The Biology Program will transform students into biologists with enhanced skills in critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Students will learn in an environment that fosters creativity, independent thinking, and the application of knowledge in the biological sciences. When biology students graduate from Carroll University, they will have the confidence and skills necessary to be successful professionals in a dynamic work force.

The biology major is designed to give students excellent preparation for graduate study or professional careers in the life sciences, including  molecular biology, physiology, field biology, research, teaching, dentistry, medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, or veterinary medicine. All students have opportunities to develop excellent research skills throughout the core courses and upper-level biology electives, and many students collaborate with biology faculty on their current  scholarly research.

Learning Outcomes for Biology

As students progress through the biology major, they will strengthen abilities to:

1.  Learn how to learn.
2.  Read scientific literature.
3.  Understand  basic biological principles.
4.  Apply knowledge to new situations.
5.  Analyze complex issues.
6.  Synthesize their understanding of diverse concepts.
7.  Effectively conduct research.
8.  Effectively communicate  scientific information.
9.  Understand and apply ethical principles.
10. Focus their career options.

Students in the Biology program may be considered for graduation with program honors if they complete the following requirements:
GPA, Biology courses: 3.6 or higher
GPA, Overall: 3.4 or higher

Presentation of research project results at a regional or national meeting (e.g., BBB or a disciplinary society) or submission of a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal
Demonstrated  commitment  to the biology profession, broadly defined, above and beyond that of the average student. Evidence of such commitment will come from one or more of the following:
• Active membership in Beta Beta Beta, the Biological Honor Society.
• Active membership in a professional/scholarly organization related to biology
(e.g., Ecological Society of America, American Society for Microbiology, etc.).
• Significant educational activity/outreach (e.g., tutoring, mentoring) at the uni- versity or other level.
• Consistent  and  sustained  volunteer  activity in an organization  working  on environmental,  health, or other issues relevant to biology.
• Significant research activity separate from or above and beyond the capstone.
• Sustained  activity  in  science-related  policy/consulting   in  communication, journalism, government, public policy, business, industry or education.

The Biology faculty will review these requirements for all graduating seniors in the spring semester of each year.

Fees

Specific courses that require use of transportation, equipment or disposable supplies are assigned a course fee.