Bachelor of Science in Biology
THE BIOLOGY CURRICULUM at JWU is interdisciplinary and exposes you to chemistry, physics, molecular biology, ecology, and biochemistry — essentials of the future of scientific progress. In our organismal and microbiology labs you’ll get up close and personal with the organisms that you are studying.
Small class sizes are a key part of the JWU experience. You will have a close relationship with faculty members who will be standing by your side as you begin to explore the worlds within your microscope.
You’ll also be exposed to interactive and problem-based learning in classes and labs, as well as through optional internship or research. A broad range of opportunities allows you to explore your interests, whether in a research lab or in an environmental role.
For Kimberly Sacaza '23, being able to work on research projects as an undergraduate is invaluable experience. “I’m in Professor Dimos’ research lab and we’re working on cultivating and growing moss. Being able to be granted this opportunity, it just kind of reassured me that I’m taking all the steps necessary to reach my goals.”
The Biology bachelor's degree program provides a strong background of critical thinking skills and knowledge needed for further study in professional and graduate schools and for careers in biological science. The study of biology enables students to gain an understanding of the principles that govern life from the basic biochemistry of living cells to that of complex ecosystems. This understanding helps students identify and address the biological problems associated with human beings and their environments.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
- Understand and apply the fundamental biological concepts of evolution, structure and function, information exchange and storage, and transformation of energy and matter to explain biological systems from molecules to communities.
- Communicate scientific information using oral and written arguments and visual presentation.
- Identify, evaluate and analyze scientific information.
- Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to address scientific questions.
- Apply mathematical and computational skills and interdisciplinary concepts and knowledge to interpret biological phenomena.
- Recognize ethical concerns pertaining to biological science and apply ethical practice in the scientific process.
- Evaluate the influence that biological science has on society, including the historical context of major findings in modern biology.
Upon completion of the Biomedical Science specialization, graduates are expected to:
- Apply fundamental concepts of microbiology, biochemistry and immunology to explain the cellular and molecular bases of host-microbial interactions.
- Apply fundamental concepts of human anatomy, human physiology, and histology to problem solve clinical situations.
Upon completion of the Environmental Studies specialization, graduates are expected to:
- Apply the core concepts and methods from economics, social, political and biological sciences to identify and address environmental problems.
Upon completion of the Plant Science specialization, graduates are expected to:
- Apply the fundamental concepts of plant anatomy, physiology, and diversity to cultivate, maintain the health of, and produce products from plants.
The courses in this program have been designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of biology. The biology courses allow students to explore the molecular and cellular basis of life, structure and function of organisms, and ecological interactions of organisms. The physical science courses provide opportunities for students to break the barriers between traditional sciences and integrate their knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics, a practice that is essential to the future of scientific progress.
To support student success in the Biology program, science faculty members are committed to following best practices for science education. This includes using active learning pedagogies in the classroom and guided inquiry learning pedagogies in the laboratories and providing quality internships opportunities. These teaching pedagogies are student-centered, interactive and focused on problem-based learning. They provide students with multiple opportunities to gain experiential training and use critical-thinking skills, both of which are essential for being successful members of the scientific community.
Graduates are prepared for careers that include, but are not limited to, biological technicians, forensic scientists, environmental scientists, microbiologists, medical laboratory scientists, zoologists and wildlife biologists. The Biology degree program also prepares students to pursue careers in healthcare, education and business.
https://www.jwu.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/biology-bs.html
