Biology

Biology is one of the fastest growing fields of science and its study is relevant to all humans. Students in the Biology program develop and understanding of how living systems work, the relationships among all organisms, and how each organism affects its environment.  It is a broad discipline that provides numerous opportunities for students.  Our program offers students a strong foundation in biological principles coupled with chemistry and physics. Students in the program 1) are afforded comprehensive and diverse course and field experiences, 2) perform scientific research, and 3) receive the personal attention that helps them achieve their future career goals.

Mission Statement 

It is the mission of the Biology Program to 1) engage students that seek a wide variety of professional careers founded in the biological sciences, 2) expand an understanding of biology for students outside the field, and 3) provide learning and research experiences that increase every student’s ability to know the natural world. 

 

Learning Outcomes for Biology, BS and for Biology, Minor 

Upon completion of this program, students can: 

Outcome 1: Demonstrate basic competence in the principles and theories used in the natural sciences, including: 

a. Identify major historical figures and/or precedents. 

b. Define key concepts and principles. 

c. Describe theories and/or methods accurately. 

Outcome 2: Define, describe, and apply the scientific method, including: 

a. Identify steps of the scientific method and its correct application. 

b. Formulate a testable hypothesis. 

c. Outline an experiment, analyze and interpret results.  

Outcome 3: Convey ideas using language and presentation skills specific to the natural sciences, including: 

a. Write well-constructed essay and/or formal lab report. 

b. Design and articulate an oral group or individual presentation. 

c. Develop skills in providing constructive feedback. 

d. Independently write a scientific paper. 

Outcome 4: Use critical thinking to synthesize information, evaluate assumptions and claims, and draw evidence-based conclusions, including:

a. Organize information gathered from several sources, including peer-reviewed. 

b. Synthesize and communicate material correctly. 

c. Critically extend or defend evidence-based conclusions 

Bachelor of Science Biology (No Minor Required)

Learning outcomes: Students will describe the structure and function of cellular components. Students will describe, discuss and give examples of macro and micro evolution. Students will recognize and explain interrelationships and dependencies between abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems. Students will apply the scientific method when testing hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments. The student will design and conduct an undergraduate research project under the guidance of the course faculty. Students will prepare a library research paper, using only peer-reviewed journal articles, which compares and contrasts two or more taxa. The student will prepare and present an electronic oral presentation of their undergraduate research project. The student will demonstrate appropriate gel electrophoresis and sample loading techniques. The student will demonstrate appropriate field population sampling. The student will demonstrate appropriate aseptic technique using bacteria.

General Education Core33
Common Science Core
BIOB 160Principles of Living Systems4
BIOB 161Principles Living Systems Lab1
BIOO 220General Botany3
BIOO 221Gen Botany Lab2
BIOO 380Zoology3
BIOO 381Zoology Lab2
CHMY 141College Chemistry I5
CHMY 142College Chemistry Lab I0
CHMY 143College Chemistry II5
CHMY 144College Chemistry Lab II0
PHSX 205College Physics I3
PHSX 206College Physics I Laboratory1
PHSX 207College Physics II3
PHSX 208College Physics II Laboratory1
Required Program Courses
BIOE 370General Ecology4
BIOE 371General Ecology Lab0
BIOB 485Molecular Biology and Genetics4
BIOB 486Molecular Biology Genetics Lab0
CHMY 321Organic Chemistry I3
CHMY 322Organic Chemistry Lab I2
STAT 216Introduction to Statistics3
BIOB 420Evolution4
NSCI 450Undergraduate Research I3
COMX 111Intro to Public Speaking3
Select twelve (12) credits from the following:12
Molecular Biology Techniques
Molecular Biology Technqus Lab
Field Biology Methods
Field Biology Methods Lab
Freshwater Ecology
Freshwater Ecology Lab
Human Anat Phys I
Human Anat & Phys I Lab
Human Anat Phys II
Human Anat Phys II Lab
Microbiology for Hlth Sciences
Microbiology Hlth Sciences Lab
Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology Lab
Entomology
Entomology Lab
Ornithology
Ornithology Lab
Intro to Paleontology
Undergraduate Research II
Advisor Approved Electives or Minor16
Total minimum credits required for degree120

 

Minor Biology

Required Courses (BIOB, BIOE, BIOM, BIOO, and NSCI are CAT III)
BIOB 160Principles of Living Systems4
BIOB 161Principles Living Systems Lab1
BIOM 250Microbiology for Hlth Sciences3
BIOM 251Microbiology Hlth Sciences Lab1
BIOO 220General Botany3
BIOO 221Gen Botany Lab2
BIOO 320General Botany II4
BIOO 321General Botany II Laboratory0
BIOO 380Zoology3
BIOO 381Zoology Lab2
BIOE 428Freshwater Ecology4
BIOE 429Freshwater Ecology Lab0
BIOB 420Evolution4
Total minimum credits required for minor30