Related Programs
The field of Biology intersects with a number of other
scientific disciplines. At Williams College, these intersections are formalized
as interdisciplinary programs. A Biology major can usually complete one of these
programs by taking just a few additional courses. See the catalog and program
web pages for detailed information on each of the following programs:
The biochemistry and molecular biology program (BIMO)
was designed to provide students with an opportunity for in-depth exploration
of living systems in molecular terms. The methods and approaches of chemistry
are important for investigating chemical structures and reactions; in focusing
on how these processes relate to living cells and organisms, biological insights
are crucial. This interdisciplinary field has provided the critical findings
and advances that allow us to understand, among other things, the relationship
between structure and function of proteins, the molecular basis of immunity,
membrane structure and assembly, DNA and RNA structure, the nature of the genetic
code, and the molecular basis of gene regulation. Courses in both the biology
and chemistry departments are required to complete the program, which is concluded
by a special BIMO senior seminar. Attendance at Biology or Chemistry colloquia
is also required.
Professors
Altschuler,
Banta,
DeWitt,
Hutson,
Lynch,
Raymond,
Roseman,
Savage,
Swoap,
and
Ting are the Biology
Department faculty members who participate in the BIMO program.
Bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics are rapidly
advancing fields that integrate the tools and knowledge from biology, chemistry,
computer science, mathematics, physics, and statistics in research at the intersection
of the biological and informational sciences. Inspired by the enormous amount
of biological data that are being generated from the sequencing of genomes,
these new fields will help us pose and answer biological questions that have
long been considered too complex to address. Research in genomics, proteomics,
and bioinformatics will also significantly impact society affecting medicine,
culture, economics, and politics.
The Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Proteomics ("BigP")
curriculum involves faculty from the biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics/statistics,
and physics departments and was designed to provide students with an understanding
of these revolutionary new areas of investigation.
Professors
Altschuler,
Banta,
Hutson,
Lynch,
Raymond,
Savage,
Swoap,
Smith,
Ting,
and
Williams
are the Biology Department faculty members who participate in the BigP program.
The Environmental Studies concentration allows students
to focus some of their elective courses in an integrated, interdisciplinary
study of the environment - that is, the natural world, both in itself and as
it has been modified by human society. The purpose of the program is to provide
the tools and ideas needed to grapple constructively with the environmental
and social issues brought about by changes in population, economic activity,
and values.
Professors
Art,
Banta,
Edwards,
Morales, and
Smith from the Biology
Department participate in the environmental studies program.
Maritime Studies is an interdisciplinary, cross-divisional
program that examines the literature, history, policy issues, and science of
the ocean. Candidates for the concentration in Maritime Studies must complete
a minimum of seven courses: the interdisciplinary introductory course (Geosciences
104 Oceanography), four intermediate core courses (at Williams-Mystic), an elective,
and the senior seminar. Students who have completed other study-away programs
that emphasize marine studies should consult with the program chair about the
possibility of completing the Maritime Studies concentration.
Professors
Art,
Carlton, and
Ting from
the Biology Department participate in the Maritime Studies program.
Although there is no specific premedical program at Williams
College, all the courses needed to fulfill premedical requirements are offered
by the biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics departments. The
Health
Professions Office and the premedical advisor,
Charley
Stevenson, can provide valuable information and assistance in planning for
and applying to medical and related programs.
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field concerned
with understanding the relationships between brain, mind, and behavior. Neuroscience
addresses diverse areas ranging from physiological and molecular studies of
single neurons, to investigations of how systems of neurons produce phenomena
such as vision and movement, to the study of the nerual basis of complex cognitive
phenomena such as memory, language, and consciousness. The program includes
both biology and psychology courses, and is capped by a senior seminar in neuroscience.
Professors
Hutson,
Williams and
Zottoli are the
Biology Department faculty members who participate in the Neuroscience program
The Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies
Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the ocean, to travel
the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, and to undertake original research of their
own design in the humanities and sciences. A term at Williams-Mystic satisfies
both a semester's credit and one winter study requirement, as well as intensive
writing course credit. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can attend. Participation
in Williams-Mystic can also be used in partial fulfillment of the Maritime Studies
Concentration at Williams.
Professors Carlton and Davis are the Biology Department
faculty members who participate in the Neuroscience program. Their offices are
located at Mystic, but they can be contacted via e-mail.
The Biology Department recognizes for Biology major credit
the marine ecology course offered through the Wiliams-Mystic Program.
Environmental
Studies - Catalog
