Biology

The Biology Department has as its aim the education of broadly trained biologists who are well grounded in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and have command of the written and spoken word. Emphasis is placed on understanding basic principles and concepts in biology, and the application of those principles through analysis of data and synthesis of information learned in the classroom and the research laboratory. The Biology program has always been known as a training ground for individuals pursuing professional careers in the life sciences. Many graduates from the majors offered by the Biology Department have gone on to professional schools, pursued graduate studies, or entered the work force directly in academic, government, clinical, and industrial labs. This requires that our students be prepared to face the challenges of a competitive world. To help them meet these challenges the Department of Biology has established a strong advising program. Faculty commitment to academic advising and accessibility of faculty advisors to students exemplifies the institutional mission of cura personalis.

The biology department's faculty and staff members are scientists, scholars, educators, mentors and advisers who are eager to engage in research and support students throughout their journey in the ever-evolving field of life sciences.

Department of Biology Faculty & Staff

The GEP requires that all students take EITHER one semester of a lab-based natural science course (6 contact hours) OR two semesters of lecture-only natural science courses. Students who wish to satisfy the natural science GEP by completing courses in Biology may do so by taking the first semester of the Biology majors, lab-based course sequence, BIO 101, or one of the lab-based, one-semester courses for non-science majors, like BIO 165. Alternatively, students may fulfill one or both semesters of the natural science GEP by completing one or two of the special one-semester lecture-only Biology courses designed for non-science majors listed below.

Non-science majors Biology GEP lecture-only courses
BIO 160Heredity and Evolution3
BIO 161Human Organism3
BIO 162Plants and Civilization3
Non-science majors Biology GEP lab-based courses
BIO 165Exploring the Living World4

Undergraduate Majors

Undergraduate Minor

Undergraduate Certificate

Graduate

Graduate Certificate