Biological and Environmental Sciences

Department Chair: Stam, Mersfelder

Professors: Anderson, Stam

Associate Professor: Larson

Assistant Professor: Mersfelder

Instructors: Heym, Sewell

The biological and environmental sciences cover a wide range of topics, approaches and technological applications. These extend from biochemistry and molecular biology to ecology and ecosystem science. Biological scientists work as practitioners, teachers, and researchers. Practitioners apply biological knowledge to solve day-to-day problems. Examples are physicians, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, conservation officers, forensic scientists, pharmaceutical sales representatives, and technical representatives. Teachers who are biological scientists work at all levels from elementary schools through universities, and may also be involved in educational administration or non-formal institutions such as museums and zoological parks. Biological researchers in industry, government, and academia create and develop new knowledge for its pure scientific value or for immediate commercial application. This may include study of the human genome, molecules involved in cell development or death, or ways to reproduce endangered species; or it may involve development of new cancer drugs, genetic variants of crops, or design of surgical equipment.

The department offers a wide array of majors, many of which can be tailored to individual student needs. Majors offered include biology (for students interested in pursuing dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant programs, graduate school degrees, and entering the job market immediately), pre-med biology (for students interested in medicine), pre-occupational therapy (preparing students for a clinical master’s degree), pre-physical therapy, and environmental science (see the separate alphabetical listing for this program). Minors are available in biology and environmental science.

Biology Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with the B.A. in Biology will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the core areas of biology including molecular, genetic, microbiological, organismal, evolutionary, and ecological as they apply to the diverse nature of the field

2. Retrieve, critically evaluate, and explain information from the relevant scientific literature.

3. Use the scientific method to formulate research questions and hypotheses.

4. Use appropriate data collection and computational analysis tools (including laboratory equipment and statistical analyses) to collect and analyze scientific data individually and collaboratively.

5. Communicate biological information effectively and appropriately for the discipline to different audiences in multiple formats.

6. Conduct actions and experiments responsibly and ethically.