The accurate dissemination of knowledge about the diversity of nature is seen as an integral component of a liberal arts education, which seeks to better understand the broad panoply of human experience. Building upon that background, biology majors will be provided with opportunities for lecture, laboratory, library and teaching experience, with the aim of securing for them a solid background in the biological sciences. The department is committed to providing its majors with adequate preparation for entry into graduate and professional programs, as well as with competence in laboratory, oral, and organizational skills for entry into the workplace. Biology majors are considered partners in the learning process, and as such are expected to demonstrate an attitude of helpful cooperation in the department in their quest to acquire knowledge. To declare a Biology major, students must have achieved a 2.3 GPA or better in BI 101, BI 201, and BI 231.
Many career opportunities await the students who choose to major in Biology.
All the different paths start with a similar science core. This highly prescriptive BS degree requires the necessary depth and breadth in preparatory undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics needed for entry into graduate biology programs or professional schools. It is the responsibility of students to acquire information on the graduate or professional schools of their choice to determine specific program entry requirements to facilitate admission to those programs. The BA allows greater flexibility in the choice of undergraduate courses while still ensuring that an introductory level of knowledge in the Natural Sciences is maintained. This BA also provides an alternative choice for students who may wish to sample some of the depth required in the BS degree while at the same time establishing further background in courses of interest outside of the Natural Sciences Division.