Biology (BIO)

264 William R. Murchie Science Building
(810) 762-3360
FAX (810) 762-3310
Website: http://www.umflint.edu/biology/

Chair: Bruce D. Parfitt

Secretary: Lisette Boss

Part-time Secretary: Ann Niemann

Professors Steven F. Myers, David L. Wigston; Associate Professors Gary L. Pace, Bruce D. Parfitt, Jerry D. Sanders, Joseph F. Sucic; Assistant Professors, Ann Sturtevant, Stephen J. Trumble; Lecturers Mary Ann Cardani, Nanette Kelly, Elizabeth A. Malinowski, Ernest J. Szuch, Dennis P. Viele, Jr., Tracy L. Wacker, Margaret Ware.

Professor Emeritus: Jane Taylor; Associate Professor Emeritus Paul A. Adams.

Supervisor of Science Laboratories: Larry Atherton

Laboratory Demonstrator: Sheri Mayrberger

Biology is the study of the organization and operation of life at cellular, organismal, and population levels. An understanding of biology leads to an appreciation of the complexity of the world of life and the role that human beings have within it. The department provides courses in biology that serve the needs of the general student as well as those specializing in the field. Students who concentrate in biology can design their programs to be the focus of a broad and liberal education, to prepare for graduate studies in a sub-discipline, to become certified as a secondary biology teacher, or to obtain pre-professional training in medicine, dentistry, and other health-related fields.

Department Mission and Program Assessment

The mission of the Biology Department is to provide students with a broad knowledge base in biology and the skills necessary to be successful in attaining their chosen career goals. In addition to the factual content, students learn the historical basis, the social context, and the scientific methodology of each of the major conceptual areas of biology. The Department participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.

Biology Writing Requirement

Each of the programs in biology requires completion with a grade of C (2.0) or better in two biology courses designated as writing courses or, in the case of BA programs one departmental writing course and COM 225 or COM/ENG 338. Departmental writing courses have assigned requirements that are evaluated for correct English compositional skills and evidence of research skills, and that count for at least 20% of the course grade. Such written assignments are completed outside of scheduled class meeting times, and some will be rewritten for re-evaluation. While subject to change, designated biology writing courses include: BIO 305 , BIO 319 , BIO 376 , BIO 426 , BIO 431 , BIO 430 , BIO 432 , BIO 436 , BIO 435 , BIO 439 , BIO 438 , BIO 443 , BIO 460 , BIO 453 , BIO 468 , BIO 475 and BIO 481 . Completion of this requirement will be assessed by the department chair.

Programs in Biology

A Graduate Program (Master of Science in Biology) is described in the Graduate Study section of this Catalog. Seven undergraduate concentration programs are offered: the General Program in Biology (Bachelor of Science) , the Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Bachelor of Science) , the Program in Wildlife Biology (Bachelor of Science) , the Teacher’s Certificate Program in Biology (Bachelor of Science) , the Honors Program in Biology (Bachelor of Science) , the Program in Human Biology (Bachelor of Arts) , and the Program in Natural History (Bachelor of Arts) . Minors in Biology and Field Biology and a Biology Teacher’s Certificate Minor are also available.

Students who are seriously considering a biology program should consult with a biology advisor prior to registration for classes their first semester.