For Prospective Majors
The Biology major is designed to provide a broad foundation for students considering a future in the life sciences, yet allow for flexibility for following individual interests.
In Bio 242 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) students investigate cellular processes and learn lab skills needed to study life at the cellular and molecular levels.
You can structure the major to follow your fascination with DNA replication, or study plant and animal relationships with their environments. Biology is also frequently a gateway to entering a health care profession or veterinary school.
Printable Information on Biology Department and Major (pdf)
Plan of Study - this is a synopsis of major requirements - see full requirements
- 2 semesters of general chemistry
- either 1 semester of organic chemistry or 1 semester of biostatistics
- 10 biology courses
- 3 course core sequence starting winter semester of first year
- 7 electives, including 2 or 3 semesters of research and seminar or thesis
- capstone experience
- comprehensive exam or Biology GRE
Suggested courses to complete in first two years
We suggest that students complete the general and organic chemistry courses and the three course biology core sequence in their first two years. This allows maximum flexibility for electives or study abroad, and the widest choice in thesis research.
Off-campus study and study abroad
Caroline Barr '11 spent a semester in Ecuador.
Many Biology majors enrich their Bates experience with off-campus study or study abroad. Plan study abroad carefully to insure completion of all requirements. For questions, or to make an appointment to discuss your study abroad plans, email Stephanie Richards, Ph.D, at srichard@bates.edu.
How to become a Biology major
You may declare a major any time you feel you are ready, but you must declare a major by the winter semester of your sophomore year.
- Step-by-step instructions for declaring a major. (Sophomore Hub)
- Make an appointment with the Don Dearborn, Chair of Biology at ddearbor-at-bates.edu.
Helicase – The Student Biology Club
Helicase is the student Biology club - Helicase sponsors several events throughout the year and is a good way to socialize and connect with fellow Biology majors and Biology Department faculty and staff.
Visiting Bates College and the Biology Department
The Biology Department offices and laboratories are located on the third, fourth and fifth floors of Carnegie Science Hall, 44 Campus Ave. To make an appointment to meet with a Biology faculty member during your visit, contact Donald Dearborn, Chair, Department of Biology at (207)786-6107, or ddearbor-at-bates.edu. or Sylvia Deschaine, the Carnegie Science Academic Administrative Assistant (207) 786-6490.
Outcomes and benefits of a being Bates Biology major
Allie Travers '13 has become skilled in the fine art of pipetting.
As part of our Howard Hughes Medical Institute-sponsored programs, Bates college recently hired an assessment officer to conduct a thorough analysis of data from a 2009-2010 survey of mathematics and science alumni over the past 20 years. From this we learned that Bates graduates are extremely successful in pursuing advanced degrees in graduate or professional school. Nearly 76% of those responding to the survey reported that they had earned advanced degrees in their disciplines. An average of 40 Bates students or alumni enter schools across the health professions each year, and another 10 enter graduate schools in the sciences. Also, recently released National Science Foundation data place Bates among the top 50 liberal arts colleges producing PhDs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. More than 45% of Bates graduates who receive PhDs do so in the sciences, powerful evidence of the strength of our undergraduate science program.