Biology

Biology Department Mission Statement

Biology is a vast discipline with both a broad range of future opportunities for those with significant interest and a high level of relevance for all global citizens.  Studying biology supports the preparation of students for careers in science and technology as well as the development of critical thinking and analytical skills for both science and non-science majors.  Thorough comprehension of biology concepts is often dependent on background knowledge of math, physics, and chemistry.  Biology is integral to the liberal arts tradition due to its reliance on the acquisition and evaluation of empirical data and its relationship with non-science disciplines, such as written and oral communication, the arts, history, and philosophy.  The Biology Department at Rockhurst University seeks to equip science and non-science majors with the skills, curiosity, and knowledge necessary for engaging with complex, broad, and relevant scientific information and provide opportunities for students to integrate their biology education with their overall Rockhurst experience through coursework, undergraduate research, and regional, national, and international opportunities.  We appreciate that scientific progress and understanding are enhanced when a variety of perspectives are considered and when students work with others of diverse backgrounds and interests, and we encourage the involvement from underrepresented groups as majors or non-majors in biology coursework, research, and travel. 

Philosophy of Curriculum

The broad foundational knowledge and critical thinking, scientific communication, and technical skills implemented in our coursework develop Biology majors who are prepared 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) environmental systems courses, which explore contemporary ideas relating to the interactions among organisms and their environment. Students select one of four tracks, the organismal, molecular, environmental systems, or general track, depending on their interests and goals. All four 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.

Program Goals

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of scientific terminology, principles, and concepts.  

• Define scientific methods and analyze scientific data. 

• Exhibit proficiency in the methodologies, applications, and interpersonal skills required for investigational biology.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe unifying tenets and concepts of biology.

• Execute scientific methodology to generate and critically analyze quantifiable data.

• Articulate scientific information both orally and in writing.

• Employ basic techniques and equipment used in biological investigation.

• Work and communicate effectively as part of a team in a laboratory or field setting.

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

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