Biology, BS

The Biology major is designed to provide a high-quality education to students looking to begin science-related careers and those planning to continue on to graduate school. The program provides students with broad training in the biological sciences, physical sciences and mathematics, while also allowing them the opportunity to focus on topics in biology that are of particular interest to them. Students receive hands-on training in the methods and technology of the discipline, build their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and participate in original research as part of the many laboratory and field courses, and the independent study, internship and study abroad opportunities that they have to choose from across our three campuses. As graduates, our students succeed in careers in the private sector, academia and all levels of government.

Student Learning Outcomes

Biology, BS Program Level Outcomes

Students will describe and explain the content knowledge of biology (cells through ecosystems) through its fundamental theories, terminology, and principles.
Students will apply the scientific method to develop hypotheses, and design and conduct laboratory or field research to address biological questions.
Students will critically review, synthesize, interpret, and assess scientific data using a variety of methods and tools.
Students will access, assess, and use available sources of information (including primary sources and databases) in the biological sciences.
Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations.
Students will be able to identify social and ethical issues in the field of Biology.

Pre-Veterinary Science Concentration Outcomes

Students will be able to describe the foundational principles of biology (cellular and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology), with a particular emphasis on these areas as they relate to the health professions.
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with basic animal anatomy and physiology laboratory equipment and techniques.
Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data, with a particular emphasis on medically relevant data.
Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases).
Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations.
Students will be able to identify and explain social and ethical issues related to medical biology.
Students will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Mortuary Science (Cooperative) Concentration Outcomes

Students will be able to describe the foundational principles of biology (cellular and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology), with a particular emphasis on these areas as they relate to the health professions.
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with basic human anatomy and physiology laboratory equipment and techniques.
Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data, with a particular emphasis on medically relevant data.
Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases).
Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations.
Students will be able to identify and explain social and ethical issues related to medical biology.
Students will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Concentration Outcomes

Students will be able to describe foundational principles of molecular biology (the role of energy in biological systems; how the structure of biological molecules relates to their function and regulation; the dynamic mechanisms underlying information storage and flow).
Students will be able to develop a hypothesis, design and conduct appropriate experiments.
Students will be able to analyze and interpret data using appropriate quantitative modeling and simulation tools.
Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases, sequence data).
Students will be able to present scientific data in an appropriate context and in a variety of ways at different levels.
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the social and ethical dimensions of science.
Students will be able to work safely alone and in an effective team.

Pre-Medical Science Concentration Outcomes

Students will be able to describe the foundational principles of biology (cellular and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, anatomy, physiology), with a particular emphasis on these areas as they relate to the health professions.
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with basic human anatomy and physiology laboratory equipment and techniques.
Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data, with a particular emphasis on medically relevant data.
Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases).
Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations .
Students will be able to identify and explain social and ethical issues related to medical biology.
Students will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Curriculum Requirements

Biology (no concentration)

Biology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Concentration

Biology, Mortuary Science (Cooperative) Concentration

Biology, Pre-Medical Science Concentration

Biology, Pre-Veterinary Science Concentration