Biology

Go to: Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

Faculty

Derek A. Applewhite
Cellular biology, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell motility, and morphogenesis.

Kara L. Cerveny
Developmental biology, neurogenesis, signaling pathway interplay, and the visual system.

Jeremy Coate
Plant genome evolution.

Pietro D’Amelio
Animal behavior, vocal communication, ornithology.

Samuel Fey
Species interactions, population ecology, global change ecology.

Keith Karoly
Plant evolution, evolution of plant mating systems.

Jay L. Mellies
Bacterial pathogenesis, gene regulation.

Hannah Prather
Forest canopy science; epiphyte community ecology.

Aaron Ramirez
Translational ecology, fire and drought, socio-ecological systems. On sabbatical 2024-25.

Suzy C.P. Renn
Integrative animal behavior.

Anna Ritz
Computational biology, genome structural variation, signaling pathways.

Sarah Schaack
Genetics/genomics, transposable elements, mutation.

José Miguel Simões
Neurobiology of social interactions in a warming climate.

Erik Zornik
Neurobiology, neural basis of behavior.

Curriculum

The biology major emphasizes developing the student’s capacity to use and contribute scientific knowledge. The curriculum includes both conceptual and experimental approaches to studying biology at the molecular, cellular, organismic, population, and species levels. Courses provide students with opportunities to develop an intellectual framework and learn the techniques necessary for answering questions that interest them. Faculty members, through active professional research programs of their own, offer opportunities for student involvement in biological research. A regular research seminar series adds to the unique research-oriented experience of the Reed biology undergraduate. The synergism between the interests and motivations of Reed students and the rigorous nature of our program, including a research-intensive thesis, enables students to pursue their individual interests and primes them for careers in the life sciences. Reed routinely ranks near the top in the percentage of graduates who earn PhDs, and many other biology graduates advance to successful careers in medicine, biotechnology, education, law, and advocacy.

The Lewis Kleinholz Biological Laboratories are well-equipped and permit students to engage in mentored and independent research projects during their course of study. Coursework and summer opportunities in both laboratory and field biology are designed to prepare students for the senior thesis. Upper-division courses include independent research components to foster the development of hypothesis generation, experimental design, and results analysis and interpretation skills. Reed students may also broaden their research experience by arrangement with the faculties of the Oregon Health & Science University, the Oregon National Primate Research Center, or other area institutions. In addition, Reed has formal relationships with the Organization for Tropical Studies, the School for Field Studies, the Sea Education Association, and the University of Costa Rica. Students may take courses for credit through these programs or at other field or marine stations. See International Programs for more information.

Through the alternate biology program, the biology department provides students with the flexibility of combining biology with other areas of inquiry, including but not limited to economics, political science, and anthropology. Faculty advisers help students plan programs based on their motivations and interests. Alternate and ad hoc joint degree programs can be arranged between the biology department and most other Reed departments. See also the environmental studies with a concentration in biology major, the neuroscience major, and the biochemistry and molecular biology major.

The Alternate Program in Biology

The alternate biology program allows students to integrate a comprehensive grounding in biological science with an understanding of one or more alternate disciplines. Working with their advisers, students can tailor their educational program to prepare them for careers or for graduate and professional programs in environmental studies and conservation, public health, urban planning, environmental law, government, social work, precollege teaching, medical illustration, science journalism, and other fields. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with advisers, as specific courses may be preferred depending upon disciplinary interests or career plans. The primary academic adviser will be a member of the biology staff, and the student will choose a consulting adviser from the appropriate alternate field. After discussion with both advisers, the student must submit a formal curriculum proposal to the department with a rationale for the integrated course of study. Except in unusual cases, this proposal should be made no later than the end of the sophomore year. After the proposal is approved by the department, the student may declare the alternate biology major.

Programs

Majors