Biological Sciences

R. E. Rollin, Chair; D. R. Carter, M. A. Davis, S. L. Halkin, J. N. Jarrett, M. A. Kapper, T. R. King, K. A. Martin-Troy, T. Mione, J. P. Mulrooney, B.J. Nicholson, P. Osei, C. A. Penniman, D. A. Spector, J. T. Tessier, C. L. Watson (Dept. phone 832-2645)

The Biological Sciences Department has full-time faculty representing the major specializations within the broad field of biological sciences. Copernicus Hall houses 13 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, protein purification facility, photosynthesis research laboratory, molecular genetics research laboratory, controlled environment room, computer laboratory, cell culture facilities, mouse and rat colonies, darkrooms, 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 (17–19 credits): BIO 121, 122, 201, 202 and either 390 or 391, and ONE of the following Advanced Components.

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

Core, plus 13–15 credits of any other 300- and 400-level Biology courses. In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 311, 312; 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 Cell, Molecular and Physiological Biology (32 total credits in Biology required)

Core, plus 13–15 credits as follows: BIO 306, 311 or 316; BIO 410, 412, 449, or 495; and any advanced courses in the C/M/P Group (see list below). In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 311, 312; and PHYS 121, 122 are also required.

This specialization offers a curricular focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms that is integrated with organismal physiology and emphasizes the principles and practice of biological research. It is designed to prepare students for careers that use the concepts and techniques of molecular and cellular biology, advanced training or careers in the health sciences or graduate study in fields such as genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, cell physiology or biochemistry.

C/M/P Group: BIO 306, 311, 316, 318, 319, 401, 410, 412, 413, 449, 450, 490*, 491*, 495, 496, 497, 499*; CHEM 454, 456

*with a topic focus approved by the C/M/P faculty advisor

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

Core, plus 13–15 credits as follows: One of BIO 405, 434, 440, 480; one of BIO 316, 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, 311, 312; 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: BIO 321, 322, 326, 327, 405, 410, 420, 425, 434, 436, 438, 440, 444, 480, 481, 490**, 491**, 499**

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

(d) Specialization in Environmental Science (31–35 total credits in Biology required)

Core, plus 14–16 credits as follows: Either BIO 436 or 438; one of BIO 316, 321, 322, 326, 327, 420, 425, 444; one of BIO 311, 410, 412/413, 449/450; either BIO 405 or 434. In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 301, 311, 312, 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, 201, 202; one of BIO 321, 322, 420, 481; one of BIO 326, 327, 425, 444; either BIO 306 or 316; either BIO 405 or 311; one of BIO 318, 319, 410, 412/413, 449/450; BIO 390. In addition, MATH 124, or MATH 125 and 115; CHEM 121, 122, 250; PHYS 121, 122; and Professional Education courses EDTE 315, 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 Biological Sciences 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 Biological Sciences, the Student Portfolio must be reviewed with one or more faculty members in Biological Sciences — as a course requirement in BIO 201 and 202, 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 Biological Sciences Department and signed by the major advisor) to the Biology Chair.

Minor in Biology (Certifiable for secondary teaching)

20 credits required (for those with a major in Chemistry, Physics or Earth Sciences) as follows. BIO 121, 122, 201, 202 and any 4-credit course at the 300 or 400 level. In addition, SCI 416, 417, 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 Interdisciplinary Sciences with Specialization in Biology, B.S. (Acceptable for certification in elementary education)

39–42 credits. For course listing, see major in Interdisciplinary Sciences, page 57.

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

18 credits, as follows: BIO 121, 122, 132 and 133; 6 credits from BIO 100, 120, 150, 321, 322, 326, 327; and any 300- or 400-level biology course; at least 3 credits must be at the 200-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 Interdisciplinary Sciences with Specialization in Environmental Interpretation, B.S.

53–57 credits. For course listing, see major in Interdisciplinary Sciences, page 57.

Minor in Biology (Non-Teaching)

20 credits in Biology, including BIO 121, 122, 201, 202 and 4 credits of Biology electives at the 300 or 400 level.

Official Certificate Program: Certificate in Biotechnology (OCP 101)

This certificate program is designed for undergraduates wishing to develop proficient laboratory skills and demonstrate specialized knowledge in the area of modern molecular biotechnology. This formal program offers students the extra biotechnology experience they may desire without removing any of the breadth required in their major program in Biological Sciences. This certificate program also allows students majoring in other disciplines to develop and demonstrate a mastery of modern molecular biotechnology knowledge beyond the minor in Biology but without the breadth requirements of the Biological Sciences major.

The C/M/P Coordinator in Biological Sciences will serve as the point-of-contact for interested students and will assign each a committee of three advisors who work with students to develop a planned program to best serve individual needs and goals.

To be eligible for a Certificate in Biotechnology, a student must be in good standing. Courses taken to satisfy major requirements may be counted to satisfy certificate requirements as well, provided the student has earned a B or better in such courses. Award of the Certificate will require portfolio compilation and review (see page 45 for a description of the portfolio requirement). The portfolio must include a detailed description of the research experience and a narrative explaining how the planned program developed the student's knowledge and competence in the area of biotechnology.

The Certificate in Biotechnology requires 17–18 credits from the list below, including at least 3 credits of laboratory instruction and at least 2 credits of independent laboratory research.

Research Component (2 cr.): 

BIO 390 and BIO 491

Laboratory Science Component (12 cr.):

Three four-credit courses (with lab) chosen from the following: BIO 306, 311, 316, 449/450, 490, 495, 496/497.

Molecular Biology Elective (3–4 cr.):

Three to four additional credits from any of the above or: BIO 449, 490, 496, 562, 570; CHEM 454, 456.

Note: Course prerequisites must be met. Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in graduate courses are required to have a 2.70 CGPA and senior standing. Students are also required to obtain the written permission of their advisor, chair of the department offering the course and the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies prior to registration.