Department of Biology

Biology Department Mission Statement

The department seeks to foster student appreciation for and understanding of the complexity and interrelatedness of biological systems in the Rockhurst liberal arts tradition. The two tracks within the Biology major serve a student population that is diverse in its academic and career objectives by providing the opportunity to focus on cell and molecular biology or organismal and ecological biology. We also seek to provide students interested in other areas of inquiry the opportunity to supplement their existing knowledge base with an understanding of human and environmental biology. Courses within the biology major help prepare students for careers or post-graduate education in medicine, health care-related fields, biotechnology, biological research, and academia.

Philosophy of Curriculum

The broad foundational knowledge and critical thinking, scientific communication, and technical skills instilled in Biology majors develop students who are poised to enter a variety of career paths or post-graduate programs. Biology majors are required to complete courses that broaden their perspectives and knowledge about biology as well as support their specific interests within the discipline. Our curriculum (below) includes a set of foundational courses taken by all majors, which provides the basis for biological knowledge, study, and communication, and a set of courses selected by students, divided into three general areas: 1) organismal courses, relating to the structures and functions of a broad variety of organisms; 2) molecular courses, which examine the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for all organisms, and 3) systems courses, which explore contemporary ideas relating to the interactions among organisms and their environment. Students select one of two tracks, the organismal or molecular track, depending on their interests and goals. Both tracks involve related coursework, which contributes to the required hours for the bachelor’s degree.  Students are encouraged to expand their learning through undergraduate research projects and field biology travel.

Student Learning Outcomes

See “Course Descriptions” for all BL courses listed in the table above.

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Programs

• Biology, Environmental Track, B.S.
• Biology, General Track, B.S.
• Biology, Molecular Track, B.S.
• Biology, Organismal Track, B.S.

• Biology General Minor
• Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Minor