Biology

The central focus of the biology program is to prepare undergraduate students for graduate education in the medically allied professions and in the specialized fields of the biological sciences. A wide variety of career opportunities is currently available for those individuals possessing advanced knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, endocrinology, and immunology. Market demand in these areas will likely remain strong for the foreseeable future.

Undergraduate majors typically have diverse career goals and objectives. To accommodate these differences, the undergraduate program is very flexible; only a minimal number of technical core courses is required. Through the selection of appropriate technical electives, each student customizes his or her education based on personal academic needs and career objectives.

The main approach in the classroom is to stress the highly quantitative and analytical nature of modern biological inquiry, which utilizes sophisticated biochemical and biophysical techniques to answer fundamental questions about living organisms. Undergraduates are encouraged to undertake research through various directed study and special topics offerings and are often employed as technicians in the research laboratories of the faculty.

A small greenhouse and modern animal care facilities are available for the maintenance of research plants and animals.