Biology A.B.
Chair: Associate Professor L. Niedziela
A Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology requires the completion of the Elon Core Curriculum as well as the Major Requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Required Courses:
Students not placed in STS 2120 will need to take STS 1100 prior to taking STS 2120.
Select one Integrative Biology elective course from the list below: 4sh
In addition, a required experiential component selected from one of the following:
(a) internship (BIO 4985)
(b) research under the direction of BIO faculty member
Choose electives from the following: 20 sh
| BIO | BIO ELECTIVES: 2000/3000/4000 LEVEL | |
| CHM 2110 | Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 4 sh |
| PHY 2010 | GENERAL PHYSICS I | 4 sh |
| PHY 2020 | GENERAL PHYSICS II | 4 sh |
Total Credit Hours: 56
Program Outcomes
Students completing the biology program will be well rounded and knowledgeable in the major areas of biology.
They will:
a. Recognize the basic structure of the cells as the basic units of all living organisms and as building block of multi-cellular organisms
b. Explain the processes and patterns of biological evolution and support its role as the central unifying concept of biology.
c. Discuss the scope of biological diversity and the genealogical relationships among major groups of organisms.
d. Apply the principles of genetics from molecular mechanisms to population consequences to real world examples.
e. Relate form and function in biology as expressed in molecular, cellular and whole- organism physiology
f. Predict the interactions of organisms and their environment and the consequences of these in natural populations, communities and ecosystems.
Students completing the biology program will apply the scientific approach or way of knowing to answer biological questions and solve problems.
They will:
a. Formulate testable research hypotheses and choose appropriate experimental design to test hypotheses
b. Collect, analyze, interpret and report data using appropriate statistical analysis.
c. Interpret data correctly and clearly display results in support of reasonable conclusions.
d. Acquire laboratory skills and field techniques using appropriate equipment and instrumentation
e. Utilize computers for simulations, data acquisition, and quantitative/statistical analysis
Students Students completing the biology program will be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing using a variety of techniques appropriately chosen for material to be presented and audience.
They will:
a. Find, access, and critically evaluate primary literature.
b. Present biological information orally and visually via posters and formal and informal oral presentations.
c. Write effectively using professional scientific writing formats appropriate to purpose (WEI outcome)
d. Use CSE style accurately in scientific writing.
Students completing the biology program will be able to synthesize and integrate information from the various areas of biology to obtain a progressively more complete picture of the complexity and reality of biological systems.
They will:
a. Appreciate the history, limitations, and controversy of biological concepts
b. Understand the contributions of biology to the resolution of ethical, social and environmental issues in human affairs.
c. Integrate and synthesize biological knowledge to understand the complexity and reality of biological systems.