43 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 001Cellular and Molecular Biology1
An introduction to the study of living systems illustrated by examples drawn from cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, and developmental biology. BIOL 001 does not have to be taken before BIOL 002. These two courses may be taken in either order (non-sequentially) and are the foundation of further biological studies at Swarthmore. It is not uncommon for students to take BIOL 002 in spring of their first year and then BIOL 001 during the fall of their sophomore year after taking chemistry here at Swarthmore. We find that students perform better in BIOL 001 if they have a solid foundation in chemistry.
Recommended (not required): CHEM 010 Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Fall 2026. Carone. Davidson. Staff. Fall 2027 Collins. Staff. Staff. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 002Organismal and Population Biology1
Introduction to the study of organisms emphasizing morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of whole organisms and populations. BIOL 001 does not have to be taken before BIOL 002. These two courses may be taken in either order (non-sequentially) and are the foundation of further biological studies at Swarthmore. It is not uncommon for students to take BIOL 002 in spring of their first year and then BIOL 001 during the fall of their sophomore year after taking chemistry here at Swarthmore. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. Writing course. One laboratory per week. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS Spring 2027. Bauer. Baugh. Formica. Spring 2028 Baugh. Formica. Staff.
BIOL 004First Year Seminar: Making Earth: How Plants & Soils Transform Our Planet1
Before terrestrial earth was colonized by plants and animals, land habitats were transformed from mineral rock substrate to a nurturing material, known as soil, that could support the new occupants. The early terrestrial plant pioneers, and their close symbiotic relationships with bacteria and fungi, made planet earth habitable for the present diversity life on earth. Today, the existence of most species, including Homo sapiens, continues to depend on the plant kingdom and the soils that sustain it. Understanding how plants, microorganisms and soils have influenced life on earth is fundamental as we consider current issues of food security, climate change and species extinction. Readings will include Beerling’s Making Eden: How Plants Transformed a Barren Planet; Sheldrake’s Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures; and Montgomery’s Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life; as well as primary and review articles from scientific literature.
Previous background in biology not required. Natural Sciences and Engineering. 1 Credit. Eligible for ENVS. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 005First Year Seminar - Exploring Regeneration & Cancer Biology Through Authentic Research.1
First year students will actively participate in one of two ongoing research projects in this research-intensive seminar. One project focuses on heart regeneration and the other relates to cancer genetics. Students will master the fundamental experimental logic that drives biological discovery and then apply that logic to formulate hypotheses, design a rigorous experimental approach to test their hypotheses and interpret the results of their experimental trials. Successful implementation will result in publication of their results and co-authorship on the resulting papers. Description and projects subject to change.
This first-year seminar does not require any previous background in biology. Natural Sciences and Engineering. 1 Credit. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 006First Year Seminar: The Art of Biological Discovery1
This first year semianr consists of four units, each focused on one of Aristotle’s notions of causation (material, proximate, formal and final/evolutionary). Each unit will begin with an overview of relevant biological concepts and experimental strategies. Students will also work with clay to further explore these concepts and create ceramic pieces representing each type of causation. Midway through the semester, students will begin work on a final ceramic project that will be showcased at an exhibit.
None. Natural Sciences and Engineering. 1 credit. Fall 2027 Davidson. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: Swarthmore.edu/Biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 007Scientific Problem Solving: Quantitative Skills and Model Building0.5
Crosslisted as PHYS 011 . This Quantitative Skills course provides the essential mathematical and analytical tools needed for scientific problem solving. Through practical examples from molecular and cellular biology, introductory chemistry and physics, you’ll learn to think quantitatively, make reasonable estimates, apply dimensional analysis, practice unit conversions, interpret and create graphs, and use algebra to solve problems. The course integrates spreadsheet skills with graphing and introduces fundamental biological, biochemical, and biophysical modeling. This course gives you hands-on experience in simulating and analyzing living systems and thus lays the foundation for success for students who want to major in biology, biochemistry, biophysics or neuroscience but may not have had strong high school preparation in those areas. This course may count as an elective for a Biology major or minor if registered as BIOL 007 (not PHYS 011).
