B.S. in Biology

Biology focuses on the study of life from the whole organism to the molecular level and emphasizes understanding species and their genetics, development, evolution and interaction with a dynamic environment. Biology is a multidisciplinary program for students interested in the full range of biology professions.

Students become well grounded in math, science and technology as well as a common core of biology topics. The four tracks provide in depth studies and opportunities for research and internships that prepare students for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, medically-related research, graduate and professional studies, or joining the business and industry work force.

Biochemistry Track. In this track students investigate life sciences at the molecular level. This interdisciplinary investigation prepares students for graduate and professional schooling in molecular level science, medicine, and pharmacy and a multitude of employment opportunities in the chemical, pharmaceutical and health professions as well as service in the science and technology sector of local, state and federal government. View program plan (PDF).
Cell Biology and Biotechnology Track. This track is a multidisciplinary program for students interested in professional programs such as medical, dental, or pharmacy school, or graduate school in cell biology or biotechnology. This program is also ideally suited for students interested in the full range of biotechnology professions. View program plan (PDF).
General Biology Track. This track is for students interested in the full range of environmental biology professions. In addition, this program is ideally suited for students interested in secondary education or in graduate school in organismal biology or environmental biology. View program plan (PDF).
Biology Teacher Certification Track. This track is for students interested in teaching biology at the secondary level, grades 8-12. With a major in biology, they will also be prepared to enter the broader workforce and to pursue graduate or professional school. View program plan (PDF).

View the course catalog requirements for biology (PDF).

Student Learning Outcomes

Core

Effectively and clearly communicate scientific information in written and oral form.
Use library and internet resources to gather, organize, and understand scientific information.
Collect, present and analyze scientific data gathered in the laboratory.
Understand basic chemistry and math and apply them to a study of the life sciences.
Know the structures and functions of cells.
Know the structures and functions of biomolecules (DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates).

Biochimistry

Apply appropriate biological, chemical and physical concepts to the study of life sciences at the molecular level.
Safely and effectively perform common biochemistry laboratory techniques, procedures, and experiments and analyze results.
Design procedures to investigate problems in biochemistry.

General Biology

Understand the structure-function relationships at all levels of organization of living organisms (molecules → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism → population → ecosystem).
Understand the organization, diversity, and interdependence of living organisms.
Understand and gain an appreciation for the applications of the life sciences in society.

Cell Biology and Biotechnology

Know the difference in the structures and function between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and understand the diversity within these major cell types.
Understand the use of cells and biomaterials in biotechnology.
Understand the capabilities of biotechnology in Society, as well as its technical and ethical limitations.

Biology/teacher Certification

Implement the scientific method by designing or revising appropriate experiments or demonstrations to
address biological concepts.
Discuss biological concepts of real world issues and the importance of biology to society.
Satisfy the 12 candidate outcomes identified for the teacher education unit.