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:
A. 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.
B. Skills
C. Attitude
-
Students will be able to demonstrate professional behavior.
-
Students will be aware of the ethical responsibilities of scientific practice.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (52 credits)
PRE-PROFESSIONAL OPTION MAJOR REQUIREMENTS(52 Credits)
Recommended Electives* |
12 |
*Recommended electives include General Physiology, Comparative Anatomy, Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Human Anatomy and Physiology.
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.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
One year of one foreign language at the college level or two years of one foreign language at the high school level.
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