Biology

Program Overview:

Biology is the study of life. The Biology major is appropriate for students with interests in the following fields: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biotechnology, Botany, Cellular/Molecular Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Zoology. This program of study allows students to develop a strong foundation in biological science and is an entry point for a wide variety of careers. Completion of the program will prepare students to transfer to four year universities and professional programs. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor and future transfer institution for additional information.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Biology program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the following concepts:
   1. Evolution: The diversity of life evolved over time by processes of mutation, selection, and genetic change.
   2. Structure and Function: Basic units of structure define the function of living things.
   3. Information Flow, Exchange, and Storage: The growth and behavior of organisms are activated through the expression of genetic information in context.
   4. Pathways and Transformations of Energy and Matter: Biological systems grow and change by processes based upon chemical transformation pathways and are governed by the laws of thermodynamics.
   5. Systems: Living systems are interconnected and interacting.
2. Demonstrate competence in the following abilities:
   1. Apply the process of science : Biology is evidence based and grounded in the formal practices of observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.
   2. Use quantitative reasoning: Biology relies on an application of quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning.
   3. Use modeling and simulation: Biology focuses on the study of complex systems.
   4. Apply the interdisciplinary nature of science: Biology is an interdisciplinary science.
   5. Communicate & collaborate scientific information: Biology is a collaborative scientific discipline.
   6. Understand the relationship between science and society: Biology is conducted in a societal context.

Career Information:

Sample Career Opportunities: Biological Scientists; Life Scientists; Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers

*Talk to an advisor for additional career choices