Biology, Minor

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.

Minor Requirements: 28 Credits

BIOL 200 - Intro Biology: Flow of Energy 4 credit(s)
BIOL 200L - Intro Biology: Flow of Energy Lab 0 credit(s)
BIOL 201 - Intro Biology: Flow of Information 4 credit(s)
BIOL 201L - Intro Biology: Flow of Info Lab 0 credit(s)
CHEM 220 - General Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
CHEM 230 - General Chemistry II 4 credit(s)

Biology Electives: 12 Credits

12 credits of upper-division biology classes (excluding BIOL 475 , BIOL 490 and BIOL 495 ), including at least one upper division class that includes a laboratory component. Up to 4 credits of CHEM 380 , ENV 325 , or ENV 301 may be used toward elective credits.

Total: 28 Credits

NOTE: The 12 credits of upper-division coursework must be taken at Pacific University, not transferred in.

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.