Majors & Minors

B.A. & B.S. in Biology
Minor in Biopsychology
Minor in Biology
Minor in Chemistry
Minor in Mathematics
Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-Dentistry programs
Minor in Geology (See Environmental Studies)

B.A. & B.S. in Biology
The Green Mountain College biology program provides students with a solid foundation in biology while promoting the development of written and oral communication skills, critical thinking and the application of the scientific method. It is designed to prepare students for a variety of post-baccalaureate opportunities. The strength of the biology program lies in regionally rich field and laboratory-based coursework and research. Nearby outdoor “labs” include the Poultney River, which runs through our 155-acre campus, our 85-acre Lewis Deane Nature Preserve overlooking Lake St. Catherine, the Lake Champlain and Hudson River watersheds, and the Taconic, Green, and Adirondack Mountains.

Well-equipped chemistry and molecular biology laboratories ensure that students gain proficiency in a variety of research techniques. Our concomitant focus on both field and laboratory work complements the breadth and depth of required coursework. The program gives students a deep understanding of the regional biology, which serves as models for learning and understanding other ecosystems. Students are expected to apply theoretical knowledge to real world problems. The Green Mountain biology programs are more interdisciplinary, more focused on environmental issues, and more rooted in the region than is common in most biology programs.

Goals for Biology majors

• Promote development of communication skills, both written and oral
• Foster critical and interdisciplinary thinking
• Engage students in research through coursework, undergraduate research assistantships, independent studies and/or honors theses projects
• Immerse students in the biodiversity and ecology of the bioregion
• Study the practice of science and how it is affected by historical, philosophical, and social contexts
• Prepare students for post-baccalaureate work and graduate studies

Pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dentistry
To assist students interested in medical or veterinary careers, the department retains contacts with professionals in these fields through its pre-med advisory committee. This committee works with department members to assist students in positioning themselves for acceptance to medical, dental or veterinary school. Because admissions to these programs are so competitive, students are advised to identify such goals early in their academic careers and work with the pre-med advisor. There is also a student Pre-med Club, which works in animal/human health activities and helps connect students with internships and volunteer opportunities. The club sponsors one or two trips to medical or veterinary schools each year.

Departmental Honors
The biology faculty may invite qualified and interested students during their junior year to consider writing an honors thesis in biology. Successful completion of the thesis will result in graduation with departmental honors in biology. The candidate’s grade point average must be a minimum of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in the major. Candidates for honors will form a committee of three faculty members, one of whom must be drawn from outside the Natural Science & Mathematics Department. A faculty member within the Department will chair the Honors Committee.

The name of each thesis candidate and the working title of the thesis must be submitted to the Department Chair by September 15 for May graduates and by April 15 for December graduates. The Honors thesis is presented publicly upon completion.

Download degree requirements for BS in Biology (PDF format).
Download degree requirements for BA in Biology (PDF format).

Biology Minor
The biology minor is available to all Bachelor’s degree candidates. To fulfill the requirements for a biology minor the student must complete 7 courses (26-28 credits).
Download degree requirements (PDF format).

Biopsychology Minor
The Biopsychology minor is available to all students who have an interest in the biological basis of human and animal behavior. It is offered in cooperation with the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Download degree requirements (PDF format).

Chemistry Minor
The chemistry minor is offered to all students interested in adding depth to their knowledge of the natural sciences. The chemistry minor provides an opportunity for students to improve analytical and diagnostic skills while focusing on different aspects of chemistry. Special emphasis is placed on topics that fit well with Green Mountain’s environmental mission as well as the interests of the students. The minor provides critical skills focused on data acquisition, analysis and interpretation, and technical expertise with standard analytical instrumentation. Completion of the minor will increase preparedness for post-baccalaureate positions in a variety of fields, graduate or medical school examinations, and graduate studies in biological or physical sciences.
Download degree requirements (PDF format).

Mathematics Minor
The study of mathematics not only enables students to learn mathematical principles and applications, but also to develop their ability to think logically and critically. Mathematics is important not only in the physical, biological, and social sciences, but in business, economics, and environmental studies as well. A mathematics background provides students a foundation for success in many other disciplines.

Prior to initial enrollment all students, including transfer students, are required to take the mathematics placement exam. The exam is designed to assess each student’s skill level in mathematics. The results along with SAT scores and prior courses are used to determine a Level of Proficiency (Levels 1-5). Placement into an appropriate course is then based on this level. Students are permitted to repeat the placement exam one time.
Download degree requirements (PDF format).