Students may choose between four different undergraduate majors: Biology B.A., Biology B.S., Biology-Chemistry B.S., and Environmental Science B.S. Each major is designed to meet specific learning outcomes, as described below.
Program Learning Outcomes
Biology B.A.
Students who complete the B.A. in Biology will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the process of science and of the concepts and theories of biology across a broad range of organizational levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological (population, community, ecosystem).
- Participate in the life of the department in Biology/Chemistry clubs or in various positions of responsibility such as graders, tutors, and teaching assistants.
- Develop a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
- Be prepared for post-graduate studies or science-related careers.
Biology B.S.
Students who complete the B.S. in Biology will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the process of science and of the concepts and theories of biology across a broad range of organizational levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological (population, community, ecosystem).
- Participate in the life of the department in Biology/Chemistry clubs or in various positions of responsibility such as graders, tutors, and teaching assistants.
- Develop a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
- Be prepared for post-graduate studies or science-related careers.
Biology-Chemisty B.S.
The interdepartmental major in Biology-Chemistry is designed for students whose academic needs and interests include both biology and chemistry, as a large segment of contemporary scientific investigation lies at the intersection of these two fields.
Students who complete the B.S. in Biology-Chemistry will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the process of science and of the concepts and theories of biology across a broad range of organizational levels: molecular, cellular, and organismal.
- Apply key concepts and principles in quantitative analysis, biochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry (thermodynamics and kinetics).
- Use standard instrumentation and laboratory equipment to conduct scientific experiments and perform chemical characterization and analyses.
- Participate in the life of the departments of Biology and/or Chemistry by involvement in science clubs and/or in various positions of responsibility such as graders, tutors, stockroom workers and/or teaching assistants.
- Develop a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
- Be prepared for post-graduate studies or science-related careers.
Environmental Science B.S.
The interdepartmental major in Environmental Science is designed to prepare students to monitor the quality of the environment, interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and develop strategies for ecosystem restoration.
Students who complete the B.S. in Environmental Science will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the process of science and of the concepts and theories of biology across a broad range of organizational levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological (population, community, ecosystem).
- Apply key concepts and principles in analytical chemistry including quantitative and instrumental analysis.
- Use standard instrumentation and laboratory equipment to conduct scientific experiments and perform chemical characterization and analyses.
- Participate in the life of the departments of Biology and/or Chemistry by involvement in science clubs and/or in various positions of responsibility such as graders, tutors, stockroom workers and/or teaching assistants.
- Develop a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
- Be prepared for post-graduate studies or science-related careers.