Biology, B.A./B.S.

Professors: Sarah Boomer, Erin Baumgartner, Bryan Dutton, Karen Haberman, Michael LeMaster
Associate professors: Michael Baltzley, Ava Howard, Kristin Latham-Scott

Mission

Prepare students for careers in biology and science education and admission to graduate and professional schools in the life and health sciences. We also promote the understanding of biology as an essential part of a liberal arts education and of global citizenship.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate mastery of key concepts from the many disciplines within the biological sciences.
Demonstrate critical thinking through laboratory experimentation, field research, data analysis and interpretation.
Apply concepts and skills from multiple courses to engage in advanced studies and research.

Core Courses

BI 211 Principles of Biology Credits: 5
BI 212 Principles of Biology Credits: 5
BI 213 Principles of Biology Credits: 5
BI 314 Introductory Genetics Credits: 4
BI 315 Cell Biology Credits: 4
BI 316 Evolution Credits: 4
BI 331 General Microbiology Credits: 4
BI 357 General Ecology Credits: 4
CH 221 General Chemistry Credits: 5
CH 222 General Chemistry Credits: 5
CH 223 General Chemistry Credits: 5

Choose One Field Biology Course

BI 317 Vertebrate Natural History Credits: 4
BI 321 Systematic Field Botany Credits: 4
BI 361 Marine Ecology Credits: 5
BI 451 Invertebrate Zoology Credits: 5
BI 454 Plant Ecology Credits: 5
BI 474 Biology of Insects Credits: 5

Choose One Plant Biology Course

BI 321 Systematic Field Botany Credits: 4
BI 330 Plant Physiology Credits: 5
BI 340 Plant Nutrition Credits: 4
BI 371 Structure of Seed Plants Credits: 4
BI 454 Plant Ecology Credits: 5

Choose One Focus Area

Total Credits: 74-107

Note:

All biology majors must complete MTH 112 (or MTH 251 or MTH 252 ) and MTH 243 . Additional MTH courses are required for some focuses.

BI 406 credit may be substituted for one course in the selected focus with pre-approval of the student’s biology adviser.

Each course can fulfill only one specified requirement within the major.

Biology Program:

Biology majors, regardless of the focus, are required to maintain a C average in courses that are used to satisfy biology degree requirements.
Students graduating in the various focuses of the Biology major are required to take a standardized exit exam in their last year.