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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General Education Core | 33 | |
Common Science Core | ||
BIOB 160 | Principles of Living Systems | 4 |
BIOB 161 | Principles Living Systems Lab | 1 |
BIOO 220 | General Botany | 3 |
BIOO 221 | Gen Botany Lab | 2 |
BIOO 380 | Zoology | 3 |
BIOO 381 | Zoology Lab | 2 |
CHMY 141 | College Chemistry I | 5 |
CHMY 142 | College Chemistry Lab I | 0 |
CHMY 143 | College Chemistry II | 5 |
CHMY 144 | College Chemistry Lab II | 0 |
PHSX 205 | College Physics I | 3 |
PHSX 206 | College Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
PHSX 207 | College Physics II | 3 |
PHSX 208 | College Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
Required Program Courses | ||
BIOE 370 | General Ecology | 4 |
BIOE 371 | General Ecology Lab | 0 |
BIOB 485 | Molecular Biology and Genetics | 4 |
BIOB 486 | Molecular Biology Genetics Lab | 0 |
CHMY 321 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHMY 322 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
STAT 216 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
BIOB 420 | Evolution | 4 |
NSCI 450 | Undergraduate Research I | 3 |
COMX 111 | Intro to Public Speaking | 3 |
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 Minor | 16 | |
Total minimum credits required for degree | 120 |
Minor Biology
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses (BIOB, BIOE, BIOM, BIOO, and NSCI are CAT III) | ||
BIOB 160 | Principles of Living Systems | 4 |
BIOB 161 | Principles Living Systems Lab | 1 |
BIOM 250 | Microbiology for Hlth Sciences | 3 |
BIOM 251 | Microbiology Hlth Sciences Lab | 1 |
BIOO 220 | General Botany | 3 |
BIOO 221 | Gen Botany Lab | 2 |
BIOO 320 | General Botany II | 4 |
BIOO 321 | General Botany II Laboratory | 0 |
BIOO 380 | Zoology | 3 |
BIOO 381 | Zoology Lab | 2 |
BIOE 428 | Freshwater Ecology | 4 |
BIOE 429 | Freshwater Ecology Lab | 0 |
BIOB 420 | Evolution | 4 |
Total minimum credits required for minor | 30 |