Biology is the study of living systems and how they function. Because the biological sciences have had and continue to have profound impact on questions of concern to human society - longevity, environmental quality, biotechnology - knowledge of the biological sciences is an important aspect of higher education. The mission of the Department of Biology is to advance the life sciences through research and to educate and prepare the next generations of scientists, educators, professionals, and scientifically literate citizens. Students select one of four majors: Aquatic Biology, Biology, Microbiology, or Wildlife Biology.
Biology majors take a minimum of eleven courses that include the core curriculum of functional biology, organismal biology, genetics, a biological diversity course, a physiology course, ecology, and evolution. Additional required courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics provide the broad scientific background that is foundational to biological sciences. At the sophomore level and above, a variety of courses in cellular, molecular, computational and organismal biology assure a student can attain a broad education in the biological sciences as well as a level of specialization in its subdisciplines. A minor outside the Biology Department is required for all areas of study except for the Wildlife Biology program.
The student will participate in the work of a selected biology unit (private, commercial, or governmental). A research paper, reporting the internship experience conducted at the biological unit under the supervision of a faculty member, will be required. This course may be credited toward a biology major with prior approval of the biology department adviser and chair.
