• BIOL 049. Genomics
• BIOL 068. Bioinformatics

Group I: Advanced Seminars Cellular and Molecular Biology (100-119)

• BIOL 111. Genome Regulation by Noncoding RNA
• BIOL 113. Stem Cells in Development and Regeneration
• BIOL 114. Host-Pathogen-Microbiota Interactions
• BIOL 115E. Plant Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
• BIOL 116. Microbial Processes and Biotechnology
• BIOL 117. Trends in Pharmacology
• BIOL 119. Genomics and Systems Biology

Group II: Advanced Seminars Organismal Biology (120-129)

• BIOL 120. Physiological Ecology.
• BIOL 121. Neural Systems and Behavior.
• BIOL 122. Reverse Engineering the Brain
• BIOL 123A. Hallmarks of Neurodegeneration
• BIOL 125. The Cellular Basis of Embryonic Development and Cancer
• BIOL 126. Biomechanics in Development and Regeneration
• BIOL 127. Behavioral Neuroendocrinology
• BIOL 128. Evolution and Development
• BIOL 129. Developmental Neurotoxicology

Group III: Advanced Seminars Population Biology (130-139)

• BIOL 130. Animal Reproduction.
• BIOL 132. Wildlife Conservation
• BIOL 134. Evolution of Animal Societies
• BIOL 137. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
• BIOL 139. Global Ocean Change Biology

Additional Advanced Biology Courses (140-149)

Independent Studies

• BIOL 093. Directed Reading
• BIOL 094. Research Project
• BIOL 098. Neuroscience Thesis
• BIOL 180. Honors Research

Senior Comprehensive

• BIOL 095. Senior Project
• BIOL 097. Themes in Biology
• BIOL 199. Senior Honors Study