Apr 27, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology B.S.


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The Bachelor of Science in Biology gives students a comprehensive understanding of the realm of living beings, as well as a strong foundation for graduate study, professional service, and career advancement.  the biology curriculum instills in students a deeper respect for all life forms, an understanding of the connection between all forms of life, the similarities between all life at the biochemical level, and the relationships between organisms in the evolution of life on Earth. 

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Biology may choose to specialize in one of three concentrations:  Ecology and Evolution, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, or Organismal Biology.

Program Outcomes:

  1. Students will be able to explain biological phenomena and concepts in oral, written and visual formats that reflect standards and professionalism.
  2. Students will be able to independently propose scientific question, design and execute experimental procedures, and collect and organize data sets.
  3. Students will be able to search and evaluate the scientific literature.
  4. Students will be able to critically analyze and solve quantitative and conceptual questions.
  5. Students will be able to apply scientific method to answer hypothesis-driven questions.
  6. Students will be able to methodically interpret scientific data sets and propose conclusions clearly and effectively.

Core Curriculum


In addition, all students must fulfill the college’s core curriculum  requirements and meet the 120 credit graduation requirement.  The First Year Experience (FYE) Seminar  is a requirement for all first-year students.

Core Curriculum Requirements


Theological/Religious Inquiry (4 credits)


Choose one:

Philosophical Inquiry (4 credit)


Quantitative Reasoning (4 credit) *Appendix 1


Choose one:

Written Communication (3 credit)


Human Foundations and Multicultural Inquiry (3 credit)


Literacy in Environmental Science (4 credit)


Historic and Civic Literacy for Effective Citizenship (3 credit) *Appendix 4


Artistic Exploration and Expression (3 credit)


  • Any Fine Arts (AT) course

Literary Exploration and Expression (3 credit)


  • Any 200, 300, or 400 level English (EH) course

First-Year Experience (1 credit)


Appendix


One option (Mode #3) to meet core curriculum outcomes is to actively and intentionally engage in experiences that allow for careful reflection and assessment. This is designed to encourage and increase flexibility in the new LSC Core. Mode #3 is optional. It can use to to fulfill a maximum of two Mode #1 Categories.

Three to four credits may be earned by way of an approved experiential equivalency for a maximum of two Mode #1 Categories. Students are required to seek out a faculty sponsor with expertise in the subject matter to assist them in navigating the experiential equivalency process, along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. 

Guidelines for establishing credit weight: Depending on the nature and extent of the experience, students can gain three or four credits. Students who provide supporting documentation (letters from community partners, organizations or agencies where the experience took place), complete the experiential equivalency benchmarks and the portfolio can earn credit. The narrative and reflection within the portfolio will vary along with the nature of other deliverables (art projects, brochures, podcasts, blog postings, video presentations, etc.).

PRIOR EXPERIENCE: For those seeking credit for a prior learning experience, students will need to complete a screening questionnaire. This questionnaire allows a faculty sponsor and the Office of Academic Affairs to properly evaluate the experience, the amount of credits that may be applied and provides insights as to what core outcome(s) may be fulfilled. Once the questionnaire has been reviewed, the faculty sponsor and Associate Dean will meet with the student to discuss the project plan moving forward. Once the project plan is approved and benchmarks are provided, the student will be enrolled in the Brightspace course. The student will then have 15 weeks to complete the portfolio.

PLANNED EXPERIENCE: This process needs to be planned in consultation with a faculty sponsor. The faculty sponsor and student must complete an experiential equivalency project plan which will then be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for review. This project plan will be mapped out for the upcoming semester. The project plan must include benchmarks to assess progress throughout the time frame agreed upon. Once the project plan is approved and benchmarks are provided, the student will be enrolled in the Brightspace course. The student will then have 15 weeks to complete the portfolio.

EE 100 Core Experiential Equivalency (3-4 Credits): This course allows students to use prior or planned experiences to meet Mode #1 core curriculum outcomes. A faculty sponsor is required along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. 

EE 101 Core Experiential Equivalency (3-4 Credits): This course allows students to use prior or planned experiences to meet Mode #1 core curriculum outcomes. A faculty sponsor is required along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs.

Note


All majors should discuss their specific program with their faculty advisor.  Some professional schools require additional courses.

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