Biology, BS

Introduction

Biology is in the midst of revolutionary changes that are reshaping how we study and understand life. The Biology Department embraces these changes, which are reflected in our curriculum. Our mission is to provide the highest quality education to our students so they achieve their greatest potential. We endeavor to give students relevant, authentic experiences and to encourage their development as scientists. We highly value mentoring undergraduate researchers and student involvement in civic engagement and outreach. Although we serve many pre-health professions students, we care deeply about providing a broad biology education in a liberal arts context.

Admissions

Program Length

Four years for a complete BS degree. Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree. Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

Our curriculum is guided by these goals:

Students will demonstrate deep understanding of five core concepts in biology: evolution; pathways and transformations of energy and matter; information flow, exchange, and storage; structure and function; and biological systems.
Students will use the standard skills and methodologies of biology to answer scientific questions.
Students will apply the scientific method, reasoning and appropriate mathematics to describe, explain and understand biological systems.
Students will use interdisciplinary approaches (applying chemistry, physics, and mathematics to biology) to work on biological problems.
Students effectively will read, write, speak and understand scientific material.
Students will collaborate and communicate within biology and across disciplines.
Students will apply science to issues facing our society.

Students may not receive a degree in both biology and environmental science with a biology emphasis. Though not a requirement for a Biology major, it is strongly recommended that Biology majors include CS 130; a statistics course and independent research is highly recommended for students planning to pursue graduate studies in biology.

Baccalaureate Degree Core

Baccalaureate Degree Core Requirements

Major Requirements

Additional Upper-Division BIOL Elective Credits: 8 Credits

(excluding BIOL 475 )

Up to 2 credits of BIOL 495 may be used toward elective credits
Up to 4 credits of CHEM 380 or ENV 424 may be used toward elective credits
If BIOL 313 , BIOL 315 , and BIOL 317 are completed, one may be counted toward elective credits.

One Course From Each of the Following Pairs: 8 Credits

PHY 202 - Introductory Physics I 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 232W - Gen Physics I-Workshop Phys I 4 credit(s)
PHY 204 - Introductory Physics II 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 242 - General Physics II-Workshop Physics II 4 credit(s)

Total: 60 Credits

Restrictions:

Upper division biology coursework taken during study abroad may be applied to the major but must be approved by the department.
Students cannot double-major in Biology and Environmental Science with a Biology Emphasis.