Biology
Includes Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Veterinary Studies
Michele M. Talbot, MS, M.P.H., Coordinator;
Congratulations to
Patricia Pabon (PMC ’08) and Courtney Wallace (PMC ’10) who have been selected
as participants in the Tufts Summer Research Program at the Sackler School of
Graduate Biomedical Sciences in Boston.
They will complete an 8 week research internship.
The B.A. Program in Biology and Pre-Medicine provides a foundation in the traditional disciplines of biology and chemistry appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career in health care or the basic sciences. In addition to mastering course content, students will also be expected to demonstrate the ability to write in the language of science, an understanding of the methodology of scientific research, the capability to access research materials both in print and via the Internet, and to make competent decisions about the validity of such materials. All Biology majors are required to take the core courses; students then choose a four-course concentration. Concentrations within the major include: Pre-Med and Allied Health, Marine/ Environmental Studies, Biopsychology, and Community Healthcare Outreach. Biology majors also may complete the Massachusetts requirements for Teacher Licensure (grades 8-12) by taking the appropriate Education Studies courses. All concentrations except Marine/Environmental Studies emphasize the structure and function of human organisms.
Teacher Licensure with Biology The Biology Teacher Licensure Program in Secondary Teacher Education (8-12) prepares Pine Manor students to fulfill a highly needed area for teachers in the sciences. Students who are majoring in Biology have the opportunity of taking courses that would make them eligible for teacher licensure in Secondary Biology Education. Students who are interested in pursuing licensure should consult with their advisor and the Director of Education Programs during their freshman or sophomore year to discuss the current requirements and select the correct courses for licensure. Students will need to take courses required by the Massachusetts Department of Education, and will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of pre-practicum experiences. Students, upon completion of the MTEL Exam, will participate in a student teaching practicum in a public school. For licensure, a student will need to complete BI/ED 498, Biology Secondary Education Practicum. Additional details about specific education requirements can be found in the Pine Manor Education Handbook.
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Studies Students interested in the biological, medical, veterinary, dental sciences, or other science-related careers are strongly urged to declare their major in Biology as soon as possible. The courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics support most postgraduate programs; however, institutions do vary in their admissions requirements. Students should seek advising information from Professors Gardner, Bear, Panse or Talbot at the time that they declare their major. Students should pay close attention to the alternation of courses as described in the College catalog, as it will affect the progress of their major over their four years at Pine Manor College. Students should also discuss their course plans with both their Portfolio Learning Seminar advisor and one of the faculty in the sciences to make sure that they are making the appropriate course choices. The Biology Program maintains specific information on networking activities, enrichment opportunities, and scholarship support for students interested in science-related fields. Students interested in such information should contact Professor Elizabeth Gardner or Professor Michele Talbot.
Marine Studies Consortium courses are available to Pine Manor College students with sophomore status or higher. Courses are taught at the member institutions of the Marine Studies Consortium; see the Consortium website for times and location. Enrollment in these courses is limited to four students each semester. Students choosing to withdraw from a Marine Studies Consortium course must do so by the third class meeting of that course. Students interested in the Consortium should consult with Professor Elizabeth Gardner for permission to register for these courses.