Biology

This major prepares students for a variety of careers in biology. Students may go on to graduate school in the biological sciences. This major also prepares students to enter any of the professional fields related to health, teaching, research, outreach, and other areas in academic, industry or a government agency. Opportunities include environmental studies, genetics, physiology, botany, zoology, microbiology, cellular biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology and conservation biology, to name a few graduate study specialties. Students have the option of graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree or with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

CMU has a chapter of Beta Beta Beta, a national honorary biological society (advisors: Dr. Paul Porneluzi and Dr. Greg Thurmon), and a chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a national pre-health professions fraternity (advisor: Dr. Anna Slusarz and Dr. Terese Zidon).

Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes

SLO 1: Communication of Biological Knowledge and Ability – The well-trained Biology major should be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, about biological and environmental concepts.

SLO 2: Proficiency in Biological Lab Practices – Proper training in Biology requires laboratory proficiency. Students should be able to be proficient in basic laboratory techniques and collection and analysis of data.

SLO 3: Knowledge of Biology – The well-prepared Biology major must build a broad base of knowledge in cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, zoology, and biochemistry and should be able to integrate knowledge from several biology fields as they specialize in their chosen area.

The following programs provide guidance to students for selecting the courses necessary for their goals.

Biology Program: Biology is a broad and constantly changing field. Students will study a set of biology courses tailored to their individual interests. Graduates will earn a bachelor's degree with a major in Biology and may choose to minor in a field of their choice. To guide students, CMU offers three tracks of recommended classes to help students prepare for commonly chosen career paths.

Molecular Biology Track: Students learn concepts and techniques that prepare them for careers in Biology or advanced study in a variety of fields of Biology. These fields include, but are not limited to, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Microbiology. Graduates will earn a bachelor's degree with a major in Biology.

Pre-Health Science Professionals Track: Students learn and practice Biology, and prepare for studying health professions in Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Optometry, Veterinary Schools, and others. Graduates will earn a bachelor's degree with a major in Biology.

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology Track: Students learn and experience the fields of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology. Graduates will earn a bachelor's degree with a major in Biology.