Biology

Division I Chair: M. Saderholm

Program Chair: R. Scudder-David (Fall 2016), M. Hoffman (Spring 2017)

Faculty: C. Adams, D. Anderson, S. Blank, N. Douglas, M. Hoffman, R. Rosen, and R. Scudder-Davis

Website: http://www.berea.edu/bio/

Courses: BIO Courses

Major/Minor Requirements: Biology B.A.Biology Minor

The Biology Program curriculum is designed to enable students to understand the process of scientific inquiry and to introduce them to the major areas of biological sciences. Biology graduates pursue careers in laboratory and field research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, education, conservation, and many other areas.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology complete a core curriculum of six courses plus a selection of four additional courses.  The core courses provide breadth across the study of plants, animals, and microbes, while also grounding students in the foundational fields of genetics and evolution.  The majority of Biology courses have a field or laboratory component, so students gain experience in a wide array of techniques and research questions. In several courses, small teams of students design and carry out their own research projects.

Biology majors are encouraged to participate in study abroad, summer research, and internship opportunities.  Biology students have pursued research and field experiences at major institutions around the country and abroad.  In addition, Biology professors offer on-campus research opportunities to teams of students each summer, and student researchers present their work on campus and at the Kentucky Academy of Sciences, among other local and national professional conferences.

The Biology Program participates in the College Labor Program, and qualified students serve as laboratory and teaching assistants. These Biology TAs are an integral part of the teaching and learning that occurs in our classrooms and labs.

In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Biology Program seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:  

Biology Program Student Learning Goals & Outcomes

Learning Goal 1: Understand Fundamental Concepts in Biology

Outcome 1.1: Describe, apply, and integrate fundamental concepts

Be able to describe, apply and integrate the fundamental concepts of biology including cell biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, organismal diversity, and organismal structure and function.

Learning Goal 2: Understand the Scientific Method

Outcome 2.1: The scientific method

Recognize and identify steps and articulate process in the scientific method.

Outcome 2.2: Experimental Design

Develop the ability to identify and develop research questions/hypotheses, develop appropriate experimental design, conduct independent research, collect and interpret experimental data, and communicate experimental results & conclusions in an oral, written, and/or poster format.

Learning Goal 3: Research Methods, Methodologies, and Experiences

Outcome 3.1: Scientific information

Be able to search for, evaluate, interpret, and communicate scientific information, including primary research journal articles, review articles, and popular scientific literature.

Outcome 3.2: Scientific tools

Gain experience with the tools of the biologist, including scientific equipment, library resources, computer applications, Internet resources, etc.

Outcome 3.3: Quantitative methods

Be able to apply quantitative methodologies to biological questions;

Learning Goal 4: Apply Knowledge & Skills

Outcome 4.1: Communication Skills

Demonstrate proficiency in written, oral and visual communication skills.

Outcome 4.2: Career skills

Develop appropriate career skills essential for biologists, including the abilities to: set goals and priorities; work independently and in a group or team; demonstrate courtesy and respect to colleagues; accept responsibility for one's actions.

Outcome 4.3: Work with others

The ability to listen actively to, review, and evaluate the work of others.

Outcome 4.4: Scientific literacy

Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of one’s role as a scientifically-literate global citizen and professional.

Biology Course Sequencing Table:

Please be aware that the table below represents current planning and is subject to change based on faculty availability and student interest.  It is not meant to represent any guarantee to the student that the courses will be offered in the term in which they are currently planned.

CourseFall 17Spr 18Fall 18Spr 19Fall 19Spr 20Fall 20Spr 21
BIO 100 FSI FSI FSI FSI FSI FSI FSI FSI
BIO 101X  X X X
BIO 102 X  X X 
BIO 110XXXXXXXX
BIO 113XXXXXXXX
BIO 114XXXXXXXX
BIO 207X X X X 
BIO 220X X X X 
BIO 222XXXXXXXX
BIO 306X   X   
BIO 310 X   X  
BIO 323 XX X X 
BIO 324  X   X 
BIO 325 X   X  
BIO 326FSIFSIFSIFSIFSIFSIFSIFSI
BIO 327     X  
BIO 330X X X X 
BIO 331   X   X
BIO 332X   X   
BIO 342FSIFSIFSIFSIFSIFSIFSIFSI
BIO 344X   X   
BIO 441   X   X
BIO 494XXXXXXXX

 *FSI = As faculty and student interest allows