2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology (B.S.): General Biology concentration - J


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This program focuses on the core sub-disciplines of biology, including molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, ecology and evolution. Students  explore the world in the field and in laboratory, working side by side with professors and peers conducting research and benefiting from advanced learning opportunities typically reserved for graduate-level students. Students graduate with a B.S. in Biology concentrating in General Biology. Graduates who also successfully complete the required education courses for secondary licensure become candidates for a license to teach science in grades 7-12.

Biology Programs at NVU-Johnson


The study of biology serves all college majors and professionals by preparing them to understand and deal with the many biological concepts, issues and problems in their fields. Our program is designed to introduce the core sub-disciplines of biology and to offer advanced studies in organismal, human, molecular and environmental biology. Microbiologists, physiologists, zoologists, molecular biologists, field naturalists, ecologists, marine biologists, agricultural scientists, foresters, wildlife managers, physicians, therapists, nutritionists, toxicologists, science writers and teachers are a sample of the professionals who commonly begin as biology majors.

Students in the biology program explore outdoor laboratories ranging from the College’s Babcock Nature Preserve to areas as diverse as tropical ecosystems and the American west. On campus, our program is supported by teaching laboratories, a greenhouse, an artificial stream laboratory, a cellular and molecular laboratory, and extensive herbarium and vertebrate museum collections.

The research activities of the faculty include understanding cell behavior at the molecular level, classification of plants, improving teaching in biology, vertebrate ecology and studying environmental pollution.

The B.S. in Biology is designed for students who desire a comprehensive training in the life sciences leading to areas in education, research or medicine. As noted above, graduates who also complete the required education courses for secondary licensure become candidates for a license to teach science in grades 7-12.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge:  Students will define and explain the major concepts in the biological sciences; for example, the relationship between structure and function at all levels of organization.
  • Apply the scientific method:  Students will incorporate the major steps in the scientific method to design and carry out research studies and to test hypotheses.
  • Communicate in Science:  a) Students will communicate at a scientific level in writing and b) Students will communicate at a scientific level in oral presentations.
  • Develop technical skills:  Students will practice proper usage of scientific instrumentation and will improve techniques both in the laboratory and in the natural environment.
  • Apply quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning:  Students will apply quantitative analysis to interpret biological data.
  • Read and analyze scientific information:  Students will read, understand, and incorporate scientific literature in their writing.
  • Discuss the relationships between science and society:  Students will integrate current biological evidence into discussion of global challenges.

Biology Curriculum at NVU-Johnson (42 credits)


General Biology Concentration


Required Concentration Courses (8 credits)


Electives (choose at least 1 from each set):


Total: 64-66 credits


* These courses also fulfill requirements in the Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Outdoor Education and Wellness & Alternative Medicine programs.

+ These courses also fulfill the General Education Curriculum requirements.

Secondary Teaching License in Science


Students pursuing licensure endorsement to teach science in grades 7-12 must successfully complete one of the approved majors for this endorsement (the Biology: Field Naturalist (B.A.) - J , Biology (B.S.): Pre-Medical concentration - J Health Sciences (B.S.): Pre-Physical Therapy concentration - J Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Analysis & Assessment concentration - J , or Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Policy & Advocacy concentration - J ), as well as specific teacher-education coursework and requirements. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher License Endorsement - J  section for details.

Important:


In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum  and NVU Graduation Standards .

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