Biology is a broad subject that covers everything from cellular and molecular aspects to ecosystems. Integrative Biology explores the interconnectedness of life through an integrative perspective of the structure and function of biological systems. The Integrative Biology track covers the breadth of biological topics, integrating concepts of biological diversity, ecological interactions, anatomical and physiological specializations, developmental and evolutionary mechanisms, and cellular and molecular processes.
Integrative Biology courses are designed to expose students to a diversity of disciplines that complement each other in order to understand the complexity of biological systems. Integrative Biology is the most flexible of the Biology tracks and is designed to allow students to explore their diverse interests, from molecular and cellular experimental methods, to organismal anatomy and physiology, to ecological theory.
In the laboratory: Sewanee has several state-of-the-art molecular, neurobiological, and physiological laboratories. Students work with faculty members in these laboratories to address important questions about the natural world and the inner workings of organisms.
In the Sewanee campus: Many researchers do at least part of their research outside on campus and in the neighboring forests and lakes. This research permits observing directly the patterns of distribution and behaviors of the plants and animals of the region.
Yale Medical School: Through the Sewanee-at-Yale program, Sewanee students have the opportunity to spend one semester at Yale Medical School where they do research with a Yale faculty member and take advanced coursework.
Vanderbilt University: Through the Vanderbilt-Sewanee Undergraduate Research Experience (V-SURE) Sewanee students have the opportunity for a fully-funded, two summer program, in partnership with , geared for students intending to pursue a career in medicine (MD/PhD) who are interested in both biomedical research and patient care.
Pepe Iriarte-Diaz
I study the relationship between form and function in animals, especially how it relates to animal movement. In the lab, we use a combination of experimental and computational approaches to study how differences in morphology affect an organism’s ability to perform a specific function, such as the ability to perform maneuvers in birds or the ability to produce biting masticatory forces in primates.
Independent research projects are a great way to hone analytical skills, learn to synthesize information, and work collaboratively as part of a dynamic team. Students of all experience levels and career aspirations are encouraged to dive deeply into independent research projects through our tiered research program, which can culminate in an honors thesis.