A student surrounded by plants in the Arboretum

Biology is the science of life and life processes. It includes a wide variety of diverse activities, such as DNA sequencing, measuring neuron activity, or exploring prairie plant diversity. Our courses emphasize both the diversity and unity of life. We combine this emphasis with an examination of the basic processes of biology, including heredity, regulation, development, and evolution.

A student surrounded by plants in the Arboretum

About Biology

Potential biology majors should select a sequence of courses that will acquaint them with a variety of organisms and their molecular and cellular structure, physiology, heredity, development, evolution, and ecological interactions. Biologists pursue careers in biological research, study in the medical sciences, teach at the college or high school level, work in environmental sciences, or work in numerous commercial and industrial areas.

Requirements for the Biology Major

Major Requirements – 75 Total Credits

Core Courses – Required 12 credits

Majors are required to complete both introductory courses, with a grade of “C-” or better before taking any other courses in the department.

  • BIOL 125: Genes, Evolution & Development & Lab
  • BIOL 126: Energy Flow in Biological Systems and Lab

Laboratory Courses – One Course & Lab (if Offered) from each Group (Min 18 cr)

If you choose a laboratory course that offers a laboratory section, then the lab must be taken in order for the course to count toward the major.

Molecular and Cell Biology

Organismic Biology

  • BIOL 234: Microbiology
  • BIOL 235: Microbiology Laboratory
  • BIOL 242: Vertebrate Morphology
  • BIOL 243: Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory
  • BIOL 262: Ecological Physiology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 263: Ecological Physiology Lab (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 272: Integrative Animal Physiology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 273: Integrative Animal Physiology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 332: Human Physiology
  • BIOL 333: Human Physiology Laboratory

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

  • BIOL 220: Disease Ecology & Evolution (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 221: Disease Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 224: Landscape Ecology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 225: Landscape Ecology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 248: Behavioral Ecology
  • BIOL 321: Ecosystem Ecology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 322: Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 338: Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • BIOL 339: Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab
  • BIOL 350: Evolution
  • BIOL 352: Population Ecology
  • BIOL 353: Population Ecology Laboratory
  • BIOL 361: Seminar: Revolutions in Evolution—Key Innovations that Shaped Life on Earth

Elective Courses – Three Courses (Minimum 18 credits)

If you choose a course for an elective that offers a laboratory section, then the lab must be taken in order for the course to count toward the major.

General Elective Courses – Minimum One Course, Maximum Two Courses

One elective may include six credits of Biology 394.

  • BIOC 301: Biochemistry
  • BIOL 210: Global Change Biology
  • BIOL 220: Disease Ecology & Evolution (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 221: Disease Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 224: Landscape Ecology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 225: Landscape Ecology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 234: Microbiology
  • BIOL 235: Microbiology Laboratory
  • BIOL 240: Genetics
  • BIOL 241: Genetics Laboratory
  • BIOL 242: Vertebrate Morphology
  • BIOL 243: Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory
  • BIOL 244: Biostatistics (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 248: Behavioral Ecology
  • BIOL 262: Ecological Physiology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 263: Ecological Physiology Lab (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 272: Integrative Animal Physiology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 273: Integrative Animal Physiology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 280: Cell Biology
  • BIOL 281: Cell Biology Laboratory
  • BIOL 310: Immunology
  • BIOL 311: Immunology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 321: Ecosystem Ecology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 322: Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 332: Human Physiology
  • BIOL 333: Human Physiology Laboratory
  • BIOL 338: Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • BIOL 339: Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab
  • BIOL 350: Evolution
  • BIOL 352: Population Ecology
  • BIOL 356: Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 358: Seminar: Evolution of Sex and Sexes (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 361: Seminar: Revolutions in Evolution—Key Innovations that Shaped Life on Earth
  • BIOL 362: Seminar: Cell Death
  • BIOL 363: Seminar: Ecomechanics (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 365: Seminar: Topics in Neuroscience
  • BIOL 368: Seminar: Developmental Neurobiology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 370: Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology
  • BIOL 372: Seminar: Structural Biology
  • BIOL 378: Seminar: The Origin and Early Evolution of Life (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 385: Seminar: Microbial Pathology
  • ENTS 250: Food, Forests & Resilience
  • IDSC 258: Consensus or Contentious? Controversies in Science Then and Now
  • NEUR 238: Neurons, Circuits and Behavior
  • NEUR 239: Neurons, Circuits and Behavior Lab

