Biological Sciences
Dr. Jake A. Pruett, Chair
Dr. Melissa Brewer; Dr. Erica Corbett; Dr. Aaron Krolow; Ms. Josie Mendenall; Dr. Alexandria Szakacs; Dr. Doug Wood; Dr. Ning Wu
Mission Statement
The Department of Biological Sciences is dedicated to providing courses and programs that enable students to discover and achieve their highest potential. Students are prepared for careers by the breadth and rigor of each program; students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for responsible citizenship and continued self-improvement through lifelong learning.
Vision
Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences provide personal attention to students in the classroom and laboratory, on field trips, and during extracurricular activities. Faculty exemplify excellence in teaching, grantsmanship, research, scholarship, and service. The Department is innovative and responsive to changing technologies and demographics and continues to pursue partnerships with regional constituencies.
Goals
- The Department will develop new programs and modify existing programs to meet the changing needs of students and society.
- The Department will monitor course offerings such that the needs of changing enrollments can be accommodated.
- The Department will improve advisement to increase student retention.
- The Department will upgrade its educational technology.
- The Department will collaborate with its regional educational and governmental partners.
Programs
The Department of Biological Sciences offers two undergraduate degree programs. Biology majors may select from three options: Biological Health Sciences, Botany, or Zoology. The Biological Health Sciences option prepares students for professional schools (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine). The Botany and Zoology options allow students to become more specialized and concentrate on either plants or animals, respectively.
The Fisheries and Wildlife degree provides students with a background in zoology, botany, ecology, conservation law, and the principles and techniques currently used by fish and wildlife professionals. The program combines traditional theoretical and classroom approaches along with a hands-on, field component. The degree is intended for students who plan to become professionals in fields related to fisheries and wildlife or who plan to pursue graduate studies. Students in this program often find rewarding careers with state or federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private corporations.
Students wishing to become teachers may major in Biology and work with the Education department to obtain a minor in Education. Graduates are well prepared to work toward certification and teach courses in public or private schools.
Most departmental faculty hold a doctorate in the discipline they teach. Faculty members are active in research and scholarly activities, professional societies, University service, and community service. Faculty and staff share the common goal of providing efficient and personal attention to students so that their individual needs are met.
Facilities
The Department is housed in a facility with over 30,000 square feet of teaching, research, and office space. This facility includes four lecture rooms, seven teaching laboratories, one computer laboratory, five research laboratories, an animal care facility, a cadaver storage room, a preparatory space for each laboratory, and a student lounge. Two other buildings are primarily used for storage, field-oriented courses, and research. Twelve research ponds are situated on the 9-acre dedicated green space on the northwest corner of campus, connected to the remainder of campus by the scenic Centennial Walkway, now part of the Schuler Loop walking trail.