<p>Swarthmore?! If you're going to come to Philadelphia for biomed, and you want a LAC, Haverford is the place to be. I don't understand this Swarthmore business. More like Swarth-LESS. ;) :D</p>
<h2>(I can be funny too)</h2>
<p>Swarthmore and Haverford
Comparison of faculty research/specialization in molecular biology</p>
<p>Swarthmore: <a href="http://www.swarthmore.edu/x10312.xml%5B/url%5D">http://www.swarthmore.edu/x10312.xml</a></p>
<p>1) Cell biology and stem cells
2) Cell biology and cell cycle
3) Genetics
4) Microbiology</p>
<p>Haverford: <a href="http://www.haverford.edu/biology/biofaculty.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.haverford.edu/biology/biofaculty.html</a>
1) Protein chemistry and macromolecules
2) Stem cells
3) Cell biology and regulation
4) Cell architecture and nano-machines
5) Genetics
6) Microbiology
7) Immunology
8) Cell and embryonic development</p>
<p>Swat’s bio department is good and well rounded but, because more than ½ the faculty specialize in ecology/organism based science (plants, birds, fish, ect …) and developmental bio, Swat can’t possibly compare to HC in molecular bio and biomedical research as that is what HC focuses on 100%. In addition, BMC’s biology concentrates in those topics that HC’s department doesn’t so coursework in ecology/organism based science (plants, birds, fish, ect …) and developmental bio is similarly more thorough at BMC for those students who decide this path. </p>
<p>HC was the FIRST institution to teach molecular bio (modern bio) to undergraduates in America (LACs and universities) starting in the 1950s. HC’s immunologists (Judy Owen in the 1980-90’s and, currently, Jenny Punt) have won the American Association of Immunology’s award for outstanding teaching. HC even has a well known bio-ethicist, Ruth Guyer, on faculty and she is a regular commentator on NPR. Finally, the incoming president, Steve Emerson MD/PhD (HC 1974), who was the Chief of oncology at Penn and was designated to be the head of Penn’s new Stem Cell Research Institute before he decided to return to HC, will continue his NIH sponsored lab and is planning to be involved in teaching as well. Not only is his science top-notch but students will also benefit from his CLINICAL perspective. Having a world renowned physician work with undergrads is simply unheard of!</p>