Data Interpretation Courses – Minimum One Course, Maximum Two Courses

One of the three electives must be a seminar course that emphasizes data interpretation and analysis of the primary literature. Ideally, you should complete this seminar course prior to registering for Biology 400 (integrative exercise). A maximum of two courses may be taken from this category.

  • BIOL 356: Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 358: Seminar: Evolution of Sex and Sexes (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 361: Seminar: Revolutions in Evolution—Key Innovations that Shaped Life on Earth
  • BIOL 362: Seminar: Cell Death
  • BIOL 363: Seminar: Ecomechanics (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 365: Seminar: Topics in Neuroscience
  • BIOL 368: Seminar: Developmental Neurobiology (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 370: Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology
  • BIOL 372: Seminar: Structural Biology
  • BIOL 378: Seminar: The Origin and Early Evolution of Life (not offered 2025-26)
  • BIOL 385: Seminar: Microbial Pathology

Other STEM Courses – (18 credits)

Because of the close interrelationship of Biology to other STEM fields, supporting work in other areas is necessary. The minimum requirement includes all three of these areas:

Other STEM Courses – Any One Combination (6 credits)

  • Physics: Two five-week courses from 131-165
    OR
  • Physics: One ten-week course from 131-165
    OR
  • BIOL 244: Biostatistics (not offered 2025-26) and One three-credit Introductory Physics course
    OR
  • STAT 120: Introduction to Statistics
    OR
  • CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science

Introductory Chemistry Course – (6 credits)

  • CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I & Lab
    OR CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab
    OR CHEM 128 (not offered 2025-26)

Upper Level Chemistry Course – (6 credits)

  • CHEM 224: Principles of Chemistry II & Lab
    OR CHEM 233: Organic Chemistry I & Lab

The need for additional courses in allied sciences and mathematics will vary with the professional plans of the student.

Critical Reading and Analysis Course – Required 3 credits

  • BIOL 399: Critical Reading and Analysis of Primary Literature

Senior Integrative Exercise – Required 3 credits

Course must be taken for two terms for a total of 3 credits.

Additional Departmental Notes

Laboratory work is an integral part of most biology courses. In courses in which registration for the laboratory is separable from the lecture portion of the course, all biology majors are required to register concurrently for laboratory and lecture in order for these courses to count toward requirements for the major unless otherwise noted.

No course taken at another school may be used to meet the requirements for the major without prior approval of the Chair and Biology faculty. Students may request that up to six credits of biology-related coursework from an off-campus program be applied to the major as one upper-level biology elective. To do this, you must discuss approval of these credits with the department chair.

Introductory Sequence

The Introductory Biology sequence consists of two courses, Biology 125 and 126, both of which are required before any further upper-level course work in Biology. The two courses can be taken in either order.

Students who received a score of 5 on the AP exam, or a score of 6 or 7 on the IB exam, are exempted from Biology 125, and only need to take Biology 126 before taking upper-level Biology courses. Some students elect to take 125 even if they are exempt.

Prerequisites for Biology 126 include one of the following:

  • Chemistry 123, 124 or 128
  • AP Chemistry score of 4 or 5
  • IB score of 5, 6 or 7

Biology Courses

  • BIOL 101 Human Reproduction and Sexuality

    The myths surrounding human reproduction and sexuality may outweigh our collective knowledge and understanding. This course will review the basic biology of all aspects of reproduction–from genes to behavior–in an attempt to better understand one of the more basic and important processes in nature. Topics will vary widely and will be generated in part by student interest. A sample of topics might include: hormones, PMS, fertilization, pregnancy, arousal, attraction, the evolution of the orgasm, and the biology of sexuality.

