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Biology Department Home
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Curricular
Goals of the Biology Department The skills, knowledge, and attitudes that we want our majors to possess when they graduate.
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| Life-long Learning | An attitude of independence and self-confidence as a learner that comes from the ability to learn new information and skills without dependence on a teacher. Achieving this goal prepares students for a lifetime of growth in the remaining eight areas. | |||||||||
| Scientific
Thinking and Integrity |
The ability to approach problems scientifically, employing observation, hypothesis, prediction, and testing. Confidence in dealing with quantitative data. A commitment to scientific integrity, i.e., the honest reporting, manipulation, and evaluation of data, coupled with an understanding of the ethical limits to gathering these data. | |||||||||
| Information | A knowledge of the concepts and facts essential to one’s career and to one’s success in graduate placement exams. | |||||||||
| Technique
and Instrumentation |
Skills in basic and cutting-edge techniques of laboratory and field biology. Familiarity with basic and cutting-edge biological instrumentation. | |||||||||
| Information Technology | Skills in using computer hardware and software to acquire, manipulate, analyze, and store data; in using the Internet to communicate with others and to access software and data; and in using bibliographic databases to access the scientific literature. | |||||||||
| Writing | The ability to write clear and compelling prose, combined with an understanding of the appropriate styles and formats of different kinds of scientific writing. | |||||||||
| Speaking | Confidence and skill in reporting scientific information orally and in preparing visual summaries of data. | |||||||||
| Societal
Issues and Ethics |
Understanding the impact of science on society and the ethical issues facing scientists. Developing a habit of reflection on the ethical implications of one’s own work. | |||||||||
| Teamwork | The ability to work in a team composed of members that have independent responsibilities but cooperate to achieve a shared goal. | |||||||||
