Biology, Bachelor of Science

Skills-Based Preparation for Aspiring Scientists

(Students who plan to transfer a completed Associate's degree should review the Biology Completion Degree information below.)

Program Philosophy and Objectives

This degree offers a solid basis in the natural sciences, and is adaptable enough to be used as a step towards graduate education and medical school. There is a rich STEM workforce in the region, therefore, biology courses are taught by highly qualified faculty who are practitioners in the field.

By utilizing the rich experience of science practitioners, students will be prepared to begin or continue their careers. Aligning with the University’s mission of exemplary career-oriented degrees, graduates of this degree can market themselves to a variety of career options including forensic science technician, laboratory technician, K-12 educator, government analyst, as well as a plethora of jobs in the non-profit and healthcare sectors.

Program Competencies

Biological Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes were adapted from a National Science Foundation-funded report authored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on the development of standards for undergraduate biological education (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011).

• Students will apply the process of science to solve problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to use quantitative reasoning.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative analysis and reasoning, including modeling and simulation.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with other disciplines.
• Examine the relationship between science and society.

• Students will apply:
• The theory of evolution, as a theory, while encompassing the diversity of life and their changes over time.
• The concepts involved in cellular structure and function
• Biological information flow, exchange and storage
• How living organisms operate as systems.

Forensic Science Concentration Learning Outcomes:

• Perform a biological sample analyses fundamental to forensic science.
• Apply the core laboratory techniques essential to forensic science.
• Demonstrate effective communication of forensics science through written and oral communication.

Biotechnology Concentration Learning Outcomes:

• Perform bioinformatics and genetic analyses.
• Apply the core laboratory techniques essential to biotechnology.
• Demonstrate effective communication of biotechnology through written and oral communication.