Department of Biology

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Faculty

Mission Statement

The primary mission of the Department of Biology is to provide a high quality educational experience to students that will enable them to make informed decisions about scientific issues, gain the necessary skills for continuing intellectual growth, and develop a desire for lifelong learning. Biology majors are provided with a basic foundation in the biological and physical sciences with a strong appreciation of research, the nature of living organisms, mechanisms of life functions, and the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment. Focused concentrations within the curriculum offer options of either specializing for immediate employment upon graduation, or preparing for post-graduation education. The program serves the University by supporting course work for other disciplines and the general education requirements. This mission is achieved by maintaining small class sizes, facilitating participatory learning, and encouraging students to work closely with faculty.

Educational Outcomes

1. Biology graduates will have an understanding of fundamental biological concepts, theories, and phenomena.
2. Biology graduates will understand the theory of, and be able to apply, the scientific method in a biology setting.
3. Biology graduates will be competent in selected techniques and equipment commonly used in field and laboratory studies.
4. Biology graduates will be proficient in analytical, critical, and creative thinking, and have proficiency in core communication skills.
5. Biology graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in the biological sciences or admission into graduate or professional programs.

Programs

• Biology, B.A.

• Biology, B.S.
• Biology, Chiropractic, B.S.
• Biology, Pre-Professional, B.S.
• Comprehensive Science (9-12) Education, B.S.

• Biology, Pre-Nursing, A.S.

• Biology Minor
• Chemistry Minor

• Pre-Health Professional Advisory Programs

• Secondary Education, Comprehensive Science, M.A.T.

Courses

• BIOL 101 - General Biology I
• BIOL 102 - General Biology II
• BIOL 105 - Introduction to Biological Sciences
• BIOL 201 - Principles of Ecology
• BIOL 210 - Biological Evolution
• BIOL 211 - Environmental Science
• BIOL 221 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 222 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIOL 270 - Plant Diversity
• BIOL 299 - Special Topics
• BIOL 320 - Limnology
• BIOL 325 - Introduction to Biochemistry
• BIOL 335 - Animal Behavior
• BIOL 341 - Microbiology
• BIOL 345 - Vertebrate Natural History
• BIOL 350 - Plant Physiology
• BIOL 360 - Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
• BIOL 370 - Invertebrate Zoology
• BIOL 391 - Seminar
• BIOL 392 - Directed Research
• BIOL 399 - Special Topics
• BIOL 401 - Genetics
• BIOL 420 - Wetlands Biology
• BIOL 430 - Marine Biology
• BIOL 472 - Methods and Materials for Teaching High School Biology
• BIOL 491 - Senior Seminar
• BIOL 492 - Directed Research
• BIOL 493 - Cooperative Internship Experience
• BIOL 494 - Cooperative Internship Presentation
• BIOL 499 - Special Topics

• CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 275 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 276 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 325 - Introduction to Biochemistry
• CHEM 460 - Chemical Analysis
• CHEM 493 - Cooperative Internship Experience
• CHEM 494 - Cooperative Internship Presentation

• PHYS 101 - General Physics I
• PHYS 102 - General Physics II
• PHYS 105 - Earth Science
• PHYS 203 - Advanced General Physics I
• PHYS 204 - Advanced General Physics II
• PHYS 491 - Seminar
• PHYS 492 - Directed Research

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