The B.A. Program in Biology provides a foundation in the traditional disciplines in biology and chemistry within the context of a liberal arts education. Our goal is for students to achieve a basic understanding of the principles that govern living systems and the methods used to study them. Our program is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career in health care or the basic sciences. In addition to mastering the course content, successful students will demonstrate the capability to access the research literature, to read it with a general understanding of the methodology and to analyze the data from such literature. A core learning objective is for students to write essays and research papers in the language of science. The courses promote the development of critical thinking and quantitative reasoning.
The biology curriculum provides an education that allows students to pursue numerous careers in health care delivery or the research sciences. The BA in biology prepares students for direct entry into research or biotechnology labs as research technicians.; The Boston area is a major center of biotechnology and offers the possibility of exciting and productive careers. Our students take advantage of the numerous summer research internship programs in the Boston area. Students interested in pursuing an advanced research degree are competitive for entry into MS/MA or PhD programs upon completion of the BA in biology.
The highly competitive clinical professions such as nursing can be accessed in a number of ways. Students who earn a BA in Biology are strong candidates for direct entry into accelerated programs at nursing schools (many include a Nurse Practitioner certificate). Students wishing to apply to clinical schools such as medical, dental, or veterinary should declare this intent early and work closely with their advisor. Preparation for these clinical careers requires course work in disciplines other than biology (such as calculus and physics). However, most college graduates obtain employment in a research or health-related field, and apply to these programs after a few years. Finally, Biology graduates are well positioned to pursue numerous career paths within health care that do not involve specific clinical skills. These include such options as health care administration, community health delivery, public health care policy, and patient relations.
Marine Studies Consortium Program
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.