The biology  major provides a solid foundation in biology yet retains considerable flexibility. Students in this major can prepare for a variety of biology-related employment opportunities or for entry into graduate or professional schools.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental biological concepts. These key conceptual areas include: (A) cell biology, (B) genetics/molecular biology, (C) biological organization, form, and function of organisms, and (D) ecology and evolutionary biology.
2. Understand and apply basic principles in the fields of chemistry, physics and mathematics.
3. Apply the process of scientific inquiry, formulation and testing of scientific hypotheses, and development of experimental protocols to address biological problems.
4. Use quantitative reasoning (e.g., statistics) to analyze and interpret scientific data, and to formulate appropriate conclusions.
5. Discuss and communicate biological concepts, research results, and their importance to a variety of audiences.
6. Demonstrate effective writing skills that can be applied to both technical and general purposes.
7. Evaluate the validity of claims from an evidence-based perspective by reviewing, synthesizing and critiquing scientific literature.

Program Standard Grade Point Average

The major GPA is calculated by all courses identified in the college catalog as required for the major. In addition, this program has an established program standard GPA which may be used to determine progress in the program.

• Program Standard GPA
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 in any BIO course EXCEPT BIO 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 507
• Biology Major Requirements
  • Upon completion of 36 credits in any BIO course EXCEPT BIO 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 507

Biological Sciences Department Course Retake Policy

A student is only permitted to retake a BIO course once per college policy. Any exceptions require permission of the instructor and the department chair and would only be granted on the last day of preregistration. The department considers enrollment in a course past the drop/add period as a retake, even if the student withdraws from the course before receiving a grade.