The science of biology is taught within the larger context of a liberal arts education and every effort is made to encourage interdisciplinary connections with the social sciences and the humanities. Courses strongly emphasize writing and speaking skills and avoid reducing science to the accumulation of factual knowledge. Majors are encouraged to pursue summer internships in field and laboratory settings. Active participation by the students in laboratory and field courses is required and direct experience with living organisms and scientific instrumentation is a central focus of the program.