Goals related to knowledge in the discipline Upon completion of the major, we intend that biology majors will have... Learned and retained information essential to a broad knowledge of Biology Knowledge and understanding of biological principles and generalizations (fundamentals, assumptions, hypothesis, theories, laws) and their implications Knowledge of methodologies basic to lab and field research in biology Achieved some depth of understanding in the subdisciplines of biology Goals related to Independent Study Upon completion of the major, we intend that biology majors will be... Familiar with scientific methods of inquiry and the philosophy of science Be able to apply the logic and methods of empirical investigation (analyze the problem, form hypothesis, design and execute an investigation, evaluate data (including the use of simple statistics ) and assumptions, synthesize knowledge gained communicate the knowledge) Active participation in research, including careful observation and question asking Judge the reliability of sources of biological information Competent in basic/applied research and operate with expertise in the laboratory including Ability to use routine lab equipment with ease Knowledge of lab hazards and safety principles Able to access the scientific literature Ability to conduct a literature search on a biological topic using primary and secondary literature Ability to read and interpret selected primary literature, including tables, charts, and graphs Able to conduct an independent scientific investigation (which will require integrating most of the skills developed above) Goals related to a liberal arts education Upon completion of the major, we intend that biology majors will... Be able to use biological/scientific information to make reasoned decisions and ethical choices and to extrapolate from the classroom to 'real life' situations Understand the role of creativity in science, appreciate how knowledge changes and develop the ability and motivation to study and learn independently Be able to communicate scientific information effectively (quantitatively and graphically ) and by a variety of means including... written presentations (well-organized scientific report; poster presentation) oral presentations * This list was largely adapted from Reid et al., "Outcomes assessment as a context for evaluating the biology curriculum," BioScience 42 (1992): 536, and informally accepted by the Department. Modified February 1, 1997 by W.R. Morgan.

Last Updated: August 22, 2003