Why Haverford Sciences are phenomenal: Part 12(?)

ParAlum
Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:04:33 +0000

“Is it really true that no students can take Biology until their sophomore year. WHY???”

As a BMC alum, spouse of HC alum and parent of HC student (all science geeks), I can add a few comments to HC Alum’s.

It is true that the HC Bio major is a cell and molecular bio major and begins with general chem. Just like you need to get a good grounding in French vocab and grammar before you can study French literature in the original language, you need a strong chemistry background to discuss cell and molecular biology and to appreciate the nuances, utility and possibilities of this field. It really is a great course of study.

That said, students can react a few ways to this strong curriculum. if chemistry is not your true love, this can be as dry as studying French vocab and grammar when you want to get to the analysis of French literature. But it is worth it.

If you wish to just dabble in general Bio courses for breadth, there are many options for the non major at HC. The BMC bio major forms a nice complement to HC’s curriculum and does begin basic bio and does take a physiology approach that complements HC’s strong curriculum.

So taken together the Bi-co community can provide the balance of choices that you might need.