Biology , Environmental Science, Psychological Sciences

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Biology and Environmental Science

Brittingham, Doling, Luttermoser, Points, Rehmeier, Subramanian

Department Mission Statement

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science offers courses that connect students with the nature of the living world and the environmental setting in an evolutionary context.  Courses and research experiences are designed to enrich the liberal arts curriculum, to engage students in critical thinking and offer a firm foundation in molecular, structural/functional and organismic biology, and ecology. 

The biology and envrionmental science curriculum meets the needs of those students desiring to enter the health-related professions, to become environmental scientists, to attend graduate school in biology or envrionmental science, and to become secondary school teachers. 

The major and minor in biology and the major and minor in environmental science are described below. A student may not major in both biology and environmental science. Biochemistry majors may not major or minor in Biology. Any substitution for the required courses, listed below, must be approved by the department chairperson.

*Students interested in pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre-veterinary medicine or another allied-health profession should contact the department chairperson for specific details.

Psychological Science

Evans, Martens, Meyers, Vargo

Department Mission Statement

Students who study the science of psychology will gain an understanding of the major concepts, theories, and findings that characterize mental processes and behavior. Students will learn how to practice the science of psychology by designing, conducting, and interpreting empirical research. The psychology major will provide students with the quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills needed to become informed citizens. In addition, students will learn the ethical principles that guide the professional conduct of psychologists.

The major in psychology is designed with four purposes in mind: (1) preparation for graduate study and a career in psychology; (2) preparation for vocations where extensive background in psychology is necessary, such as general counseling and some careers in human services; (3) general preparation for related vocations, such as business, education, law, advertising, or nursing; and (4) a broadening educational experience which will contribute to the understanding of self and others.

Neuroscience

Brittingham, Evans, Subramanian

The Neuroscience Major trains students to use the knowledge of several academic disciplines to achieve an in depth understanding of the human nervous system and its purpose. It accomplishes this through
a program of instruction that includes training in modern laboratory and research techniques and collaboration with faculty mentors. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared for careers and graduate study in neuroscience and related disciplines.

The Neuroscience Major accomplishes its mission through the interdisciplinary exploration of science’s most challenging puzzle – the brain. Major areas of study include: anatomy and physiology, cellular and molecular biology, cognitive psychology, and neurological disorders. These disciplines can enhance our understanding of neural structures and systems controlling functions such as vision, memory, emotion, movement, and ultimately all of human behavior.

NOTE: Courses that are used as a Neurscience elective, cannot also be used to fulfill a requirement for another major or minor.

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