    Sophomore Priority section is available

  • BIOL 125 Genes, Evolution & Development & Lab

    Emphasizes the role of genetic information in biological systems. Under this theme, we cover subjects from the molecular to the population levels of organization, including genetics, structure/function of DNA, gene expression and regulation, the changing genetic makeup of species as they evolve, and the development of individual organisms from zygotes. The active learning format of this course allows time in class to apply new concepts with faculty present. Students enter Carleton from a wide variety of academic experiences and our introductory courses are designed to provide a level playing field for students regardless of previous science background.

    Students register separately for the lecture and a corresponding lab section. However, the course is recorded as a single entry on the student's academic transcript.

    Sophomore Priority section is available

  • BIOL 126 Energy Flow in Biological Systems and Lab

    Emphasizes the role of energy flow (acquiring, storing, and using energy) in biological systems. Under this theme, we cover subjects from the molecular to the population levels of organization, including structure/function of proteins and enzymes, transport of molecules within biological systems, and links between organismal physiology and ecosystem function. The active learning format of this course allows time in class to apply new concepts with faculty present. Students enter Carleton from a wide variety of academic experiences and our introductory courses are designed to provide a level playing field for students regardless of previous science background.

    During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

    Sophomore Priority section is available

  • BIOL 210 Global Change Biology

    Environmental problems are caused by a complex mix of physical, biological, social, economic, political, and technological factors. This course explores how these environmental problems affect life on Earth by examining the biological processes underlying natural ecological systems and the effects of global environmental changes such as resources consumption and overharvesting, land-use change, climate warming, pollution, extinction and biodiversity loss, and invasive species.

    • Winter 2026
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): One Introductory (100-Level) BIOL or CHEM or GEOL course with a lab with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or received a score of 3 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Chemistry IB exam.
    • BIOL Elective CL: 200 level ENTS Core Course PPOL Environmental Policy & Sustainability
    • Daniel Hernández 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 220 Disease Ecology & Evolution

    Parasites and pathogens play a central role in shaping the natural world, from the physiology and behavior of individuals to the dynamics of populations and the structure of ecosystems. This course will explore the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape host-parasite interactions. Topics include transmission of disease through host populations, the evolution of virulence, coevolution between hosts and parasites, how disease influences communities and food webs, how parasites shape host behavior and life history, and the ecology of newly emerging infectious diseases.

    Not offered in 2025-26

    • 6
    • No Exploration WR2 Writing Requirement 2

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL 221: Disease Ecology and Evolution Laboratory
    • BIOL Ecology and Evolutionary BIOL Elective CL: 200 level

  • BIOL 221 Disease Ecology and Evolution Laboratory

    Students will learn techniques and field and laboratory approaches to studying host-parasite interactions in wild systems.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 224 Landscape Ecology

    In the Anthropocene, there has been dramatic change in the distribution of species and communities across the global landscape. The primary objective of this course is to introduce the theory and practice of landscape ecology. Throughout this course, we will consider the major themes of scale and hierarchy theory, compositional analysis, fragmentation, meta-populations, and landscape metrics, all within the broad context of how landscape patterns influence ecological process.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 225 Landscape Ecology Laboratory

    Laboratory component of Biology 224.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 234 Microbiology

    A study of the metabolism, genetics, structure, and function of microorganisms. While presented in the framework of the concepts of cellular and molecular biology, the emphasis will be on the uniqueness and diversity of the microbial world. The course integrates lecture and laboratory, and will fulfill requirements of a microbiology course with lab for veterinary or pharmacy schools.

    • Spring 2026
    • 6
    • LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL 235: Microbiology Laboratory
    • BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 200 level PPOL Public Health BIOC Pertinent
    • Angel Solis 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 235 Microbiology Laboratory

  • BIOL 240 Genetics

    A study of the transmission of genetic information between generations of organisms, and of the mechanism of expression of information within an individual organism. The main emphasis will be on the physical and chemical basis of heredity; mutational, transmissional and functional analysis of the genetic material, and gene expression.

