The objective of the biology curriculum in the Department of Biology & Geology is to provide a strong foundation in the scientific principles governing living organisms—from the molecular and cellular level to ecological and environmental interactions. The biology major emphasizes research, critical thinking, and communication in order to build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a biological career or graduate/professional school. Examples of graduate and professional degrees pursued by recent graduates include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, genetic counseling, nursing, environmental science, and molecular biology. Employers of recent graduates include pharmaceutical companies, school systems, government agencies, zoos, research labs, environmental education centers, and biotechnology companies.
The geology component of the Department provides the basic knowledge of the structural, physical and chemical nature of the planet and its manifestations on the surface.
Minimum credits required: 50.5/51.5 (* = Prerequisite Required)
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Biology Minor
A minor in biology consists of a minimum of 17 semester credits of biology (BIO) courses including BIO 121L and 122L. We encourage students to consult a biology faculty member to help them develop a minor that best suits their needs.
Geology Minor
Courses in Geology are offered by the Department of Biology and Geology.
The goals of the geology course offerings are to instill in the student an appreciation of the earth’s place and behavior in the universe; to give an understanding of the processes that have acted throughout time to shape the earth, its resources, and its life forms; to examine the effects of these processes on human habitation and the environment; and to bring an awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of the solutions to the earth’s environmental problems.
A Geology minor shall consist of a minimum of 17 credit hours and must include GEO 111L, 112L, and 232L.
A minor is geology is offered to meet the needs of those preparing to teach earth sciences in primary and secondary schools, those who are simply interested in learning more about the earth as part of a liberal arts education, and to provide a foundation for those who wish to do further work in geology or environmental sciences.

