• About the Department
• Undergraduate Programs
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Major Qualifying Project (MQP)
  • Pre-Health Center
• Graduate Programs
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• About WPI
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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Major Qualifying Project (MQP)
• Pre-Health Center

Undergraduate Programs

Introduction:

Programs within the department provide a broad base of scientific information and experience with in-depth laboratory study in personally selected areas of biology and biotechnology. With your faculty advisor, you will plan your own unique program, which will include a variety of course work and research experiences. A modern biologist also needs a strong understanding of other sciences and mathematics in order to process experimental data, solve problems, and understand the chemical and physical rules under which biological systems operate. Students will acquire a solid background in these areas by selecting courses from chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics to complete their scientific education.

Courses:

Students majoring in Biology & Biotechnology will gain a solid grounding in the basic concepts of biological science by taking foundational courses in cellular and molecular biology, organismal level biology, and interactions of organisms with their environment. In more advanced courses, students may choose to focus their studies in one or more of these areas. Advanced level courses include topics such as advanced molecular genetics, developmental biology, and population genetics and phylogeography. The curriculum is designed to develop skills needed to function effectively as a professional scientist in a broad array of biologic disciplines and in the global community.

• View the list of current courses
• View the current course schedule
• View an explanation of the departments distribution requirements

Laboratories:

The curriculum in Biology & Biotechnology includes extensive laboratory experience. Beginning in the freshman year and continuing throughout the curriculum, , students can choose from laboratories in cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, ecology & environmental biology and enzymes, proteins and purification.

The MQP:

The biology and biotechnology lab facilities, where research in an active laboratory group is the principal teaching tool, offer an exceptional learning opportunity for students completing their senior research project, the MQP. Tools for modern biochemistry, molecular biology, tissue culture, fermentation, ecology, microscopy and computer integration are all available to undergraduates.

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Last modified: February 10, 2010 08:55:47