BIOL 001 ; and/or CHEM 010 ; and/or PHYS 003 or PHYS 003L ; or permission of the instructor. Natural Sciences and Engineering. 0.5 Credit. Fall 2026. Collins. Geller. Catalog chapter: Biology and Physics and Astronomy Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 009Our Food1
(Cross-listed as ENVS 009 ) The scale and efficiency of our food system is one of the marvels of the modern world. Yet in many ways this system is broken. This course will address the current state of our agricultural food system from scientific, humanitarian and sustainability perspectives, focusing on the U.S. Each student will grow crop plants and maintain a micro-garden plot on campus, as well as develop educational signage for the public that conveys information about agriculture and/or food systems. The scale and efficiency of our food system is one of the marvels of the modern world. Yet in many ways this system is broken. This course will address the current state of our agricultural food system from scientific, humanitarian and sustainability perspectives, focusing on the U.S. Each student will grow crop plants, maintain two micro-garden plots on campus with harvest giveaways, and visit a production farm(s). Three full hours of class/lab and one floating hour of asynchronous lecture/fieldwork per week. Students registering for BIOL 009 (not ENVS 009) will get credit towards Biology degree requirements. Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS, ESCH Fall 2026. Pfluger. Fall 2027 Pfluger.
The goal of this course is to provide a detailed understanding of the organization, function, and evolution of genes and genomes from a variety of model organisms. Topics include classical genetics and the molecular basis of heredity, chromosome structure and genome organization, genomic variation and gene regulation. In lecture and the laboratory, we will investigate both classical and current molecular approaches to genetic analysis. A major component of the course will also explore the unique scientific methods geneticists use to solve problems. Finally, over the course of the semester, we will consider the ways in which modern genetic technology affects society and our understanding of disease.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 ; or permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for Neuroscience Group B Spring 2027. Carone. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 014Cell Biology1
A study of the cellular components and molecular processes that occur in living cells, with a focus on eukaryotic cells. Includes cellular motility, protein trafficking, signal transduction, and intercellular communication. Laboratory focuses on student-designed research projects.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 , and previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 010 ; or permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for Neuroscience Group A Spring 2027. Palumbos. Spring 2028 Palumbos. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 016Microbiology1
Students will examine the microbial world in this course with an emphasis on the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of bacteria. Students will explore topics including the cellular structure and function, growth, genetics, ecology, and metabolism of microbes. Importantly, students will investigate the impact of microbes on our daily lives, from their role in human health and disease to their involvement in the environment, agriculture, and food safety. In the laboratory, students will use a range of basic microbiological techniques to safely and effectively grow and characterize bacteria. Students will also design and execute experiments using cutting-edge microbiological approaches and technology.
CHEM 010 , BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 ; or by permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for Neuroscience Group B Spring 2027. Egan. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 019Omics1
An introduction to the study of genome structure, function, and evolution, with a focus on applying our understanding of genomes to answer fundamental biological questions. The course will also investigate the related fields of proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 or by permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for Neuroscience Group B Fall 2026. Kaplinsky. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 020Animal Physiology1
An examination of the principles and mechanisms of animal physiology, ranging from the subcellular to the integrated whole animal in its environment. Possible topics include metabolism, thermoregulation, endocrine regulation, nutrient processing, and muscle physiology.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 . Natural sciences and engineering practicum. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS and Neuroscience Group A Fall 2026. Bauer. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 022Neurobiology1
A comprehensive study of the basic principles of neurobiology, ranging from the electrical and chemical signaling properties of neurons and their underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms to the functional organization of selected neural systems. Finally, the course will discuss how nervous system dysfunction can result in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease.
BIOL 001 and CHEM 010 ; or with permission of instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for COGS and Neuroscience Group A (Foundation course) Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 023Toxicology1
This course offers an introduction to the fundamental principles of toxicology, with special emphasis on neurotoxicology. Students will learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying toxic responses and gain insights into modern approaches for chemical safety assessment in toxicology. In the laboratory, students will learn safe working practices with hazardous materials and study the effects of various agents on the nervous system.
