Biology

R. E. Rollin, Chair; D. R. Carter, T. M. Doan, S. L. Halkin, J. N. Jarrett,
T. Mione, B.J. Nicholson, P. Osei, C. A. Penniman, D. A. Spector,
J. T. Tessier (Dept. phone 832-2645)
 

The Biology Department has full-time faculty representing the major specializations within the broad field of biology. Copernicus Hall houses laboratories for introductory and advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and research in biology.

The department has a wide range of modern research equipment in laboratories designed for class and/or individual research studies. Specialized facilities, available for faculty and student instruction and research, include a greenhouse, herbarium, photosynthesis research laboratory, molecular genetics research laboratory, controlled environment room, computer laboratory, experimental gardens and growth chambers.

Through the academic and extracurricular opportunities which the department offers, students are prepared to understand the living world and to enter various careers in biology.

Major in Biology, B.S. (Non-Teaching)

Core (14–16 credits): BIO 121, 122, 200, 290, and either BIO 390 or 391.

(a) General Biology (32 total credits in Biology required)

Core, plus 16–18 credits of any other 200-level or higher BIO or BMS courses. Please note that upper-level BMS courses require BMS 201, which can count as an elective in the General Biology major. Other electives may be approved at the discretion of the department chair. In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 210, 211, 212, 213; and PHYS 121, 122 are also required.

This program includes consideration of all the major concepts and areas of biology. Students are encouraged to see connections in biological processes from the standpoint of all sciences. Students may select different courses to build on the knowledge gained in their first and second years of study and design a biology curriculum that suits their interests. With this degree, students may enter a variety of careers in research, health-related fields, industry or graduate study.

(b) Specialization in Ecology, Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (32 total credits in Biology required)

Core, plus 13–15 credits as follows: One of BIO 302, 405, 434, 440, 480; one of BIO 315, 321, 322, 326, 327, 420, 425, 444; any advanced courses in the E/B/E Group (see list below). In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 210, 211, 212, 213; and PHYS 121, 122 are also required.

This specialization emphasizes ecological and evolutionary processes integrated with study of organismal diversity. Students will develop an understanding of the processes that influence relationships among organisms and interactions with their environments through selected courses and individual research projects. This program will prepare students for careers with government agencies (e.g., conservation, fisheries and wildlife management, forestry), nongovernmental organizations, environmental education groups and the environmental industry. In addition, students will be prepared for graduate studies in fields such as ecology, evolution, animal behavior, natural resources management or marine and aquatic biology.

E/B/E Group

Course  Credits

BIO 302  Evolutionary & Ecological Genetics  3
BIO 315  Microbial Ecology  4

BIO 321   Marine Invertebrate Zoology   4

BIO 322   Vertebrate Zoology   4

BIO 326   Mushrooms, Mosses & More   4

BIO 327   Vascular Plants   4

BIO 405   Ecology   4

BIO 410   Ecological Physiology   4

BIO 420   Ornithology   4

BIO 425   Aquatic Plant Biology   4

BIO 434   Ecology of Inland Waters  4

BIO 436   Environmental Resources and Management   3

BIO 438   Aquatic Pollution   4

BIO 440   Evolution   3

BIO 444   Plant Taxonomy   3

BIO 470   Field Studies in Biology   1–4

BIO 480   Animal Behavior   3

BIO 481   Skeletal Biology   4

BIO 488   Animal Behavior Laboratory   2

BIO 489   Vertebrate Dissection   2

BIO 490   Topics in Biology**   3–4

BIO 491   Advanced Studies in Biology**   1–3

BIO 499   Undergraduate Thesis in Biology**   1

**with a topic focus approved by the E/B/E faculty advisor.
 

(c) Specialization in Environmental Science (28–32 total credits in Biology required)

Core, plus 14–16 credits as follows: Either BIO 436 or 438; one of BIO 315, 321, 322, 326, 327, 420, 425, 444, one of BIO 410, 412/413, 449/450; either BIO 405 or 434. In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 210, 211, 212, 213, 301, 406; either ESCI 121/123 or 450; and PHYS 121, 122 are also required.

This specialization offers students a strong biology core curriculum and added multidisciplinary strengths in environmental science. The program provides students with a foundation in organismal biology, ecology, environmental chemistry, earth science and environmental management in order to give an understanding of environmental issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. The program has particular strengths in plant and animal organismal biology and aquatic (freshwater and estuarine) ecology. The specialization prepares students for careers in environmental science and natural resource management with government agencies, nongovernmental organization and the environmental industry, or for graduate studies in these areas.

Major in Biology, B.S. (Certifiable for teaching grades 7–12)

37 credits in Biology as follows: BIO 121, 122, 200, 290, 390; one of BIO 321, 322, 420, 481; one of BIO 326, 327, 425, 444; one of BIO 302, 315, BMS 306, 316; one of BIO 318, 319, 410, 412/413, 449/450. At least one course in BIO or BMS must be at the 400-level. Please note that upper-level BMS courses require BMS 201, which can count as an elective in the Biology major. In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 250; PHYS 121, 122; and Professional Education courses EDTE 316, EDF 415, SPED 315, EDSC 425, 435, SCI 416, 417, 419, and RDG 440 are required.

This specialization is designed for students who wish to teach biology at the secondary level. The program includes consideration of all major concepts and areas of biology. Within some of the areas, students may select different courses to build on knowledge gained in their first and second years of study. Students are continuously encouraged to see connections in biological events from the standpoint of all sciences. The specialization also includes a professional education component. Because of the breadth of required courses, it is also possible for students in secondary education to enter a variety of other careers in research, health and industry, as well as graduate study.

A student who majors in biology is not required to complete a minor but is urged to minor in one of the other laboratory sciences or General Science.

Portfolio Requirement

All majors in the Department of Biological Sciences are required to complete a Student Portfolio. Minimally, the Student Portfolio must include a current resume, a current Student Graduation Evaluation (available from the Biology Department) or transcript, a narrative describing the student’s goals for undergraduate education and graduate educational or career plans, and writing samples from one or more upper-level courses in the major. To fulfill the Portfolio Requirement in Biology, the Student Portfolio must be reviewed with one or more faculty members in Biology as a course requirement in BIO 200, as a required component of BIO 390, 391, 491, and all independent studies and internships, and prior to application for graduation, as evidenced by submission of a Portfolio Requirement Completed form (available from the Biology Department and signed by the major advisor) to the Biology Chair.

Minor in Biology (Certifiable for secondary teaching)

20 credits in biology (for those with a major in Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Sciences) as follows. BIO 121, 122, 200, and 8 credits in BIO at the 300- or 400-level. In addition, SCI 416, 417, and 419; MATH 125 and CHEM 121 are required. Those with a major in any other discipline should consult with the department chair about the specific requirements for the minor.

Major in General Science with Specialization in Biology, B.S. (Acceptable for certification in elementary education)

39–42 credits. For course listing, see major in General Science, page 66.

For certification in elementary education, Complementary Subject Matter Area in Biology:

18 credits, as follows: BIO 121, 122, 200; 6 credits from BIO 100, 101, 120, 132/133, 150, 321, 322, 326, 327 and any 300- or 400-level biology course; at least 3 credits must be at the 300-level or higher. Please consult with the School of Education and Professional Studies concerning additional requirements for dual subject programs and interdisciplinary majors.

Major in General Science with Specialization in Environmental Interpretation, B.S.

53–57 credits. For course listing, see major in General Science, page 66.

Minor in Biology (Non-Teaching)

20 credits in Biology, including BIO 121, 122, 200, and 8 credits of BIO electives at the 300- or 400-level.