The curriculum develops students' communication skills, problem solving abilities, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking. The goal is to prepare students to be competitive for entry into post-graduate education or careers in the biological sciences. The curriculum, leading to a major in Biology , is designed to help the student understand the unifying concepts of the nature of life and to develop the laboratory skills needed for the study of organisms and the pursuit of sound scientific methodology. The major in Molecular Biology places a strong emphasis on the study of life processes at the molecular and biochemical level. During the first two years the major in Environmental Sciences provides a solid background in general biology integrated with associated science and mathematics courses.
All students take part in courses which involve essential field sampling and analysis.
During the junior and senior years students complete the major by working within either a field track or a laboratory track . The field track provides a concentration in population biology and field analysis. The laboratory track provides a concentration in advanced biology and chemistry. The major in Environmental Sciences provides an in-depth foundation in environmental concepts as well as an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of the field. All three majors have strong chemistry and physics components.