Biology Major

Please refer to the Science  section of this catalog.

Biology entails the study of the entire process of life from its beginning, through its development, reproduction, and to its cessation and decay. Many of the new developments and discoveries in this dynamic field are the result of interdisciplinary cooperation between biologists, chemists, physicists, and computer scientists. These researchers have added considerably to our understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms of living systems at cellular, molecular, organismic, population, and ecological levels.

Career opportunities for those who major in biology are numerous. Besides being one of the traditional preparatory fields for those pursuing careers as health care professionals, biology is an excellent choice of major for those interested in secondary education or in the burgeoning genetic engineering industry. And, of course, the areas of academic and industrial research are open to those who pursue a PhD in the discipline.

Learning Outcomes of the Program in Biology

The biology major aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to effectively engage and evaluate biological issues and innovations in the wider world, and to prepare them as leaders in research, biotechnology, and health-related career fields.

A biology major should be able to:

1. Understand foundational scientific principles and findings in the student’s major field of biology.
2. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by developing specific hypotheses and designing controlled experiments to test those hypotheses.
3. Read, understand, and critique original research articles.