BIOL 001 , BIOL 002 , CHEM 010 , MATH 015 , and STAT 011 or their equivalents; or with permission from the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for Neuroscience Group A Spring 2027. Collins. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 024Developmental Biology1
In this course, we will explore the process by which single cells (fertilized eggs) develop into complex organisms. Students will conduct detailed observations of live embryos and engage in independent experimental analysis during weekly laboratory sessions.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 . Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for GSST and Neuroscience Group B Spring 2027. Davidson. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 025Plant Biology1
This course is an exploration of the diverse field of plant biology. Topics will include growth and development, reproduction, genetics and genome biology, evolution and diversity, physiology, responses to pathogens and environmental stimuli, domestication, agriculture, and applications of plant genetic modification. Laboratories will introduce organismal, cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches to understanding plant biology.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 . Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period per week. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS Fall 2027 Kaplinsky. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 027Systems Biology1
Can we describe complex biological networks (e.g. transcription regulation, signal transduction, neuronal networks) in terms of basic building block circuits? Are there simple rules that allow us to understand fundamental biological processes such as cell-environment interactions, embryonic development, organismal patterning, and neuronal control of behavior? Systems Biology is an innovative, cross-disciplinary approach that will train students in the basic skills to tackle these fundamental biological questions and predict the dynamics of complex biological systems. This will be achieved through hands-on training in biological, computational, and quantitative methods, and through reading of primary literature. In the laboratory, students will work with diverse biological systems, including one or more of these: bacteria, eukaryotic cells, Hydra, and planarians. Students will read and discuss primary literature, design and execute independent research projects, and learn how to present their work. The laboratory component has 2 tracks: Lab Section A is for students with prior programming experience in MATLAB or Python; Lab Section B is aimed at students with no prior programming experience.
BIOL 001 , STAT 011 , and MATH 015 or their equivalents; or with permission of instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. 1 credit. Eligible for Neuroscience Group A Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 030Animal Behavior1
This course provides an integrative and inquiry-based approach to understanding how and why animals behave the way they do. We build from the foundation of ethology (the study of natural behavior) and explore the current state of the art in this field. During the first half of the semester students are introduced to the major mechanisms (e.g., learning and memory, communication, sexual behavior, offspring care). During the second half of the semester, we shift to understanding how these mechanisms and behaviors evolve under natural and sexual selection. Major principles of evolution are covered, including phylogenetics and speciation. Textbook material is supplemented by primary research articles. The lab component tracks the lecture organization with a focus on practical laboratory, behavioral testing and quantitative skill development. Field trips are typically offered to provide an opportunity for data collection and group projects.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. Lab required. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS and Neuroscience Group A Fall 2026. Baugh. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 034Evolution1
The course may focus on how the genetic and phenotypic structure of a population changes in response to mutation, natural selection, migration, and genetic drift. Other topics, such as quantitative genetics, speciation, phylogeography, and adaptation, provide a broader view of evolutionary processes.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 ; or by permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period or field trip per week. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS, GLBL-Core, and Neuroscience Group B Fall 2026. Axelrod. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 035Conservation Biology and Biodiversity1
This course provides an overview of the foundational concepts and future horizons of biodiversity conservation in an era of global environmental change. Class materials and discussions illustrate central issues in contemporary conservation with case studies from around the globe. Topics will focus on the ecological and society benefits of biodiversity, ways the scientists measure and understand biodiversity, the causes of global biodiversity declines, and techniques that can be used to mitigate such declines. Using an active learning approach the class will include: 1) critical reading of primary literature, 2) field trips inside and outside campus, 3) hands-on experience in the field and laboratory on how to conduct conservation research, and 4) applying quantitative methods and R programming to real data. Previous experience in those areas is not required, but students should be motivated to learn new skills. Because conservation involves every member of society, readings will include content produced by science communication outlets, policymakers, news outlets, and personal stories, incorporating a broad and diverse perspective on approaches to biodiversity conservation.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 . Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory per week. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS, ESCH, and GLBL-Core. Spring 2027. Axelrod. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 036Ecology1
The goal of ecology is to explain the distribution and abundance of organisms in nature through an understanding of how they interact with their abiotic and biotic environments. Students will gain ecological literacy and practice by studying processes that operate within and between hierarchical levels or organization such as individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. All this knowledge will be applied to understand the current global changes occurring in nature as a result of human activities.
