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.
