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Undergraduate Studies

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The Biology Department considers a basic understanding of biological systems to be an essential skill in our increasingly technological society and offers a range of courses for both biology majors and non-majors.

Courses are designed to promote scientific literacy and a sophisticated understanding of complex biological systems.  Our courses introduce students to living systems at various levels of organization, with topics ranging from the molecular basis of cellular function, to the coordination of organ systems in the physiology of organisms, to the interactions of organisms with each other and the environment. The importance of research and experimentation in biology is stressed throughout the curriculum, which includes both lab courses and research experiences.

The Biology Department offers two undergraduate degrees - the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program. The Biology and Chemistry Departments also jointly administer a Biochemistry B.S. degree.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Biology Department expects our majors to acquire the following skills:

  • Students will understand the core concepts of Biology:
    • Evolution
    • Cellular Structure & Function
    • Information Transfer & Gene Expression
    • Energy Transformation
    • Systems & Organismal Biology

  • Students will apply the process of science through observation, experimentation and hypothesis testing.

  • Students will be able to use quantitative reasoning in the analysis of dynamic biological systems.

  • Students will use bioinformatics and databases to study biological processes.

  • Students will understand and practice the ethics surrounding scientific research.