The Discipline

The modern biological sciences include a broad spectrum of topics concerning plants, animals and microorganisms that range from their ecology to molecular biology and biochemistry. Although studies in any area of biology are often of a highly specialized nature, biologists are also interested in how information gathered in their particular field applies and relates to other areas of study. Thus ecologists are interested in overpopulation and the world's food supply, physiologists contribute to the understanding of how plants and animals function under normal and stressful conditions, and geneticists studying microbes have provided important clues regarding the mechanisms of human inheritance. Of great importance are the recent discoveries of molecular biologists who have devised ways to alter the genetic composition of both plants and animals that will enable future generations of scientists to develop procedures ranging from the production of high yield agricultural crops to treatment of human diseases.

 

The Facilities

The Department of Biology is located in the Cowles Life Science Building. This facility supports teaching and research in biochemistry, botany, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, and systematic biology. Undergraduates have the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of modern research techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, gene sequencing, phase contrast and fluorescent microscopy, tissue culture and ultracentrifugation. In addition, the Life Science Building houses a greenhouse, animal research facilities and walk-in controlled environmental chambers.

 

After Graduation

Many employment opportunities in the biological sciences require an advanced degree. Consequently, the majority of our departmental majors enter graduate, medical or dental school following their graduation from Trinity. In addition, some graduates enter other types of professional schools such as pharmacy and physical therapy, while others undertake careers in secondary education, biomedical research, conservation and other fields.