+ Biology

217 Life Sciences, 419-372-2332

Biology, the study of life, encompasses investigations of all aspects of living organisms, including evolution, genetics, cellular structure and function, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, diversity, conservation, host-pathogen interactions, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Biologists study basic aspects of organisms and how they function, how they are adapted to and interact with their environment (both internally and externally), and how they are related to each other through descent with modification from common ancestors. Fields of biology are intimately intertwined with all other areas of natural science as well as the social sciences, philosophy, art, and the humanities. Efforts of biologists have important contributions to an understanding of functioning and adaptations of living organisms as well as to the applied problems and issues facing all inhabitants on planet Earth, such as those involving medical advances, diseases, global changes, agriculture, biotechnology, bioinformatics, environmental management, conservation of species and genetic diversity, and many others.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in biology are expected to:

• Understand the scientific process as shown in designing and implementing experiments;
• Evaluate evidence and differentiate between scientific fact and unscientific arguments;
• Present scientific information in appropriate oral and written formats to scientific and nonscientific audiences;
• Understand the basic principles of living systems as shown by reading and comprehending primary research literature in the biological sciences;
• Apply knowledge of biology to address a wide variety of needs and problems, locally and globally.

Major, Bachelor of Science (32 hours) — minor required — click for 2007-2008 course requirements

Ecology and Conservation Biology Specialization — click for 2007-2008 course requirements

Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Ecology serves as a foundation for Conservation Biology, which is the application of biological knowledge and techniques to the conservation and restoration of natural biodiversity. Students completing a Bachelor of Science specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECB) will gain a solid foundation in ecology,evolution, and organismal biology while developing the quantitative, analytical, and technical skills essential to qualify for professional positions or advanced study in this area. ECB graduates will be highly competitive for employment with businesses, government, or consulting agencies performing conservation assessment and ecological research, restoration or management of habitat or populations of rare, economically important, or invasive species, or for subsequent graduate training in ecology or conservation biology.

The Ecology and Conservation Biology specialization (ECB) requires completion of a suite of core courses in basic biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Elective courses in diverse areas of ecology (Group A) provide more specialized training, while advanced courses in organismal biology (Group B) create depth of knowledge in biodiversity. Applied technical training through experiential learning and focused coursework (Group C) in statistics, GIS, independent research, service learning, or internships is also integrated into the program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this specialization, undergraduates will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of ecology and understand the concepts central to conservation, including how organisms and natural systems are impacted by man's dominance of the biosphere;
• Demonstrate the ability to critically examine ecological data and scientific literature, design effective experiments, collect appropriate data in field and laboratory settings, and interpret the results of ecological studies;
• Demonstrate understanding of how to apply the approaches, technology, and quantitative analyses essential to solving conservation problems;
• Demonstrate the ability to present ecological knowledge in a conservation context in both oral and written formats to professional and non-science audiences.

Minor (30 hours)

• BIOL 204, 205 (10)
• CHEM 125, 127, 128 or equivalent (10)
• Electives in BIOL (10)