48 courses with the subject BIOL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BIOL 101Human Reproduction and Sexuality
The myths surrounding human reproduction and sexuality may outweigh our collective knowledge and understanding. This course will review the basic biology of all aspects of reproduction–from genes to behavior–in an attempt to better understand one of the more basic and important processes in nature. Topics will vary widely and will be generated in part by student interest. A sample of topics might include: hormones, PMS, fertilization, pregnancy, arousal, attraction, the evolution of the orgasm, and the biology of sexuality. Sophomore Priority section is available Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning Tags: CL: 100 level GWSS Elective Faculty: Matt Rand
Emphasizes the role of genetic information in biological systems. Under this theme, we cover subjects from the molecular to the population levels of organization, including genetics, structure/function of DNA, gene expression and regulation, the changing genetic makeup of species as they evolve, and the development of individual organisms from zygotes. The active learning format of this course allows time in class to apply new concepts with faculty present. Students enter Carleton from a wide variety of academic experiences and our introductory courses are designed to provide a level playing field for students regardless of previous science background. Students register separately for the lecture and a corresponding lab section. However, the course is recorded as a single entry on the student's academic transcript.
BIOL 126Energy Flow in Biological Systems and Lab6
Emphasizes the role of energy flow (acquiring, storing, and using energy) in biological systems. Under this theme, we cover subjects from the molecular to the population levels of organization, including structure/function of proteins and enzymes, transport of molecules within biological systems, and links between organismal physiology and ecosystem function. The active learning format of this course allows time in class to apply new concepts with faculty present. Students enter Carleton from a wide variety of academic experiences and our introductory courses are designed to provide a level playing field for students regardless of previous science background. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Sophomore Priority section is available Offered: Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning CHEM 128 with grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam or received a score of 123 on the Carleton Chemistry Requisite Equivalency exam . Tags: BIOC Core CL: 100 level ENTS Introductory Faculty: Andrea Kalis · Matt Rand · Raka Mitra
Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123, CHEM 124 or
BIOL 210Global Change Biology
Environmental problems are caused by a complex mix of physical, biological, social, economic, political, and technological factors. This course explores how these environmental problems affect life on Earth by examining the biological processes underlying natural ecological systems and the effects of global environmental changes such as resources consumption and overharvesting, land-use change, climate warming, pollution, extinction and biodiversity loss, and invasive species. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning BIOL or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton
A study of the metabolism, genetics, structure, and function of microorganisms. While presented in the framework of the concepts of cellular and molecular biology, the emphasis will be on the uniqueness and diversity of the microbial world. The course integrates lecture and laboratory, and will fulfill requirements of a microbiology course with lab for veterinary or pharmacy schools. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 200 level PPOL Public Health BIOC
A study of the transmission of genetic information between generations of organisms, and of the mechanism of expression of information within an individual organism. The main emphasis will be on the physical and chemical basis of heredity; mutational, transmissional and functional analysis of the genetic material, and gene expression. Sophomore Priority section is available Offered: Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Elective BIOL Molecular and Cell Biology CL: 200 level NEUR Elective PPOL Public Health BIOC Pertinent Faculty: Stephan Zweifel · Amanda Hund
Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better
Corequisite
BIOL 241: Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 241Genetics Laboratory2
Sophomore Priority section is available Offered: Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Tags: BIOL Elective BIOL Molecular and Cell Biology Faculty: Stephan Zweifel · Amanda Hund
Over 500 million years of evolution has produced a rich diversity of structure and functional morphology in vertebrates. We will use comparative methods to help us understand the various selective forces and constraints that produced the vertebrate forms living today. Laboratory dissection of a variety of preserved vertebrates will allow us to examine how these fascinating animals monitor and move through their environment, procure, ingest and circulate nutrients, respirate, and reproduce. Offered: Fall 2025 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 200 level Faculty: Matt Rand
Behavioral ecologists strive to understand the complex ways that ecological pressures influence the evolution of behavioral strategies. It can be argued that animals face a relatively small set of basic challenges: they must acquire food, water, and mates, and they must avoid danger. Yet we see a rich diversity of solutions to these problems. Consider foraging behavior, for example. All animals must acquire energy, but some filter particles out of sea water, others graze on nearly inedible grasses, while still others hunt in cooperative packs. In this course we will consider such topics as foraging, communication, sociality, and conflict. By focusing on the functions and evolutionary histories of behaviors, we strive to better understand the puzzle of behavioral diversity. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Ecology and Evolutionary BIOL Elective CL: 200 level NEUR Elective
The focus of the laboratory will be on current techniques used to study cellular structure and function. Offered: Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Tags: BIOL Elective BIOL Molecular and Cell Biology NEUR Elective Faculty: Owen Sullivan
Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation. Offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Grading: S/CR/NC – 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Tags: CL: Faculty Research
