The goals of the Biology Department are to ensure scientific literacy and to strengthen scientific competence. The department aims to prepare students for careers in the biological sciences and for entry into graduate and health-related professional schools. As a result of completing a major in biology, the student will be able to demonstrate critical and logical thinking skills and scientific habits of mind. The teacher preparation program incorporates knowledge and skills for teaching the major subject.
Coursework integrates general, content, professional and pedagogical knowledge.
A Secondary Teacher Preparation Program is offered by the Education Department as a minor program to be combined with the major program in Biology. Students should consult with the Chairperson of the Department of Education as well as with their assigned academic advisor in the Biology Department. All comprehensive examinations must be taken in order to qualify for departmental honors. The major program is designed to provide a sound foundation for those students planning to enter medical, dental, or other allied health professional schools or planning to attend graduate school in the biological or biomedical sciences. The program also provides the required field specific content for Teacher Certification.