The goal of this curricular reform is to move away from science as mere memorization of facts and to move toward developing a science student s problem solving, critical thinking, and creative skills. By broadening the techniques used in science education, our faculty are able to transform biology students into true biologists. I n biology, one never knows where the answers will come from. For example, the problem of environmental pollution effects every level of biology and can be approached from each level in different ways. Students at Southwestern look at biology from all points of view and work on building a solid foundation and receiving broad training in all the areas of biology.
Many schools allow students to specialize very early.
Specializing too early may close doors and narrow the problem solving capabilities of the students enrolled in these programs. The Southwestern chapter of Tri-Beta is one of the founding chapters of the national organization. The mission of the organization is to promote research and scholarship as well as fellowship between the students and the biology faculty. Southwestern s chapter is primarily responsible for the campus recycling program and Earth Day festivities. In addition they run a science education program in cooperation with local grade school kids.