Biology, BS

BIOLOGY 

Program Objectives 

1. To equip students with a broad yet strong conceptual foundation in the biological sciences
2. To equip students with technical and analytical skills employed in modern cutting-edge biological research
3. To equip students with the skill of developing hypotheses and design approaches to evaluate information in biology
4. To equip students with an understanding of the role of science in society and the ethical conduct of research and science
5. To provide students with opportunities for competency in communicating the findings of biological research effectively and to incorporate these findings into the existing body of knowledge in biology
6. To equip students to undertake postgraduate training in the biological sciences or to embark upon careers in the biological sciences

Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

1. To equip students with a broad yet strong conceptual foundation in the biological sciences
   1. Students will demonstrate an understanding on organismal form, function, and diversity.
   2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of topics in the natural sciences and in theories of conservation.
   3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of cellular structure, cell physiology, molecular processes of cells, and molecular genetics.
2. To equip students with technical and analytical skills employed in modern cutting-edge biological research
   1. Students will demonstrate safe and proper laboratory practice, use of equipment, and competency in basic techniques in various laboratory disciplines and skilled technique in at least one laboratory discipline.
   2. Students will demonstrate competency with mathematical, statistical, and computational approaches to acquire, analyze and model experimental datasets.
   3. Students will demonstrate the ability to perform quantitative analyses of experimental data and interpret data accurately, consistent with robust analyses.
3. To equip students with the skill of developing hypotheses and design approaches to evaluate information in biology
   1. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively use electronic media to access biological information.
   2. Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate a journal article critically from primary literature.
   3. Students will demonstrate the ability to develop and evaluate testable hypotheses, design experiments, and present reasoned data-driven analyses and interpretation of findings and results.
4. To equip students with an understanding of the role of science in society and the ethical conduct of research and science.
   1. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate and apply biological principles and global perspectives to emerging issues in human society in an ethical manner.
5. To provide students with opportunities for competency in communicating the findings of biological research effectively and to incorporate these findings into the existing body of knowledge in biology.
   1. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate the science of biology in multiple forms, including written communication, oral communication, and electronic communication to diverse audiences.
   2. Students will demonstrate the ability to report the results of their experiments to broad audiences and to incorporate any findings into the existing body of knowledge in biology.
   3. Students will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others as part of the industry of biology and to communicate the findings of any collaborative exercise.
6. To equip students to undertake postgraduate training in the biological sciences or to embark upon careers in the biological sciences
   1. Students will demonstrate the ability to represent themselves as future professionals in their chosen fields through career preparation benchmarks.
   2. Students will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake postgraduate opportunities in graduate or pre-professional school or to undertake careers in biology or related STEM fields.

Upon completion of at least 34 required semester hours in biology courses plus 15 semester hours in Biology electives, 21 semester hours in required Chemistry courses, 10 semester hours in required Physics courses, 4 semester hours in a required mathematics course, and approximately 37 semester hours of general education courses, a student will be awarded the BS degree in Biology. The total number of semester hours needed to earn the BS is approximately 120-121.  Adequate pre-medicine pre-dentistry and pre-pharmacy courses are provided in the biology program to prepare students to enter medical, dental or pharmacy school. 

Majors are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in all required biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science courses. 

Because MATH 225 (Calculus I) or MATH 215 (Elements of Calculus) are the terminal mathematics course for majors in biology, this course must be taken at Bowie State University. Biology electives must be above the BIOL 101 level sequence.  Students majoring in Biology must meet two sets of requirements as outlined below: 

I. CORE BIOLOGY AND RELATED SCIENCE COURSES 

The CORE requirements (BIOL 102, 103, 105, 209) will serve as the prerequisites for all other Biology courses offered in the major. CHEM 107 is the prerequisite courses for CHEM 108. Each prerequisite MUST be successfully completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better BEFORE enrolling in the Required Core Courses. Registration for BIOL 403 will ONLY be allowed during the senior year. 

Students successfully completing the Required Prerequisite Courses, Required Core Courses, and Biochemistry II may qualify for a sub-plan in the field of Chemistry.