Biology, B.A.

Requirements

GENERAL BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (52 Credits)

• BIO 141 - The Living Earth: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity Credits: 4
• BIO 142 - The Living Earth: The Cellular and Molecular World Credits: 4
• BIO 212 - Principles of Ecology Credits: 4
• BIO 252 - Genetics Credits: 4
• BIO 363 - Evolutionary Biology Credits: 4
• BIO 482 - Theory and Methods of Scientific Inquiry Credits: 4
• CHY 141 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
• CHY 142 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4

•  

• PHY 116 - Energy, Physics, and the Environment Credits: 4

• or

• PHY 141 - General Physics I Credits: 4

•  

  16 elective credits in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, to include at least 4 credits in cellular, molecular or physiological sciences and at least 4 credits in ecological or conservation sciences.

   

  Cellular, molecular, and physiological science electives are to be chosen from the following list:

   

  BIO 150N   Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO 152  Human Anatomy and Physiology II, BIO 351  Microbiology, BIO 356  Developmental Biology, CHY 241  Organic Chemistry I, CHY 242  Organic Chemistry II, CHY 291  Analytical Chemistry, CHY 374  Biochemistry.

   

  Ecological or conservation science electives for the General Biology concentration are to be chosen from the following list: 

   

  BIO 130N  Tropical Nature: Exploring Costa Rica, BIO 232  Landscape Ecology, BIO BIO 265  Ecological Restoration, BIO 294  Forest Ecology and Conservation, BIO 355  Mammalogy, BIO 383  Aquatic Biology, BIO 391  Entomology, BIO 396  Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.                            

  For all concentrations, electives not included in the above lists may only be counted toward the major if the substitution is approved in advance by the chair of the Division of Natural Sciences.

  NOTE: A grade of C- or above must be earned in all science courses and their prerequisites.

  One chemistry course and one physics course from the major may be counted for the General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.

  For science majors declaring a science minor in a different science discipline, only eight credits of required coursework in the major can be counted toward the science minor.

World Language Requirement

For specific information about world language requirements and expectations see the General Education Requirements  in the Academic Programs section of this catalog

General Education Requirements

For specific information about general education requirements and expectations see the General Education Requirements  in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

Minimum Total Credits for The Degree: 128

Learning Goals and Assessment

General Program Goals:

Biology majors at UMF become members of a scientific community. They will learn scientific techniques of field observation, experimentation, measurement, sampling and analysis. They will learn how to work side by side with professors in classes, laboratories and in the field as they conduct research in nearby forests, lakes, rivers, hospitals, health agencies and bio-technological settings. They become proficient in doing and communicating science, often making presentations in public and scientific arenas.

Learning Goals:

• Students will be able to use the scientific techniques of field observation, experimentation, measurement, sampling and analysis.
• Students will be able to work and conduct research collaboratively with peers and professors in classes, laboratories and in the field.
• Students will gain an understanding of core areas of biology sufficient to prepare them for entry level career positions or graduate/professional school.
• Students will be able to do and communicate science, including making presentations.

Pre-professional Track:

• Students will acquire the scientific knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics necessary for admission to professional health careers.
• Students will acquire observational, sampling, data analysis, and communication skills common to both science and professional health careers.

Assessment Criteria:

1. Knowledge
   • Students will be able to use biological vocabulary (“nominal and functional biological literacy”).
   • Students will be able to understand of major concepts in the following six critical areas of biology, and communicate these concepts in their own words:
     • Evolution
     • Interaction and Interdependence
     • Genetic Continuity and Reproduction
     • Growth, Development, and Differentiation
     • Energy, Matter, and Organization
     • Maintenance of a Dynamic Equilibrium​​
   • Students will be able to distinguish science from non-science.
   • Students will understand the place of biology among other disciplines and the interactions between biology and society.
2. Skills​
   • Students will be able to apply the scientific method (i.e., to understand procedural knowledge and skills so that one can carry out a scientific study as well as critically analyze the work of others).
     • This includes the ability to:​
       • develop hypotheses and make predictions
       • design experiments to test hypotheses
       • critically evaluate results and draw conclusions
   • Students will be able to use basic modern technology for biological research and communication. This should include use of the following:
     • equipment used in field biology (standard monitoring equipment)
     • microscopes
     • equipment and techniques used in molecular genetics (micropipettes, centrifugation, electrophoresis, etc.)
     • computer-based data acquisition & analysis hardware and software
     • computer-based literature searching.
   • Students will be able write scientific papers is appropriate format and orally communicate the results of scientific research.
3. Attitude
   • Students will be able to demonstrate professional behavior.
   • Students will be aware of the ethical responsibilities of scientific practice.