Department of Biological and Physical Sciences
Biology
Biological Sciences offers courses designed to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of fundamental knowledge in the sciences. It also prepares students for teaching, professional careers, and the pre-professional studies of medicine, dentistry and other fields requiring a scientific background.
The curriculum in biology is designed to expose the student to a broad, fundamental understanding of the biological, chemical and physical sciences. The program is also designed to provide student experiences with applications of scientific principles so as to develop skills in problem solving. Students successfully completing this program will be prepared to pursue further studies and careers in medicine, dentistry, allied health, biomedical sciences, agri-sciences, environmental sciences, and other fields requiring a scientific background.
Biology Majors and Minors
Biology- The curriculum in biology is designed to expose students to a broad, fundamental understanding of the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. The program is also designed to provide students with applications of scientific principles so as to develop skills in problem solving. Students successfully completing this program will be prepared to pursue further studies and careers in medicine, dentistry, allied health, biomedical sciences, agri-sciences, environmental sciences, and other fields requiring a scientific background. Students selecting biology as a minor are required to complete a minimum of twenty semester hours in biology including Biology 150 and 151.
Teaching of Biology - The program in the teaching of biology is structured to meet the needs of students who wish to teach biology and general science in middle and secondary schools. In addition to the basic features necessary for teacher preparation, the program's interdisciplinary design also provides opportunities for the pursuit of employment and study in biology and related fields as well as science education.
Policy and Objectives
All students are required to earn at least a grade of C in each of their major courses attempted. Students majoring in biology, chemistry, or physics are required to have a minor, e.g., chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental science.
The program and course offerings in the Department of Biological Sciences undergird the goals of the School of Arts and Humanities. The objective of these course offerings are to provide appropriate learning experiences that enable students:
- To understand the fundamental importance of science in daily life through basic, general course offerings;
- To develop an appreciation for the natural sciences and scientific endeavors;
- To develop scientific attitudes and skills in evaluating and problem solving as a basis for pursuing knowledge;
- To pursue research opportunities in the natural sciences;
- To obtain basic, quality training necessary for entering medical and allied health careers; and
- To obtain training necessary to become professional scientists, science teachers, or pursue advanced graduate work.
