Biological Sciences
Undergraduate program
Introduction
An understanding of the biological sciences is essential, if we are to solve the pressing social, environmental, and economic problems of our times. The Department of Biological Sciences offers major and minor programs designed to provide today's student with effective and up-to-date knowledge and training in various areas of the life sciences, including medical aspects of human biology.
The Biology Major explores the broad spectrum of the life sciences with opportunities to study botany, zoology, ecology, and physiology. Students completing this major should be prepared for one or more of the following goals: (1) graduate study toward an advanced degree in the Biological Sciences, i.e. M.S. or Ph.D.; (2) employment in state or federal government service, industry, laboratory or technical work; (3) advanced study at the professional level.
The Biomedical Sciences Major is designed to explore the human, molecular, and cellular aspects of the life sciences, with the opportunity to study cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and physiology.
The specific objectives of the Biomedical Sciences
major include: (1) providing basic training for employment in clinics
and basic research laboratories, industrial laboratories, as well as
state and federal agencies; (2) producing highly qualified students
for advanced training at the graduate-professional levels, i.e., M.S.,
Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.O.M., D.P.M., or D.V.M.; and (3) pre professional
training for such clinical areas as physician assistant, pharmacy, and
physical therapy. For additional career options, see the Undergraduate
Advisor.
Students interested in pursuing a teaching career in the biological
sciences should follow the special guidelines for the Biology Major-Secondary
Education Curriculum section below.
A Minor in Biological Sciences is also available, as well as in the the Secondary Education Curriculum.
All major and minor programs are to be pursued under the direction of and with the approval of the Undergraduate Advisor. Students interested in a major or minor should contact the Undergraduate Advisor in Room 3447 Wood Hall, (269) 387-5617 during freshman or transfer orientation and regularly thereafter. Courses taken without the approval of the Undergraduate Advisor may not be acceptable for major or minor credit.
In addition to planning your program with the Undergraduate Advisor, we also urge you to consult with the Pre professional Advisor (in the College of Arts and Sciences) at an early stage, to determine any special requirements or variations from the above that may pertain to particular medical or dental schools to which you are planning to apply for admission.
Only departmental courses in which a grade of "C'' or better is obtained may be counted towards a major or minor in Biological Sciences.
Biology major
The Biology Major is designed to provide training for our students in the broad spectrum of the life sciences. After completing the required courses, which provide a strong foundation, the student may choose to concentrate his/her electives in one of the areas of aquatic biology, botany, ecology, physiology or zoology. This major provides sound preparation for technical positions in industry or government, for careers in some agricultural specialties and for graduate studies which involve further specialization.
Biomedical sciences major
The Biomedical Sciences Major is designed to prepare students for biomedical careers, with concentration in areas related to human and molecular biology, such as anatomy, cellular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology. A high proportion of qualified majors are admitted by medical, dental and other professional schools.
Biology major in the secondary education curriculum
The Biology Major in the Secondary Education Curriculum gives the student a broad-based education in plant, animal and microbial biology, which is essential in order to become an effective high-school teacher.
Biology minor in the secondary education
Student profile
Meet Stephanie Barbera an undergraduate student majoring in biomedical science. Her curriculum is pre-med.