Students planning to major in Biology, Biotechnology, Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Optometry, and Pharmacy should complete the Core Program for a Biology major. The Core Program is a two-semester series (Biology 215 and 230). This integrated program is designed to provide sufficient background and investigative skills to transfer.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and the ability to use appropriate models to solve problems.
- Apply the knowledge of biological science to distinguish between observations, inferences, relationships, and testimonials under investigation.
- Demonstrate the ability to use scientific knowledge to assess personal and environmental health.
- Use the scientific knowledge and skills necessary for active citizenship.
- Discuss and understand one area of biological science (e.g., marine mammals; emerging infectious disease)
- Demonstrate understanding of how the major groups of living organisms are related to each other and of their adaptations for survival.
- Demonstrate understanding of the major concepts in cell biology, and the experimental approaches taken to address them.
- Write clear and well-argued descriptions of topics in biological sciences, based on the course material and articles.
- Master laboratory techniques including microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, and PCR.
- Design, perform and analyze experiments in biology.
- Continue with upper division coursework in Biology.
- Use aseptic technique in clinical and laboratory environments.
- Discuss and understand the role of microorganisms in healthy individuals and in infectious diseases.
- Demonstrate understanding of the structure of the human body.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the functions of the organ systems of the human body.
- Apply the concept of homeostasis to basic principles in medicine.
- Discuss and understand the principles of cellular metabolism, molecular genetics, and immunology.