Biology Interest Session Dr. Carol Trent Professor Biology Department

Biology Department Mission Statement To provide an outstanding learning environment for students that integrates education, scholarship, and service to actively engage students in the biological sciences and to foster their development as lifelong learners.

We accomplish our mission by: Offering a broad-based, rigorous, and integrated curriculum Fostering critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills Offering opportunities for undergraduate research and writing Providing for timely completion of degree

Biology Degree Programs Bachelor of Science: – Biology General Emphasis Cell Emphasis Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Emphasis Marine Biology Emphasis Secondary Teaching Emphasis – Cellular & Molecular Biology – Biology/Anthropology (Combined major) – Biology/Mathematics (Combined major)

Biology Degree Programs (cont.) Bachelor of Arts: – Biology – Behavioral Neurosciences (Combined major with Psychology) – Biology/Anthropology (Combined major) Bachelor of Arts in Education – Biology/Chemistry Secondary Ed.

Overview of Biology Major Two phases for all Biology majors: – In Phase I students take foundation courses in chemistry and biology that will provide them with the concepts, vocabulary, and study skills necessary to succeed in upper division courses – In Phase II students are eligible to take upper-division courses and explore the major sub-disciplines of biology

Phase I Complete math courses up to and including Calculus (Math 124) General Chemistry series (Chem 121, 122 and 123) Introductory Biology series (Biol 204, 205 and 206)

Admission requirements for Phase II Grade point average of 2.9 or higher from the general chemistry (Chem 121, 122, 123) and introductory biology (Biol 204, 205, 206) series Students can retake one of the six courses to improve GPA

Phase II majors Take of upper-division courses that build on the content of introductory biology series as well as courses in chemistry and physics. Students may select coursework from a specific area of biology or be generalists. Engage in research projects, internships, service learning activities.

What do our majors do after graduation? Variety of careers including: – Education – Government and non-government agencies – Biotechnology firms – Scientific research technicians – Graduate or professional schools Our majors graduate with the analytical skills to succeed in a variety of careers.

What you should do to prepare a schedule of classes Determine your math level Plan on taking 2 science courses (including math) each quarter and supplement with non-science or GUR courses Use the handout to determine the best schedule for you depending on your Math Placement Test score.

Sample Schedules Based on Math Placement Test Score If math level is: FallWinterSpring Completed college Calculus course Math 125 Chem cr. non-science GURs Chem 122 Biol cr. non-science GURs Chem 123 Biol cr. non-science GURs Math Placement Test score: Advanced Math 124 Chem cr. non-science GURs Biol 204 Chem cr. non-science GURs Biol 205 Chem cr. non-science GURs Math Placement Test score: Advanced Intermediate Math 118 Chem cr. non-science GURs Math 124 Chem cr. non-science GURs Chem 122 Biol cr. non-science GURs Math Placement Test score: Advanced Intermediate Math cr non-science GURs Math 115 Chem cr. non-science GURs Math 124 Chem cr. non-science GURs Math Placement Test score: Intermediate Math credits of non-science GURs Math credits of non-science GURs Math 115 Chem cr. non-science GURs

Highly recommended book: Essential Study Skills for Science Students by Daniel D. Chiras (Brooks/Cole Publisher; Thomas Learning) ISBN In bookstore, about $3.00

Parting Advice!! Put in the time needed to succeed! You should spend about 3 hours studying outside of class for each hour of lecture. Declare your major as soon as you decide Talk with your professors and faculty advisor Become integrated into the campus community Take care of your health