Biology
Division I Chair: T. Hodge
Department Chair: M. Hoffman
Faculty: C. Adams, D. Anderson, S. Blank, N. Douglas, M. Hoffman, R. Rosen, and R. Scudder-Davis
Website: http://www.berea.edu/bio/
Courses: BIO Courses
Course Sequencing Table: Biology
Entrance to the Major Information: Progression for BIO
Major/Minor Requirements: Biology B.A.; Biology B.A. with Teacher Certification; Biology Minor
The Biology Department curriculum is designed to enable students to understand the process of scientific inquiry and to introduce them to the major areas of biological sciences. Biology graduates pursue careers in laboratory and field research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, education, conservation, and many other areas.
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology complete a core curriculum of six courses plus a selection of four additional courses. The core courses provide breadth across the study of plants, animals, and microbes, while also grounding students in the foundational fields of genetics and evolution. The majority of Biology courses have a field or laboratory component, so students gain experience in a wide array of techniques and research questions. In several courses, small teams of students design and carry out their own research projects.
Biology majors are encouraged to participate in study abroad, summer research, and internship opportunities. Biology students have pursued research and field experiences at major institutions around the country and abroad. In addition, Biology professors offer on-campus research opportunities to teams of students each summer, and student researchers present their work on campus and at the Kentucky Academy of Sciences, among other local and national professional conferences.
The Biology Department participates in the College Labor Program, and qualified students serve as laboratory and teaching assistants (TAs). These Biology TAs are an integral part of the teaching and learning that occurs in our classrooms and labs.
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Biology Department seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
Biology Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Understand Fundamental Concepts in Biology
Outcome 1.1: Describe, apply, and integrate fundamental concepts
Be able to describe, apply and integrate the fundamental concepts of biology including cell biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, organismal diversity, and organismal structure and function.
Learning Goal 2: Understand the Scientific Method
Outcome 2.1: The scientific method
Recognize and identify steps and articulate process in the scientific method.
Outcome 2.2: Experimental Design
Develop the ability to identify and develop research questions/hypotheses, develop appropriate experimental design, conduct independent research, collect and interpret experimental data, and communicate experimental results & conclusions in an oral, written, and/or poster format.
Learning Goal 3: Research Methods, Methodologies, and Experiences
Outcome 3.1: Scientific information
Be able to search for, evaluate, interpret, and communicate scientific information, including primary research journal articles, review articles, and popular scientific literature.
Outcome 3.2: Scientific tools
Gain experience with the tools of the biologist, including scientific equipment, library resources, computer applications, Internet resources, etc.
Outcome 3.3: Quantitative methods
Be able to apply quantitative methodologies to biological questions;
Learning Goal 4: Apply Knowledge & Skills
Outcome 4.1: Communication Skills
Demonstrate proficiency in written, oral and visual communication skills.
Outcome 4.2: Career skills
Develop appropriate career skills essential for biologists, including the abilities to: set goals and priorities; work independently and in a group or team; demonstrate courtesy and respect to colleagues; accept responsibility for one's actions.
Outcome 4.3: Work with others
The ability to listen actively to, review, and evaluate the work of others.
Outcome 4.4: Scientific literacy
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of one’s role as a scientifically-literate global citizen and professional.