Prerequisite Courses

*Please note: Not all courses are offered every semester. Consult the Williams College Course Catalog or the Registrar's Office for more detailed information regarding course offerings.

Biology 101: The Cell (Fall)
This course provides an introduction to the cellular aspects of modern biology. It explains the development of cell structure and function as a consequence of evolutionary processes, and it stresses the dynamic properties of living systems. Topics considered include biological molecules and enzyme action, membrane structure and function, energy exchange and design of metabolic systems, expression of genetic information, cell signalling, cell trafficking, the cell cycle, and cancer. In addition to textbook assignments, articles from the recent biological literature will be assigned and discussed. Format: lecture/discussion/laboratory, six hours per week. Evaluation will be based on quizzes, hour tests, a final exam, and weekly lab reports. No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 4 sections of 45).

Psychology 101: Introductory Psychology (Fall and Spring)
An introduction to the major subfields of psychology: behavioral neuroscience, cognitive, developmental, social, personality, psychopathology, and health. The course aims to acquaint students with the major methods, theoretical points of view, and findings of each subfield. Important concepts are exemplified by a study of selected topics and issues within each of these areas. Format: lecture. Requirements: two lab reports, unit quizzes, and a final exam. No enrollment limit (expected: 180).