This is a remarkable record, largely due to a synergism between the interests and motivation of Reed students and the nature of the program offered. The biology laboratories are equipped with modern instruments and materials, permitting a variety of teaching and research approaches. The faculty is intensively engaged in research and teaching research methodology to students. Upper-division courses typically include independent research components to foster the development of hypothesis generation, experimental design, and results analysis and interpretation skills. Some support is available for student independent research during the summer.
Some courses have field components, and the department supports independent field work.
In addition, Reed has a formal relationship with the Malheur Field Station in Oregon's Great Basin, and students may take courses for credit there or at other field or marine stations during the summer. Faculty advisers can help fashion programs suited to the individual student's motivations and interests. Requirements for the Major 1. Advanced courses may be taken in any sequence as long as course prerequisites have been met. The alternate program in biology is offered to the student whose future interests lie in interfacing biology with diverse areas other than science.