Biology Major (TAS)
Mission Statement
The biology major provides students with a broad foundation in the biological sciences, with coursework in subdisciplines such as microbiology, cell biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Theoretical concepts, applications, and laboratory skills are acquired throughout the major, and students gain proficiency in data analysis, and oral and written forms of communication. Opportunities for field studies and independent research projects are available in a variety of areas. Students completing the program are prepared to pursue graduate and professional school programs in biology and related fields, or enter directly into careers that require an extensive understanding of modern biology.
Program Goals
Graduates should be able to:
- gain a broad background in the biological, physical sciences and mathematics.
- develop a broad array of laboratory and research skills.
- learn to read, understand and evaluate biological literature.
- develop an understanding of the scope of modern biology, and in-depth knowledge in a selected number of biological subjects.
- acquire quantitative skills pertinent to biological data analysis.
- develop an understanding of biology within societal perspectives.
Students who complete the biology program will have:
- a wide ranging knowledge of biology and the ability to apply that knowledge in a problem-solving environment [all].
- an appreciation that organisms are related to each other in time and space, share processes by which information is coded and transmitted, and live in complex, fragile, interacting ecosystems [BIOL 110, 112, 221 (or ENSC 210), 356; GEOL 326 (elective)*].
- proficiency in basic laboratory skills common to biology and chemistry, such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, cell culture and volumetric and gravimetric methodologies [BIOL 110, 112, 331, 349, 406, CHEM 110/111, 112/113, 210/211, 212/213, PHYS 110, 112*], as well as basic computational skills [BIOL 406*].
- the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, to both biologists and non-biologists, in oral and written form [BIOL 110, 356, 357, 400*]
- an understanding of the principles of experimental design and data analysis, and be able to formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems [BIOL 110, 400, 406, and ENSC 345 or PSYC 242]*.
- had opportunities to conduct research projects as part of upper level coursework, as independent research in collaboration with faculty, or as part of an appropriate cooperative education assignment outside the college [BIIN 351, 430, BIOL 321, 331, 388, 400, 406, ENSC 416]*, as well as opportunities to take field courses which provide direct exposure to natural biological systems [BIOL 205, 235, 321, ENSC 210, 416]*.
* Check the College Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
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Assessment of student learning is done by comparing the first laboratory report in Fundamentals of Biology and the last laboratory report in the Cellular and Molecular Biology course. We also evaluate writing from term papers from the Evolution course.
Students are encouraged in the spring of their senior year to take the Major Field Test in Biology, which is provided by The Educational Testing Service. This test is used by many colleges and universities to measure the academic growth and achievement of their majors.
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Additional Information
Combined Programs:
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