Biology

Daniel Smith, PhD, Chair

Objectives

Biology is the study of life at all levels, from the molecular to the global. A vital part of liberal education, knowledge of biology provides insights into the nature of the human body, social structure and behavior, as well as the ecological interrelationships, genetics and evolution, physiological functions, cellular and molecular processes of all living things.

Emphasizing laboratory and field work, the bachelor of science in biology is designed to prepare students for careers in the life sciences, for graduate work in basic and applied research and for professional careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and teaching. Working within the general requirements of the biology major, it is possible to structure your course work to create programs with an emphasis in ecology, marine biology, cellular and molecular biology, zoology, or microbiology.

The bachelor of arts major in biology is designed for those students who would like to incorporate a biology degree into a broader liberal arts education or for those students who plan to integrate a background in biology into a related career path. The program will offer the students exposure to the breadth of the field of biology and still allow them the opportunity to combine their science training with expanded course work in other disciplines. Possible multi-disciplinary combinations could prepare students for careers in science writing or illustration, genetic counseling, environmental policy, or business in the biotechnology industry.

The bachelor of arts major in biology with a specialization in humanities for teaching is a program designed to prepare students for a career in science teaching. A full description of this program can be found in the introductory pages to the College of Science and Engineering .

Students specifically interested in premedical, pre-dental, or pre-veterinary medicine should also consult the pre-professional section of this Catalog.