    Sophomore Priority section is available

  • BIOL 241 Genetics Laboratory

    Sophomore Priority section is available

  • BIOL 242 Vertebrate Morphology

    Over 500 million years of evolution has produced a rich diversity of structure and functional morphology in vertebrates. We will use comparative methods to help us understand the various selective forces and constraints that produced the vertebrate forms living today. Laboratory dissection of a variety of preserved vertebrates will allow us to examine how these fascinating animals monitor and move through their environment, procure, ingest and circulate nutrients, respirate, and reproduce.

    • Fall 2025
    • 6
    • No Exploration

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL 243: Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory
    • BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 200 level
    • Matt Rand 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 243 Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory

  • BIOL 244 Biostatistics

    An introduction to statistical techniques commonly used in Biology. The course will use examples from primary literature to examine the different ways that biological data are organized and analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on how to choose the appropriate statistical techniques in different circumstances and how to use statistical software to carry out tests. Topics covered include variable types (categorical, parametric, and non-parametric), analysis of variance, generalized linear models, and meta-analysis. There will be an opportunity for students to analyze data from their own research experiences.

    Not offered in 2025-26

    • 3
    • FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND one 200 or 300 level BIOL course with a grade of C- or better.
    • BIOL Elective CL: 200 level

  • BIOL 248 Behavioral Ecology

    Behavioral ecologists strive to understand the complex ways that ecological pressures influence the evolution of behavioral strategies. It can be argued that animals face a relatively small set of basic challenges: they must acquire food, water, and mates, and they must avoid danger. Yet we see a rich diversity of solutions to these problems. Consider foraging behavior, for example. All animals must acquire energy, but some filter particles out of sea water, others graze on nearly inedible grasses, while still others hunt in cooperative packs. In this course we will consider such topics as foraging, communication, sociality, and conflict. By focusing on the functions and evolutionary histories of behaviors, we strive to better understand the puzzle of behavioral diversity.

  • BIOL 262 Ecological Physiology

    This course examines the physiological adaptations that allow species to inhabit a wide range of environments including polar regions, deserts, high alpine, the deep sea, and wave-swept coastal habitats. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how organisms cope with environmental extremes (e.g., temperature, low oxygen, pH, salinity and pressure) and in using metabolic theory to predict the ecological impacts of climate change (e.g., global warming, ocean acidification, hypoxia). Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of physiological concepts in living organisms.

    Not offered in 2025-26

    • 6
    • LS, Science with Lab

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL 263: Ecological Physiology Lab
    • BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 200 level ENTS Environmental Science

  • BIOL 263 Ecological Physiology Lab

    Experimental approaches to study physiological responses of living organisms to their environment. Students will conduct a semi-independent lab project.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 272 Integrative Animal Physiology

    This course explores biological functions from the biochemical level to the level of the whole organism. We will start with the regulatory systems exploring the function of neural and endocrine mechanisms. We will discuss the actions of a variety of toxins as adaptive components of venoms and pharmaceutical tools in human health research. Other topics include: muscle physiology, exercise and behavior; blood pressure regulation; salt and water balance in organisms from different environments; comparative reproduction, including human reproductive development and sexuality.

    Not offered in 2025-26

    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 200 level NEUR Elective

  • BIOL 273 Integrative Animal Physiology Laboratory

    Concurrent registration in Biology 272 required.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 280 Cell Biology

    An examination of the structures and processes that underlie the life of cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Topics to be covered include methodologies used to study cells; organelles, membranes and other cellular components; protein targeting within the cell; and cellular communication and division.

    • Fall 2025
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL 281: Cell Biology Laboratory
    • BIOL Elective BIOL Molecular and Cell Biology CL: 200 level NEUR Elective BIOC Pertinent
    • Owen Sullivan 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 281 Cell Biology Laboratory

    The focus of the laboratory will be on current techniques used to study cellular structure and function.

  • BIOL 294 Directed Research in Biology

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

  • BIOL 310 Immunology

    This course will examine the role of the immune system in defense, allergic reactions, and autoimmunity. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of antibodies, cytokines, the role of the major histocompatibility complex in antigen presentation, cellular immunity, immunodeficiencies, and current techniques used to study immune responses.

