BIOLOGY

 

Mission Statement

 

The guiding principle of the University of North Florida, Department of Biology, is the search for understanding and knowledge through the scientific study of life and the dissemination of this information to students, the general public, and the scientific community.  The Department of Biology faculty teach and conduct research in diverse fields of biology.  The strength of the department lies in its broad based academic program, collaborative efforts of faculty, and its integration of undergraduates in all aspects of research.  The Department of Biology educates the general student body of UNF in biological principles and seeks to develop an understanding of science, applied writing, mathematics, analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills in the context of biology.  We seek to provide individualized attention at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to students interested in careers related to biological science.  The department believes that the active involvement in scholarly pursuits of graduate and undergraduate students is the ultimate expression of teaching and learning.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

UNF Biology graduates will be able to:

 

Content/Discipline Knowledge & Skills

·         demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary theory

·         demonstrate an understanding of genetics from molecules through populations

·         demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of cells and organisms

·         demonstrate an understanding of the importance of biodiversity and the relationships of living things with their environment

·         demonstrate environmental awareness relating to global change

 

Critical Thinking Skills

·         contrast current issues and ethical topics in biology

·         employ the practice of deductive reasoning and the scientific method

·         analyze and interpret data

·         critically read and evaluate primary research literature

 

Communication Skills

·         use biological terms properly in written and oral communications

·         demonstrate scientific writing style including proper citation of others' work

·         demonstrate appropriate methods of procuring and presenting biological data and information

Assessment Approaches

A variety of direct and indirect assessment methods will be employed to measure the accomplishment of the identified student learning outcomes. Among the potential direct methods that may be employed include course embedded assessments of content knowledge utilizing a scoring rubric, performance on standardized achievement examinations, and student publications or conference presentations.  These direct methods of achievement will be complemented by indirect assessment approaches such as alumni surveys, graduating senior surveys and other student perception measures, and admission rates to graduate and professional schools.

Career Opportunities

 For information on the many career options available to Biology majors, go to What Can I do with a Biology Major at http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/majors/biology.html

For More Information

 To learn more about the UNF Biology Department and majoring in Biology, go to http://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/BioHome.html

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