BIOL 002 , or permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS, GLBL-Core, ESCH Fall 2027 Machado. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 037Conservation Biology1
(Cross-listed as ENVS 063 ) This course provides an overview of the foundational concepts and future horizons of biodiversity conservation in the era of global climate change. Class materials and discussions illustrate central issues in contemporary conservation with case studies from around the globe. Using an active learning approach the class will include: 1) critical reading of primary literature, 2) field trips inside and outside campus, 3) hands-on experience in the field and laboratory on how to conduct conservation research, and 4) applying quantitative methods and R programming to real data. Previous experience in those areas is not required, but students should be motivated to learn new skills. Because conservation involves every member of society, readings will include content produced by science communication outlets, policymakers, news outlets and personal stories. The class will explore and discuss the role that diversity, equity and inclusion plays on conservation efforts, and we will hear from invited speakers from indigenous communities working on conservation projects. **Multiple accessible all-day field trips will be offered outside the class schedule. These will mostly take place during the weekends. Attending ONE of those field trips will be required as part of the final grade. Attending more than one is encouraged but optional.**
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 , or permission of the instructor. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. One laboratory period or field trip per week. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS, ESCH, GLBL-Core Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 041Tropical Ecology1
By almost any measure, the tropics house the highest levels of biodiversity on Earth- species richness, biological interaction complexity, and ecosystem variability all peak at tropical latitudes. Tropical habitats are the context of most of human evolution and are still favored as human living places. The tropics provide many resources and economic benefits but are also threatened by human activities. This is a course on the ecology of tropical habitats around the world. We will explore the physical and biological factors that result in the formation of tropical ecosystems/forests, learn about important biological interactions, and analyze human impacts on these systems. Key evolutionary and ecological processes explored will include biogeography, paleohistory, ecological interactions, and patterns of human development in Asia, Africa and the Americas. We will devote special attention to evolution, ecology, and human presence in tropical island chains by focusing on the Galapagos Islands. Our main goals will be: 1.) To gain an understanding of the environmental factors that contribute to the formation of tropical ecosystems and the ecological principles that govern their function. 2.) To obtain an experiential knowledge of published literature on tropical ecology through the use of books, journal articles, and other sources. 3.) To encourage the development of an understanding of the challenges faced by tropical forest managers in light of modern development pressures. 4.) To encourage the development of awareness of the increasing threat to global biodiversity due to ongoing destruction of the tropical forests and directional abiotic change. This courses has an optional embedded field component. A subset of students can apply to travel to Ecuador for an immersive study of tropical ecology. The field component will meet after lectures end (May/June) and include travel to Amazonian lowland forest, Andean cloud forest, and the Galapagos Islands. This course, taken in conjunction with the planned field studies trip to Ecuador in May-June of 2027, can count as a Group III Intermediate course towards a Biology degree or NSEP credit for other majors. This course is a Biology elective or NSE credit without the summer field studies trip.
BIOL 002 . Natural sciences and engineering. Lab (field course) optional for NSEP credit. 1 credit. Eligible for ENVS Spring 2027. Sean O’Donnell. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 061Biomedical Modeling and Simulation1
Cross-listed as ENGR 016 This course covers the fundamentals of modeling biomedical systems. Topics include: unit analysis, exponential growth/decay, half-life, exponential vs. age-structured death models, sigmoidal growth models, sigmoidal effect models, mass-action reaction rates, and experimental measurement noise models. MATLAB is used to simulate all of the phenomena. This course (or ENGR 016) satisfies an elective credit for Biology majors and minors. However, it does not satisfy any of the Advanced Seminar, Group I, II, or III requirements.
MATH 025 . Natural Sciences and Engineering Practicum. Lab required. 1 Credit. Catalog chapter: Biology and Engineering Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology https://www.swarthmore.edu/engineering Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 093Directed Reading
A program of literature study in a designated area of biology not usually covered by regular courses or seminars and overseen by a biology faculty member. Register through the Biology Department’s Administrative Coordinator with faculty member’s approval. 0.5 or 1 credit. Fall 2026. Staff. Spring 2027. Staff. Fall 2027 Staff. Spring 2028 Staff.
With the permission of the department chair, a student may write a senior paper in biology to satisfy the requirement of a comprehensive examination for graduation. 0.5 credits.
Invited scientists present lectures and lead discussions on a selected topic that can be engaged from different subdisciplines within biology. Serves as the senior comprehensive and examination; it is required of all biology majors in course. BIOL 097 may NOT be used as a Biology credit for Biology minors.
