Faculty:

• Steven G. Bassett, Ph.D.
• Jessica Brzyski, Ph.D.
• Kristen Butela, Ph.D.
• Bernadette Fondy, Ph.D.
• Jamie Fornsaglio, Ph.D.
• Bobbie Leeper, Ph.D.

The biology curriculum provides opportunities for students to become independent, creative individuals, rather than passive observers of the activities of others. The curriculum is primarily designed to prepare students for graduate study in the life sciences or for the pursuit of advanced degrees in the health professions. Seton Hill biology graduates can pursue advanced training in dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, podiatry, or veterinary medicine, as well as in any number of research/academic fields requiring the Ph.D. (environmental science, genetics, immunology, marine biology, molecular biology, etc.). Biology graduates have also found employment as teachers, laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and veterinary technicians without pursuing a graduate degree.

1. See a description of the cooperative program in Osteopathic Medicine. Students in that program may earn the Bachelor of Science in biology or biochemistry and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in the cooperative degree program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill University.

See a description of the affiliative program in Pharmacy. Students in that program may earn the Bachelor of Science in biology and the Doctor of Pharmacy in the affiliative degree program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

See a description of the cooperative program in Optometry. Students in that program may earn the Bachelor of Science in Optometry and the Doctor of Optometry in the affiliative degree program with Salus University.

Learning Objectives: Biology

1. Use the proper language of biological science in oral and written communications.
2. Summarize and interpret one’s own data through the use of graphs, charts, and tables.
3. Access and analyze the scientific literature.
4. Explain the unity of life at the cellular, organism, and population levels.
5. Explain how evolution is the source of both unity and diversity in living and extinct organisms.
6. Identify key concepts of biological science including those from the disciplines of anatomy, ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, and systematics.
7. Synthesize the inter-relationships between biology and the disciplines of chemistry, mathematics, and physics on exams or in written assignments.
8. Design and implement a scientific experiment in a laboratory or field setting.
9. Apply a scientific approach to problem solving.
10. Distinguish between credible and non-credible sources for use in scientific forums.
11. Demonstrate proficiency with the tools of biological research including those associated with the laboratory and field studies.
12. Explain the influence that biological ideas and discoveries have had on the development of culture and society.
13. Appraise the impact of human activities on the environment and articulate solutions.
14. Evaluate specific career options associated with biological science, including those that require graduate-level education.
15. Discuss and reflect upon the role that personal integrity and honesty play in the advancement of science.
16. Evaluate ethical considerations associated with applications of biotechnology and express one’s own position on such issues.
17. Develop a professional vision that recognizes and supports the need for diversity in the sciences.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in biology must complete the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements, the capstone assessment requirement, and the required courses for the major.

The biology program employs a senior comprehensive exam (SBL 435 ) and a series of assignments in SBL 300  to assess the extent to which students have mastered the twelve major biological themes and integrated them with the learning objectives for the major and the University.

A minimum of 120 credits is required.