  • BIOL 311 Immunology Laboratory

    In this laboratory course, students will explore experimental design, immunology-related techniques, and the communication of scientific findings.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 321 Ecosystem Ecology

    Ecosystem ecology involves the study of energy and material flow through systems, including both the biotic (animals, plants, microbes) and abiotic (soil, water, atmosphere) components. Topics include the major elemental cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), patterns of energy flow, and the controls of these fluxes for different ecosystems. Current environmental issues are emphasized as case studies, including climate change, land use change, human alterations of nutrient cycles, and biodiversity effects on ecosystems.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 322 Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 332 Human Physiology

    Human Physiology seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the diverse functions of the body. Course topics include the function and regulation of the various physiological systems (nervous, circulatory, endocrine, excretory, respiratory, digestive, etc.), biochemistry, cellular physiology, homeostasis and acid-base chemistry. The study of human physiology provides the principal groundwork for internal medicine, pharmacology, and other related health fields. The laboratory includes a variety of experiments focusing on the function and regulation of the human body.

    • Winter 2026
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL 333: Human Physiology Laboratory
    • BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 300 level NEUR Elective
    • Fernan Jaramillo 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 333 Human Physiology Laboratory

  • BIOL 338 Genomics and Bioinformatics

    The advent of next-generation sequencing technology has revolutionized biology, enabling transformative breakthroughs in fields ranging from agriculture to conservation to medicine. In this course, students will gain experience with the computational and bioinformatics tools needed to analyze “big data,” including sequence searching and alignment, assembly, gene calling and annotation. Students will learn to ask and answer their own scientific questions using sequence data, and to critically assess the conclusions of other genomics and bioinformatics studies. No prior computer programming experience is required. Associated laboratory will focus on wet lab methods for DNA/RNA extraction and preparation as well as computational analysis.

  • BIOL 339 Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab

  • BIOL 350 Evolution

    Principles and history of evolutionary change in wild populations, with consideration of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary time scales. Topics covered include causes of change in gene frequency, the nature of adaptation, constraints on evolutionary change, the evolution of genes and proteins, rates of speciation and extinction, and the major events in evolutionary history.

    • Winter 2026
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL Ecology and Evolutionary BIOL Elective CL: 300 level ENTS Environmental Science
    • Mark McKone 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 352 Population Ecology

    An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Expected preparation: previous experience with calculus is necessary, but no specific course is required. Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis is recommended.

  • BIOL 353 Population Ecology Laboratory

  • BIOL 356 Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology

    The development of an embryo from a single cell to a complex body requires the coordinated efforts of a growing number of cells and cell types. In this seminar course, we will use primary literature to explore recent advances in our understanding of the cellular processes such as intercellular signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation that make development possible. Additionally, we will consider how these developmental cellular processes, when disrupted, lead to cancer and other diseases. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors who have not already taken a seminar course.

  • BIOL 358 Seminar: Evolution of Sex and Sexes

    The origin and maintenance of sexual reproduction remains a central enigma in evolutionary biology. This seminar course will explore contemporary primary literature that addresses a variety of evolutionary questions about the nature of sex and the sexes. Why is sexual reproduction usually favored over asexual alternatives? Why are there no more than two sexes? What determines the characteristics of females and males within diverse species? How did sex chromosomes evolve and why do some species lack them?

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 361 Seminar: Revolutions in Evolution—Key Innovations that Shaped Life on Earth

    The history of Life on Earth is punctuated by pivotal transitions that fundamentally change the course of evolution from that point forward. We will explore the primary literature that addresses how these seminal evolutionary changes come about. Among the questions we will pursue are: how did life originate? What was the nature of the last universal common ancestor? How did eukaryotes evolve? How did meiosis arise, and why is meiotic sexual reproduction favored over asexual alternatives?