This class is available only to Biology course majors who are seniors or with permission from the department chair. To ensure that students are ready to participate in a meaningful manner in the course they must have successfully completed at least (3) credits of intermediate and advanced seminar courses in addition to BIOL 001 and 002 before enrolling in BIOL 097. Natural science and engineering. 1 credit. Spring 2027. Kaplinsky. Spring 2028 Collins. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 098Neuroscience Thesis0.5-2.0
As a means of fulfilling the neuroscience thesis requirement in the Biology department, a student must write a sole-authored scientific paper, regarding research conducted in neuroscience, with a biology faculty advisor. Enrollment is usually during the senior year. Between 0.5 and 2.0 credits of BIOL 098 can be taken. See Neuroscience website for details. A Biology Faculty Member must agree to supervise a student before he or she may enroll in BIOL 098. Register through the Biology Department’s Administrative Coordinator with faculty member’s approval. This course may not be taken as pass/fail.
Permission of the faculty advisor. 0.5 - 2.0 credits. Fall 2026. Staff. Spring 2027. Staff. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/biology/neuroscience Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 111Genome Regulation by Noncoding RNA1
This seminar explores regulatory mechanisms governing gene expression, nuclear organization and inheritance. We will specifically explore the ways in which non-protein-coding RNA contributes to gene regulation and the maintenance of genomic integrity, including the molecular bases for a variety of human pathologies such as cancer and aging. Through extensive reading of primary literature, students can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of the properties, functions and evolution of noncoding RNAs in critical genomic regulatory processes and current applications to human disease research.
Any Group I Intermediate Course, BIOL 024, BIOL 025; or with permission of instructor.
BIOL 112Cell Biology of Neurodegeneration1
Throughout this seminar, we will discuss key cell processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. We will discuss common cell defects observed during neurodegeneration in detail, starting from initial molecular descriptions through modern findings. We will spotlight a range of diseases including Alzheimers Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, and Huntington’s Disease. Each week, we will consider primary literature, and students will leave the class with a better understanding of how to read and understand scientific papers.
Any Group I Intermediate Course; BIOL 022; or with permission of instructor.
BIOL 114Host-Pathogen-Microbiota Interactions1
Students will explore fundamental interactions between the host, bacterial pathogens, and the microbiota in this advanced seminar. Importantly, students will consider how these interactions impact health and disease. Students will use an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate these multifaceted interactions, discussing topics that include the regulation of microbial virulence factors and their mechanisms of action, the immune responses against these factors, as well as the impact of the polymicrobial communities on disease. Through critical reading and analysis of primary literature, students will learn about recent advances in experimental approaches to probe host-microbe interactions in dynamic environments.
Any Group I BIOL intermediate course sucessfully completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better, or permission of the instructor. BIOL 016 required for Honors. Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Fall 2026. Egan. Two (1) CR sections. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 115EPlant Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology1
The course will investigate the technological approaches that plant scientists are using to address environmental, agricultural, and health issues. Topics will include biofuels, nutritional engineering, engineering disease and stress resistance, bioremediation, and the production of pharmaceuticals in plants.
BIOL 025 or any Group I course with permission of the instructor.
BIOL 119Genomics and Systems Biology1
Recently developed genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and systems approaches have fundamentally changed how scientists investigate important biological questions. This seminar focuses on understanding stress at a cellular level with an emphasis on protein homeostasis in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Readings will include animal, plant, fungal, and bacterial literature.
BIOL 019, BIOL 049, or any Group I intermediate biology course with permission of the instructor.
BIOL 120Physiological Ecology.1
This seminar is focused on physiological responses to variable environmental conditions. Endocrine, reproductive, metabolic, renal, and other physiological systems will be explored in this seminar, with a strong emphasis on maternal effects. We will use the primary literature as a guide to discuss experimental design, trends in the field of physiological ecology, and science communication. Class time will be focused on discussion and student presentations.
BIOL 001, 002, and 020, or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 123Stress Physiology.1
The stress response is an adaptive response that helps organisms appropriately respond to challenges that threaten homeostasis. This seminar will examine the different physiological processes that play a major role in the vertebrate stress response, with an emphasis on the endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. We will explore how animals respond to stressors in both wild and captive contexts, and how overstimulation of the stress response can result in pathology. This seminar will have a major writing component, with additional emphasis on oral presentations and group discussions.
BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 plus any Group II intermediate course, BIOL 030 , or PSYC 030 ; or with permission of the instructor.
