Foundations: Graduates will have a basic understanding of the expansive field of modern biology and appreciate its breadth, from molecules to ecosystems. In addition, they will understand how basic principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics inform the foundation on which all of biology rests.
Evolution: Graduates will understand the process of evolution by natural selection, because evolution is the broad integrating theme in all of biology. By explaining its unity and diversity and linking all aspects of past and future, we expect students to have both a deep and broad knowledge of its mechanisms and implications.
Genetics: Graduates will understand the mechanisms and history of genetics in detail. In addition, students will understand how modern genetics impacts many facets of society.
Specialization: Graduates will demonstrate specialized knowledge in areas of biology, where they will become acquainted with both classic and cutting edge research in the fields of modern biology. This goal dovetails with aspects of Goal 1 as it seeks to solidify the basic knowledge component that students acquire in earlier courses.
Lab and field skills: Graduates will be able to employ common lab and field techniques used by biological scientists and therefore will be prepared for employment in government and private laboratories, hospitals, classrooms, nonprofits, and consulting firms.
Scientific communication: Graduates will become adept at scientific communication, increasing their level of information literacy throughout our program. In addition, they will be able to competently communicate scientific findings to both peer and lay audiences. They will aspire to serve as ambassadors of science to educate and impact the public.
Scientific worldview: Graduates will adopt a scientific worldview, leading them to be both curious and skeptical of new information. They will be concerned with the societal implications of science and the impacts of society on the natural world.