Human Physiology seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the diverse functions of the body. Course topics include the function and regulation of the various physiological systems (nervous, circulatory, endocrine, excretory, respiratory, digestive, etc.), biochemistry, cellular physiology, homeostasis and acid-base chemistry. The study of human physiology provides the principal groundwork for internal medicine, pharmacology, and other related health fields. The laboratory includes a variety of experiments focusing on the function and regulation of the human body. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Elective BIOL Organismic CL: 300 level NEUR Elective Faculty: Fernan Jaramillo
Principles and history of evolutionary change in wild populations, with consideration of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary time scales. Topics covered include causes of change in gene frequency, the nature of adaptation, constraints on evolutionary change, the evolution of genes and proteins, rates of speciation and extinction, and the major events in evolutionary history. Offered: Winter 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Ecology and Evolutionary BIOL Elective CL: 300 level ENTS
Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better
BIOL 352Population Ecology
An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Expected preparation: previous experience with calculus is necessary, but no specific course is required. Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis is recommended. Offered: Spring 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 126 on the Carleton Biology Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: BIOL Ecology and Evolutionary BIOL Elective CL: 300 level SDSC XDept Elective ENTS Environmental Science Faculty: Mark McKone
The development of an embryo from a single cell to a complex body requires the coordinated efforts of a growing number of cells and cell types. In this seminar course, we will use primary literature to explore recent advances in our understanding of the cellular processes such as intercellular signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation that make development possible. Additionally, we will consider how these developmental cellular processes, when disrupted, lead to cancer and other diseases. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors who have not already taken a seminar course. Offered: Spring 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
BIOL 361Seminar: Revolutions in Evolution—Key Innovations that Shaped Life on Earth
The history of Life on Earth is punctuated by pivotal transitions that fundamentally change the course of evolution from that point forward. We will explore the primary literature that addresses how these seminal evolutionary changes come about. Among the questions we will pursue are: how did life originate? What was the nature of the last universal common ancestor? How did eukaryotes evolve? How did meiosis arise, and why is meiotic sexual reproduction favored over asexual alternatives? Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration BIOL 350 with grade of C- or better. Tags: BIOL Data Interpretation BIOL Elective CL: 300 level BIOL Ecology and
Programmed cell death is a common feature in many multicellular organisms that serves many different functions. Although apoptosis is the most common type of cell death, there are over a dozen unique ways that a cell can choose to die. This course will survey the different modes of programmed cell death with
We will focus on recent advances in neuroscience. All areas of neuroscience (cellular/molecular, developmental, systems, cognitive, and disease) will be considered. Classical or foundational papers will be used to provide background. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a score of 125 on the Carleton Biology
An examination of selected animal viruses. The course will focus on the most recent developments in HIV-related research, including implications for HIV-treatment and vaccines and the impact of viral infection on the immune system of the host. In addition to studying the structure and replication of particular viruses we will also discuss the current laboratory techniques used in viral research. Offered: Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning grade of C- or better. Tags: BIOC Elective BIOL Data Interpretation BIOL Elective CL: 300 level PPOL
Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 240 or BIOL 280 with
BIOL 372Seminar: Structural Biology
The ability to visualize macromolecules at atomic detail has significantly advanced our understanding of macromolecular structure and function. This course will provide an overview of fundamental experimental methodologies underlying structure determination, followed by primary literature-based
Microbes are the most abundant organisms on earth, and microbial pathogens have caused human and plant disease epidemics worldwide. This course will focus upon the pathogenic strategy of a variety of well-studied microbes in order to illustrate our understanding of the molecular and cellular nature of microbial disease. We will analyze current and seminal papers in the primary literature focusing on mechanisms employed by microbes to attack hosts. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or
Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C-
BIOL 394Directed Research in Biology1
Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation. Offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 – 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Tags: CL: Faculty Research Faculty: Mark McKone · Rou-Jia Sung
BIOL 399Critical Reading and Analysis of Primary Literature3
Guided instruction in reading and interpretation of contemporary primary literature in Biology. Offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Grading: S/CR/NC Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND three (3) 200 or 300 level BIOL courses or BIOC 301 and two (2) 200 or 300 level BIOL courses with grade of C- or better. Faculty: Daniel Hernández · Raka Mitra · Mark McKone · Debby Walser-Kuntz · Rika Anderson · Angel Solis
Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C-
Corequisite
BIOL 400: Integrative Exercise
BIOL 400Integrative Exercise
Preparation and submission of the written portion of the Integrative Exercise. Continuing course (fall or winter). Oral examination, evaluation of the Integrative Exercise, and participation in visiting speakers seminars (spring). Offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Grading: S/NC Credits: 1 – 2
