This major is broad in concept, designed to span the numerous core disciplines of biology. The Biological Sciences major covers most dimensions of the study of life, ranging from molecules and cells to populations of organisms. While emphasizing breadth, the Biological Sciences major also requires the student to select an area of emphasis that provides concentrated attention to one facet of biology at the upper division level. Each area of emphasis coincides with one of the divisional sections.

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The major in evolution and ecology offers the student a broad background in the theoretical and empirical basis of our understanding of evolution and ecology of living organisms. The program of study begins with a core of introductory courses in mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. These are followed by survey courses in evolution and ecology and more specialized courses that allow the student to focus his or her studies.

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Microbiology deals with bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. These microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and play a crucial role in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, medicine, and veterinary science. The field of microbiology contributes to areas of fundamental inquiry such as biochemistry, cell biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, pathogenesis, and physiology.

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The Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology offers three majors. The biochemistry major introduces students to the chemistry of living organisms and the experimental techniques that are used to probe the structures and functions of biologically important molecules. Students who enjoy both chemistry and biology and who are comfortable with quantitative approaches to problem solving will find biochemistry a rewarding field of study.

The cell biology major provides a comprehensive understanding of the cell, the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. The major emphasizes principles that govern how biomolecules interact with one another to organize themselves into higher order structures that comprise cells and how cellular organization and function contribute to the development, maintenance, and reproduction of adult organisms.

The genetics major provides a broad background in the biological, mathematical, and physical sciences basic to the study of heredity and evolution. The major is sufficiently flexible to accommodate students interested in the subject either as a basic discipline in the biological sciences or in terms of its applied aspects such as biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture.

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All animals perform certain basic functionsÑthey grow, reproduce, move, respond to stimuli and maintain homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated through the actions of the nervous and endocrine systems to determine behavior and the interaction between organisms and their physical and social environments. Students in this major will study functional mechanisms; the control, regulation, and integration of these mechanisms; and the behavior which relates to those mechanisms at the level of the cell, the organ system, and the organism.

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