The mission of the Department of Biology is to provide a quality education from a distinctly Christian perspective that will prepare men and women for the 21st century. This perspective has the practical effect of attracting outstanding students and faculty, thus perpetuating a learning climate centered on truth and excellence. The curriculum seeks to develop academic competency and professional awareness, to encourage meaningful interaction between the biological sciences and other dimensions of life, and to promote life-long learning skills in problem solving, research, and communication. Writing-intensive, speaking-intensive, and information literacy skills are developed by special assignments in core and seminar courses.
CURRICULA
Biology
A broad-based foundation in the many aspects of biology as a science. Core courses include two semesters of general biology and semester courses in ecology, cellular/molecular biology, genetics, and a biology seminar. In addition, the core includes a minimum of one course from each of the diversity/ecology and health/medicine clusters of upper level courses.
Molecular Biology
Requires in addition to biology courses, 24 hours of chemistry courses, 8 hours of physics, and 8 hours of calculus. Modern developments in biology have propelled molecular biology to the cutting edge of biological research. The courses are designed to help students keep pace with these activities. Laboratory skills in molecular areas are taught throughout the curriculum. Core competencies are introduced in general biology; organic chemistry; physics; and cellular and molecular biology courses, while more advanced opportunities in molecular biology are provided in biochemistry; microbiology; genetics; developmental biology; and human anatomy and physiology offerings.
Biology leading to (grades 7-12) certification in Biology/General Science
Students must fulfill the complete requirements for the biology major as well as specific course requirements of the GCC Department of Education. Additional departmental requirements include courses in psychology, geology, astronomy, and physics. A computer course is also required.
Biology leading to (grades 7-12) certification in Biology/General Science and (grades K-12) certification in Environmental Education
The option to add certification in environmental education provides a valuable credential for future teachers. Due to added course requirements, some students opt for an extra semester to complete this triple certification. Extra courses include foundations of environmental education, seminar in environmental education, and environmental education plus other environmentally related biology courses such as conservation/wildlife, microbiology, plant taxonomy, aquatic/fisheries or entomology. Additional courses in economics, global policy, statistics, and education are required. Bioscience majors who distinguish themselves by their achievement in coursework are eligible for membership in the Eta Zeta chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honorary. Throughout the year, this group brings speakers to campus to discuss career opportunities. It sponsors three awards each year for outstanding achievement in biology – one to a sophomore student (based on freshman performance), one to a graduating senior biology major, and a second one to a graduating senior molecular biology major. For students seeking advanced degrees, the lower-level core courses provide competencies for taking national health professional exams such as the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test), DAT (Dental Admissions Test), OAT (Optometry Admissions Test), GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and others. More advanced upper-division courses provide ample exposure to clinical or research applications. These studies are enhanced by computer-integrated approaches to learning.
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