And those who work hard and earn good grades have the additional opportunity to conduct research with faculty. These students often present their work at professional meetings and publish articles in scientific journals. At Lafayette, teaching does not compete with research-the two go hand in hand. Students have access to two electron microscopes, two greenhouses, warm and cold animal rooms, two photography suites, two tissue culture suites, a controlled environment room, two refrigerated ultracentrifuges, a Coulter counter, a microplate reader, several research grade spectrophotometers, PCR thermocyclers, DNA sequencing equipment, plant culture facilities, and a liquid scintillation counter. A variety of funds provide financial support for biology majors to do research with faculty on campus.
Funding is also available for field study and other study off campus.
Talented junior and senior biology majors may compete for paid laboratory teaching assistant jobs. They take charge of a laboratory section under the direction of a faculty member. Lafayette's Health Professions program, available to biology majors as well as students majoring in other areas, provides individual advising, physician-alumni mentors, and opportunities for research, internships, and volunteer experience. An internship program with Easton Hospital is available for students considering a career in the health professions. Many Lafayette biology majors go to medical school or choose another health-related profession.