Program Overview

University Program Information

The university offers various programs, including majors, minors, and degrees. The following information provides an overview of the programs available.

Majors

• Biology (B.A.)
• Biology (B.S.)

Departments/Programs

• Biology

Course Description

A field ecology course, BIO 3510 Tropical Biology of Costa Rica, is taught in Costa Rica. The purpose of the course is to immerse students in the biology of the rainforest. This is accomplished by students designing and performing scientific research projects, guided hikes, and focusing on particular organismal groups at locations such as Las Cruces Biological Station, a mid-elevation rain forest site.

Course Details

• Course title: BIO 3510 Tropical Biology of Costa Rica
• Credit hours: 3 hours
• Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry or permission of the instructor
• Normally offered: Every other Winter Term
• Trip duration: 11-14 days, with additional meetings before and after the trip
• Activities: Scientific research projects, guided hikes, side trips to interesting locations, snorkeling or SCUBA (for certified students)

Introduction to Biological Inquiry

• Course title: BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry
• Credit hours: 4 hours
• Description: This course is designed for biology majors and replaces traditional introductory biology courses. The overarching goal is to introduce students to collegiate biology by teaching them how to carry out scientific research.
• Content areas: Ecology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, reproduction, development, and cellular/molecular mechanisms
• Lecture and lab hours: 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week
• Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I or prerequisite of CHEM 1100 Prep Chemistry
• Normally offered: Multiple sections each semester

Archway Curriculum

• First-Year Curriculum: First-Year Writing
• Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory

Academic Policies and Procedures

The university reserves the right to make changes in the regulations and offerings announced in the official online catalog, as circumstances require. It is expected that the only changes will be the correction of errors and the inclusion of new courses and programs approved during the academic year.