Overview
Mission Statement
The Biology Department strives to provide an education in biology of the highest possible quality. The biology curriculum offers career preparation, preparation for further study, and an introduction to biological concepts and scientific reasoning in the liberal arts tradition.
Prospective Graduate School Students
Students planning to attend graduate school should consider a research internship during the summer after their sophomore and/or junior years. Prospective graduate school students should complete all courses required for the biology major, PLUS either Option 1 or Option 2 below:
Option 1 – For an emphasis in Environmental or Organismal Biology
Option 2 – For an emphasis in Cell Biology or Physiology
Strongly recommended courses for students considering graduate school:
Plan of Study
Students who have a strong academic background that includes preparation in chemistry and/or math, and who are fairly confident in pursuing a career in science are encouraged to follow the first 4-year plan. Students who have a weaker academic background with less preparation in chemistry and/or math, and who are less confident in pursuing a career in science are encouraged to follow the second 4-year plan. Electives should be chosen in consultation with your advisor, and may be taken at different semesters than those shown below depending on your choice, goals, and odd or even years. Additional electives may be useful for some career goals.
Option 1
Freshman Year
Fall
| BIOL 150 | Introduction to Biology I (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
| CHEM 133 | General Chemistry I (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
Spring
| BIOL 151 | Introduction to Biology II (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
| CHEM 134 | General Chemistry II (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
Sophomore Year
Fall
| BIOL 201 | Biology Orientation | 1 |
| CHEM 133 | General Chemistry I (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
| Biology Elective 1 (BIOL 208, BIOL 304, or BIOL 308) | |
Spring
| CHEM 134 | General Chemistry II (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
| Biology Elective 2 (BIOL 216, BIOL 306, BIOL 310, BIOL 412, or BIOL 435) | |
Junior Year
Fall
Spring
Senior Year
Fall
| BIOL 445 | Biology Seminar I | 1 |
| Biology Elective 3 (BIOL 304, BIOL 308, or BIOL 312) | |
Spring
Option 2
Freshman Year
Fall
| BIOL 150 | Introduction to Biology I (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
| PHYS 143 | College Physics I (Lec/Lab) | 4/1 |
Spring
Sophomore Year
Fall
| BIOL 201 | Biology Orientation | 1 |
| Biology Elective 1 (BIOL 208, BIOL 304, or BIOL 308) | |
| CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry I (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
Spring
Junior Year
Fall
Spring
| BIOL 430 | Genetics (Lec/Lab) | 4/1 |
| or | |
| BIOL 442 | Evolution (Lec/Lab) | 3/1 |
| | |
| Biology Elective 2 (BIOL 216, BIOL 306, BIOL 310, BIOL 412, or BIOL 435) | |
Senior Year
Fall
| Biology Elective 3 (BIOL 304, BIOL 308, or BIOL 312) | |
| BIOL 445 | Biology Seminar I | 1 |
Spring
Outcomes
Upon completion of the biology major, the student will be able to:
- Explain and apply the vocabulary, fundamental principles, and theories of the major areas of biology (cell and molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, ecology and evolution)
- Choose and safely use appropriate laboratory and field techniques and equipment
- Design and recognize an effective scientific study and demonstrate understanding of the process by which scientific concepts are evaluated, modified, and become accepted
- Identify relevant sources of information and evaluate their credibility
- Evaluate the quality of evidence supporting a hypothesis or theory and critically analyze, integrate, and draw conclusions from multiple lines of evidence
- Communicate precisely and analytically in scientific written and oral formats
- Make intellectual connections between biology and other disciplines and apply an interdisciplinary and ethical approach to challenges facing individuals, communities, and societies