Selecting Courses in Biology
Assuming you have chosen a major (which for my advisees are usually
'straight' Biology or Molecular Biology), the next question is: what courses
should I take?
Obviously, you should take the courses required of your major. Keep a
record of the courses you've taken on the status sheet.
Notice also, that the Biology Department at GCC stresses the basics. We
simply don't have the resources to offer multitudes of highly specialized
courses (many public/state schools can afford to do this). Thus, the
courses we do offer are, in the main, useful for all biology majors.
Beyond the required courses (as indicated on your status sheet), my
recommendations are
- Diversify: take as much variety in your biology courses as you
can. Don't specialize as an undergraduate. Get as much
variety in your professors as you can - avoid becoming a disciple of one
person. You won't see enough biology that way.
- Diversify: Take courses that interest you but are not in your major.
You are at a liberal-arts institution of higher education after all!
All employers and graduate programs like well-rounded
employees/students. Therefore, prioritize according to your interests,
and take courses in art, religion, math, philosophy, speech, music,
language, business, psychology, etc. I wouldn't recommend postponing
your graduation just to fit in some more of these classes, but do consider
them a priority and take ones that you can reasonably fit into your
schedule.
- Be aware: after your undergraduate degree is earned, you probably
won't have an opportunity to take these 'fun' courses. (If you do,
it probably won't happen until after your own children have finished
their undergraduate careers!). Now is the opportunity the Lord has
given you.
- Don't be scared off from courses because your peers don't understand
you liking a particular subject. God your creator created you
special, with your own talents and interests.
- Ask around - get opinions from friends, faculty, fiends, foes, frats,
fairies, etc., on good courses to take. But also, determine for
yourself what constitutes a 'good course'.
Go back to the Selecting a Major page.
Go to the Advice page