62 / 256
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
61
Breakthroughs in basic research in biology are leading to practical applications in
medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. The biology department of
Birmingham-Southern College offers students the opportunity to participate in the
excitement of biology as part of a learning community of faculty and students through
investigative study in the classroom, laboratory, field, and library; through collaborative
undergraduate research projects; and through formal and informal consultation, advising,
and discussions. By participating in these activities, students actively learn both the
process and content of modern biological science.
The introductory four-course sequence of the biology major introduces students to some
of the major concepts and approaches of biology: biological organization and diversity,
comparative structure-function relationships, cell structure and function, energetics and
metabolism, classical and molecular genetics, evolution, and ecology. Upper-level
elective courses allow students to investigate more thoroughly various facets of
biological science. All students will undertake a two-term undergraduate research project
as a capstone experience for their studies.
A biology major will also prepare students for additional coursework and research in
graduate school in areas as diverse as ecology, molecular biology, physiology,
environmental studies, and conservation biology. In addition, the program provides the
preparation needed for application to medical and dental schools, as well as pre-
professional training for students interested in various health-related fields (e.g.,
physical therapy, and physician or surgical assistant programs). Biology majors may
enter public school teaching with the appropriate courses in education required for
certification.
A pre-professional program in biology/environmental studies is offered, and courses
in biology can be combined with courses in other disciplines for an individualized
major to meet specialized career goals.
Additional course requirements may be needed for entrance into medical, dental or
other professional programs. Students should consult with the health professions
program advisor to ensure that they complete all of the requirements needed for
acceptance into the professional program of interest.
The chemistry courses required for the biology major may be used to meet minor
requirements in chemistry. Major requirements in the biology major may also be used
towards the urban environmental studies major and minor.
Upon completion of the biology major, students will be able to
•
search the scientific literature and find adequate, appropriate source material on
a given topic
•
develop hypotheses and experiments to test them
•
conduct experiments
•
analyze data and draw appropriate conclusions
•
clearly communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences