<p>I just wanted to know if there were any bio majors at Midd.
If so, what is the course work like and how well are the professors in teaching you the information that needed to be learned.</p>
<p>In short: yes, rigorous, and excellent. (I was a molecular biology and biochemistry major-MBBC)</p>
<p>There are quite a few bio majors at Midd. One great thing about the program (in my opinion) is that you have a lot of different options, especially given the size of Middlebury. You can be a biology major (and within that, you can focus more on ecology or more on molecular/cell biology based on which electives you choose), or you can choose one of the other biology-related fields: neuroscience, MBBC [the best ;)], biochemistry, or environmental studies: conservation biology. Between all of those majors, there’s a large community of biologists. At the same time, you get a smaller community of people among your major alone. Then there are the pre-med folks who don’t major in science floating about randomly. One thing that I particularly liked at Middlebury was that, even in the sciences where things can typically get really competitive, the overarching feel was supportive. Occasionally, a few students might come off as competitive, but I suggest you ignore those outliers. Most people care more about what they’re learning than getting the best grade.</p>
<p>The course work is extremely challenging, but it prepares you well for the future. You’ll spend more time in class than your humanities-minded peers because you’ll have labs on top of lectures, but the labs are critical to a good scientific education. I should say that the challenge of the classes is a great thing. The most challenging classes were usually the ones that I value the most.</p>
<p>And the professors. I can’t say enough about how amazing the professors are. The worst science professor that I had at Middlebury is leaps and bounds ahead of many of the professors that I’ve encountered in grad school. The assignments that they give you are always thoughtful, meaning that it’s not just busy work. Almost nothing is memorization. Rather, they focus on the main ideas and concepts, which you can then apply to many different situations. Of course, some fundamentals will always be memorization, but there’s no way around that. So, even while you’re stressed out doing an assignment, it’s often quite enjoyable. And sometimes you’ll leave physics class (at 9am) with a piece of cake that was baked by being hooked up to batteries during your professors lecture about electromagnetism or something. Clearly, I just remember the cake (which I suppose doesn’t say that much about efficacy…). Either way, the professors are amazing and approach their subject matter creatively. What you leave with is a science education that’s far better than that offered at larger universities, including Ivy League schools…at least the one that I’m currently at (and TA for).</p>
<p>To sum up, just because Middlebury isn’t “known” for its science programs, they are absolutely top notch, and they are regarded as such in admissions for grad school, med school, etc. Hope this was helpful!</p>
<p>I appreciate such a detailed response.
Now being a bio major, do you have to take some math course?
What’s a typical freshman load, what classes do you usually take?</p>
<p>Hey aktaylor,</p>
<p>I’m a MBB (molcular biology/biochemistry) major at midd with a concentration in biology. I’m about to register for second semester freshman year classes, so hopefully i can be of some help. </p>
<p>For strictly biology, only a science-related math is required (think experimental design and analysis); for MBB, we need to take calculus as well. Most freshmen bio/biochem majors take bio 140 and 145 (Ecology/Evolution and Cell Biology) their first year. The workload has pretty demanding thus far, but not impossible- it’s all about time-management. </p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>That was just the response I was looking for.
I’d probably do strictly biology.
The workload seems a bit scary but hopefully I can handle it.</p>
<p>It is worth noting, however, that med school requires a year of physics and 2 years of chemistry. Physics at Midd requires calculus I and II. Plus, many grad school and other professional school programs require or advise taking those courses. Just something to keep in mind. I’m not sure what you ultimately want to do, but it may affect the courses that you take beyond your major.</p>
<p>Yes I kinda figured that.
I know what lies ahead. I appreciate your help!</p>