  • BIOL 362 Seminar: Cell Death

    Programmed cell death is a common feature in many multicellular organisms that serves many different functions. Although apoptosis is the most common type of cell death, there are over a dozen unique ways that a cell can choose to die. This course will survey the different modes of programmed cell death with particular focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms through primary literature-based discussions. We will also discuss the organismal and pathophysiological consequences of dysregulated programmed cell death in a variety of contexts.

  • BIOL 363 Seminar: Ecomechanics

    All organisms, from Common loons to Redwood trees to Basking sharks spend much of their lives bumping up against forces associated with the non-biological world. The manner in which ecological challenges are solved (e.g., moving around vs. staying put, finding food, avoiding predators) is often related to an individual’s biomechanical design. This class will challenge students to view their physical surroundings from the perspective of an organism. How do mussels feed in a fast stream vs. stagnant pond? Why do healthy trees uproot rather than break in half? How can a sea urchin with no eyes “see”? We will use primary scientific literature to examine the physical principles that underlie fundamental ecological processes.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 365 Seminar: Topics in Neuroscience

    We will focus on recent advances in neuroscience. All areas of neuroscience (cellular/molecular, developmental, systems, cognitive, and disease) will be considered. Classical or foundational papers will be used to provide background.

    • Winter 2026
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOL Data Interpretation BIOL Elective CGSC Elective CL: 300 level NEUR Elective
    • Joel Tripp 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 368 Seminar: Developmental Neurobiology

    An examination of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying development of the nervous system. We will survey recent studies of a variety of model organisms to explore key steps in neuronal development including neural induction, patterning, specification of neuronal identity, axonal guidance, synapse formation, cell death and regeneration.

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 370 Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology

    An examination of selected animal viruses. The course will focus on the most recent developments in HIV-related research, including implications for HIV-treatment and vaccines and the impact of viral infection on the immune system of the host. In addition to studying the structure and replication of particular viruses we will also discuss the current laboratory techniques used in viral research. 

  • BIOL 372 Seminar: Structural Biology

    The ability to visualize macromolecules at atomic detail has significantly advanced our understanding of macromolecular structure and function. This course will provide an overview of fundamental experimental methodologies underlying structure determination, followed by primary literature-based discussions in which students will present and critically discuss classic foundational papers as well as examples from the current literature that have advanced our understanding of macromolecule structure and function.

  • BIOL 378 Seminar: The Origin and Early Evolution of Life

    The Earth formed four and a half billion years ago. Evidence suggests that within 700 million years, life had gained a foothold on this planet. We will delve into the primary literature to explore fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of life: How did life arise from non-life on the dynamic young Earth? Where on Earth did life begin? Did life only arise once? What did the first living organisms look like? What was the nature of our last universal common ancestor? How did life alter the planet on which it arose? Could life originate elsewhere in the cosmos?

    Not offered in 2025-26

  • BIOL 385 Seminar: Microbial Pathology

    Microbes are the most abundant organisms on earth, and microbial pathogens have caused human and plant disease epidemics worldwide. This course will focus upon the pathogenic strategy of a variety of well-studied microbes in order to illustrate our understanding of the molecular and cellular nature of microbial disease. We will analyze current and seminal papers in the primary literature focusing on mechanisms employed by microbes to attack hosts.

  • BIOL 394 Directed Research in Biology

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

  • BIOL 399 Critical Reading and Analysis of Primary Literature

    Guided instruction in reading and interpretation of contemporary primary literature in Biology.

    • Fall 2025, Winter 2026
    • S/CR/NC
    • 3
    • No Exploration

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND three (3) 200 or 300 level BIOL courses or BIOC 301 and two (2) 200 or 300 level BIOL courses with grade of C- or better.
    • BIOL 400: Integrative Exercise
    • Daniel Hernández 🏫 👤 · Raka Mitra 🏫 👤 · Mark McKone 🏫 👤 · Debby Walser-Kuntz 🏫 👤 · Rika Anderson 🏫 👤 · Angel Solis 🏫 👤

  • BIOL 400 Integrative Exercise

    Preparation and submission of the written portion of the Integrative Exercise. Continuing course (fall or winter). Oral examination, evaluation of the Integrative Exercise, and participation in visiting speakers seminars (spring).