One of the strongest departments at the University, the Biology Department is dedicated to excellence in teaching. The primary goal of the Biology program is to give students a strong background in the core fields of biology. Majors develop skills in critical and logical thought, acquire knowledge of the fundamental areas of biology, gain experience in the laboratory and field, and develop ethical decision-making ability.
The undergraduate program features intensive laboratory and field experience with close contact between students and faculty. All members of the Department hold the Ph.D. and are active as scholars in their respective fields. Strong features of the program are small class sizes and close personal attention to every student.
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The Bachelor of Science in Biology program provides excellent preparation for entry into graduate study or health professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary science, etc. This degree also prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical sales, medical technology, environmental biology and physical therapy.
See B.S. Curriculum. -
The Bachelor of Arts in Biology program, designed for students who plan to enter careers in teaching, provides a strong liberal arts core and allows students to pursue course requirements in education during their undergraduate years.
See B.A. Curriculum. -
Minor Requirements
- BIOL 101 General Biology I 3 semester hours
- BIOL 102 General Biology II 3 semester hours
- BIOL 111 General Biology I Lab 2 semester hours
- BIOL 112 General Biology II Lab 2 semester hours
- BIOL 201 Cell Function 3 semester hours
- BIOL 202 Genetics 3 semester hours
- CHEM 110 General Chemistry I 3 semester hours
- CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 3 semester hours
- Plus 7 semester hours in upper division BIOL courses
Note:
The upper division courses for the minor must be selected under the direction of the Chairperson of the Department.
An average grade of C (2.0) must be accumulated in all lower division requirements prior to taking upper division courses. An average grade of C (2.0) must also be accumulated in all upper division courses included in the minor.
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Interested in Teaching High School Science?
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Student learning outcomes for the biology majors:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of biological systems
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of biological systems
- Demonstrate knowledge of information flow, exchange, and storage in biological systems
- Demonstrate knowledge of pathways and transformations of energy and matter in biological systems
- Demonstrate knowledge of the interconnections and interactions in biological systems
- Be able to apply the scientific method to solve problems in biology
- Effectively communicate biological concepts in written and oral forms
- Have experience using field and laboratory skills
- Apply computational and quantitative methods to describe biological systems