Guilford College

Michele K. H. Malotky, Chair, Assistant Professor
Melanie J. Lee-Brown, Associate Professor
Frank P. Keegan, Raymond Binford Professor of Biology
Lynn J. Moseley, Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology
Charles G. Smith, Professor
Bryan W. Brendley, Assistant Professor
Megan White, Visiting Assistant Professor

The Department of Biology provides students with a strong foundation in the biological or forensic sciences. Using inquiry-based learning and scholastic rigor, our curriculum stimulates academic excellence through independent thinking, interdisciplinary applications and critical analysis to develop tomorrow’s leaders in the natural sciences.

Degrees Offered

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered in Biology and in Forensic Biology. Through an arrangement with Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, a degree completion program and a master’s degree program in forestry or environmental management are also available.

Major Requirements for A.B. Degree in Biology

The A.B. degree in Biology is recommended for those students interested in the biological sciences whose career goals do not require courses in physics or calculus, e.g., scientific illustration, science writing or environmental law. The major requires a minimum of 40 credit hours (10 courses).

• BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells – 4 credits
• BIOL 112 Integrative Biology: Organisms, Ecology & Evolution – 4 credits
• BIOL 291 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry (Will not be accepted as transfer credit and may not be taken at a consortium school. BIOL 291 should be taken no later than the fourth biology course. As a part of the writing sequence at Guilford, it should be taken after completion of Historical Perspectives and before enrolling in IDS.) – 4 credits
• One BIOL elective course at any level – 4 credits
• Two BIOL elective courses at the 200 level or above – 8 credits
• Two BIOL elective courses at the 300 or 400 level – 8 credits
• CHEM 111 Chemical Principles I – 4 credits
• CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II – 4 credits

Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in Biology – 40 credits

Major Requirements for A.B. Degree in Forensic Biology

This major will be valuable preparation for those interested in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system, the FBI or the SBI, as well as for work with humanitarian agencies investigating human rights abuses. In addition, students interested in law, journalism and creative writing will be able to double-major and thus acquire the knowledge needed to complement their other field of specialization.

The major requires a minimum of 32 credit hours (eight courses).

• BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells – 4 credits
• BIOL 115 General Botany – 4 credits
• BIOL 245 Introduction to Forensic Science – 4 credits
• BIOL 246 Forensic Chemistry – 4 credits
• BIOL 313 Molecular Cell Biology – 4 credits
• BIOL 341 Human Anatomy and Physiology I – 4 credits
• BIOL 342 Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 4 credits
• BIOL 349 Forensic Anthropology – 4 credits

Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in Forensic Biology – 32 credits

Major Requirements for B.S. Degree in Biology

The Biology B.S. major is recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study in any area of biology, or in the medical, dental, veterinary or allied health professions. The major requires a minimum of 56 credit hours (14 courses).

• BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells – 4 credits
• BIOL 112 Integrative Biology: Organisms, Ecology and Evolution – 4 credits
• BIOL 291 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry Introduction to Scientific Inquiry (Will not be accepted as transfer credit and may not be taken at a consortium school. BIOL 291 should be taken no later than the fourth biology course. As a part of the writing sequence at Guilford, it should be taken after completion of Historical Perspectives and before enrolling in IDS.) – 4 credits
• One BIOL elective course at any level – 4 credits
• Two BIOL elective courses at the 200 level or above – 8 credits
• Two BIOL elective courses at the 300 or 400 level – 8 credits
• CHEM 111 Chemical Principles I – 4 credits
• CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II – 4 credits
• PHYS 121 Classical and Modern Physics I or PHYS 211 College Physics I – 4 credits
• PHYS 122 Classical and Modern Physics II or PHYS 212 College Physics II – 4 credits
• Two courses from: 8 credits
  • MATH 112 Elementary Statistics
  • MATH 115 Elementary Functions
  • MATH 121 Calculus I
  • MATH 122 Calculus II
• or one MATH course – 4 credits
  • MATH 123 Accelerated Calculus

Total credit hours required for B.S. degree in Biology – 52-56 credits

All biology courses involve fieldwork and off-campus field trips. Expanded study and research opportunities are available on the Guilford campus, at the North Carolina coast, in the mountains, and at regional universities and organizations. Several biology courses are included as options for the environmental studies major. Summer field courses offer students the opportunity to study in various places around the world.

Biology (B.S.) majors are encouraged to pursue independent research projects under the supervision of a biology faculty member through collaborations with other universities, summer REUs or with Guilford faculty. This research can lead to the generation of a senior thesis (BIOL 470) or departmental honors (BIOL 490). In addition, there are numerous opportunities for student participation in independent studies (BIOL 260 or 460) and internships (BIOL 290).

Major Requirements for B.S. Degree in Forensic Biology

The Forensic Biology B.S. degree is recommended for students planning to work in a public or private forensics laboratory. The major also prepares students intending to seek certification as forensic DNA analysts, forensic drug analysts, or to pursue graduate study in the forensic sciences.

The major requires a minimum of 56 credit hours (14 courses).

• BIOL 111 Integrative Biology: Molecules and Cells – 4 credits
• BIOL 245 Introduction to Forensic Science – 4 credits
• BIOL 246/CHEM 246 Forensic Chemistry – 4 credits
• BIOL 313 Molecular Cell Biology – 4 credits
• BIOL 341 Human Anatomy and Physiology I – 4 credits
• Two courses chosen from: 8 credits
  • BIOL 115 General Botany
  • BIOL 342 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIOL/CHEM 434 Biochemistry
  • BIOL 443 Genetics
• BIOL 349 Forensic Anthropology – 4 credits
• CHEM 111 Chemical Principles I – 4 credits
• CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II – 4 credits
• PHYS 211 College Physics I – 4 credits
• PHYS 212 College Physics II – 4 credits
• MATH 112 Elementary Statistics – 4 credits
• One course chosen from: 4 credits
  • MATH 115 Elementary Functions
  • MATH 121 Calculus I
  • MATH 122 Calculus II
  • MATH 123 Accelerated Calculus

Total credit hours required for B.S. degree in Forensic Biology – 56 credits

It is recommended that students pursuing the B.S. degree in Forensic Biology take CHEM 231, Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 232, Organic Chemistry II and/or CHEM 341, Instrumental Analysis. Your academic advisor will assist you in your course planning. Forensic Biology B.S. majors are encouraged to pursue independent research projects that can lead to the preparation of a senior thesis (BIOL 470), or departmental honors (BIOL 490). Students should explore the practical aspects of a career in forensics by arranging for an Internship with a local law enforcement agency or laboratory during their junior or senior year (BIOL 370 or 470).