BIOL 127Behavioral Neuroendocrinology1
This seminar examines major themes in how hormone systems in the brain influence animal behavior. A weekly journal club format allows us to understand and critique the primary literature in this field, and will include topics such as how sex steroids organize the development of behavioral differences, the hormonal basis of animal personality, how stress hormones impact decision making, the role of peptide hormones in feeding and fasting, and other topical areas in the field. Students work in small groups to present primary articles each week and lead discussions. Occasional field trips and guest researchers enrich the instructional experience.
BIOL 001 and 002, or their equivalents and the completion of one of the following courses: a) BIOL 030 Animal Behavior; b) BIOL 020 Animal Physiology; or c) BIOL 022 Neurobiology.
BIOL 128Evolution and Development1
In this course, we will explore how alterations in embryonic development contribute to evolution. We will cover a wide range of examples spanning body plan diversification during the Cambrian explosion through the much more recent diversification of humans and other primates. Through engagement with the primary literature, students will learn how comparative genomics, experimental analysis of gene regulatory networks and in-depth dissection of cellular processes have revealed discrete genetic, molecular and cellular changes underlying the evolutionary acquisition of novel traits.
Completion of one of the following: BIOL 010, 013, 014, 019, 024, 025, 034, or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 129Developmental Neurotoxicology1
In this seminar students will explore the field of developmental neurotoxicology, with an emphasis on alternative toxicology models and computational approaches. In a weekly journal club format, the seminar will encompass student-driven discussion of primary literature, ranging from landmark toxicology papers to new approach methods. Course content emphasizes statistical and quantitative methods, and engagement with different stakeholder (academia, industry, government, public) viewpoints. Students work in small groups to present primary articles each week and lead discussions.
BIOL 001 , BIOL 002 , MATH 015 , and STAT 011 plus completion of one of the following: BIOL 023 , BIOL 027 , BIOL 022 or BIOL 020 . Students using BIOL 022 or BIOL 020 as their
BIOL 131Animal Communication1
This seminar examines animal communication from a cross-disciplinary perspective, with a focus on the mechanistic basis and evolution of communication systems. Weekly readings are focused on sensory biology (olfaction, vision, audition/seismic and electroreception) and compelling and provocative studies in the field of animal signaling systems. Small group student-led discussions of the primary literature are modeled after a seminar-style course in graduate school and allow students to develop an in-depth understanding of this field and the process of scientific critique. Engaged participation in these “crit sessions” provides students with the skills and confidence to decompose complex scientific studies, extract the relevant results, and evaluate the rigor of experimental design. Discussions are supplemented with a combination of field excursions and/or lab experiences.
Any Intermediate Group II or Group III Biology course (BIOL 020-039) completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better, or with permission of the instructor. Recommended: A course in statistics (e.g. STAT 011). Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Eligible for COGS, ENVS, and Neuroscience Group A Fall 2027 Baugh. Catalog chapter: Biology Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology Access the class schedule to search for sections.
BIOL 134Evolution of Animal Societies1
All animals interact with members of their own species as some point in their lives most animals live in groups and repeatedly interact with the same individuals. The structure and composition of these societies shapes and is shaped by evolutionary processes. This course will take an evolutionary perspective to tackle topics such as why animals live in groups, what ecological forces shape the structure of societies, why have complex societies evolved, and how does living in a society affect the evolution of animal bodies and behavior. As an honors seminar, the majority of the work will focus on reading and discussing the primary literature with a special focus on social network analysis. Students in the course will practice communicating complex ideas through a variety of means including scientific figures, posters, and outreach tools.
BIOL 002 and (1) Group III Biology course (BIOL 03X or BIOL 13X) or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 137Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning1
Can the current decline in global biodiversity alter the functioning and stability of ecosystems? The answer to this question can be reached by evaluating the ecological consequences of changing patterns in biodiversity, through either extinction or addition of species. We will review the relative or specific role of extrinsic factors (climate, disturbance, soils, etc.), genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity in ecosystem functioning using both experimental and natural evidence.
BIOL 002 and one Group III intermediate Biology course (BIOL 03x or BIOL 13x level) or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 180Honors Research
Independent research in preparation for an honors research thesis. A Biology faculty member must agree to supervise student honors research before enrollment in this course. Fall 2026. Staff. Spring 2027. Staff. Fall 2027 Staff. Spring 2028 Staff.
An interactive, integrative program that allows honors students to finalize their research thesis spring semester. BIOL 199 is not part of the 8-credit minimum required for the biology major. Writing course. 1 credit. Spring 2027. Staff. Spring 2028 Staff.
