Program Overview

University Programs

The university offers various programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Programs

Majors

• Biology (B.A.)
• Biology (B.S.)

Courses

BIO 3180 Plant Taxonomy

A study of the identification, nomenclature, and classification of plants with emphasis on flowering plants.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry

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. Across all sections of this course, students will pose scientific questions, design and critique experiments, run those experiments, evaluate experimental outcomes, and communicate those outcomes. Within this framework of investigative inquiry, students will learn introductory content that will not only be meaningful for the current course, but will allow for a smoother transition to their sophomore year. Content areas include ecology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, reproduction, development, and cellular/molecular mechanisms.
Course fluidly transitions between lecture and lab with an equivalency to 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week. No P/F.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I ; or prerequisite of CHEM 1100 Prep Chemistry.
(Multiple sections normally offered each semester.)

BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology

This course emphasizes molecular mechanisms associated with intracellular structures, metabolism, genetic information transfer, heredity, and evolution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Three lectures per week with one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
(Normally offered each semester.)

BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution

An introduction to the interaction of life with the environment at the molecular, organismal through ecosystem levels, highlighting the major factors influencing evolutionary change. Topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, symbiosis and population dynamics especially in light of human interference, and ecosystem structure and function. Where possible, principles of evolution and ecology will be integrated.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week, including field, laboratory and greenhouse work.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Archway Curriculum

• First-Year Curriculum: First-Year Writing
• Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory
• Integrative Core: Humans in the Natural Environment Thread

Graduate Programs

Admission

Graduate admission information is available.

Degrees and Requirements

Degree and program requirements for graduate students are available.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic policies and procedures are in place for undergraduate and graduate students.

General Education

Archway Curriculum

The Archway Curriculum is the general education program for undergraduate students.

• Archway Curriculum for Adult Undergraduate Program
• Archway Curriculum

Certificates

Certificate programs are available for undergraduate and graduate students.

Academic Recognition

Academic recognition is given to students for their achievements.

Special Academic Programs and Opportunities

Special academic programs and opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate students.