Biology (BIO)

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

Chair: Steven F. Myers
Administrative Assistant: Jennifer S. Phillips
Senior Secretary: Denise M. Taft
Supervisor of Science Laboratories: Larry W. Atherton
Laboratory/Classroom Services Coordinator: Kristin Turnpaugh

Professors: Steven F. Myers, Joseph F. Sucic; Associate Professors: Heather A. Dawson, Jerry D. Sanders; Assistant Professors: David M. Duriancik, Karmen Hollis-Etter, Frank Miskevich, Kevin L. Tang, Jill C. Witt; Lecturers: Russell M. Cossaboom, Elizabeth A. Malinowski, Jennifer E. Miller, Jill A. Slater, Dennis P. Viele, Jr., Margaret L. Ware, Teresa A. Yoder-Nowak.

Professor Emeritus Jane Taylor; Associate Professor Emeritus Paul A. Adams; Associate Professor Emeritus Gary L. Pace.

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, 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. For all biology majors, at least one biology writing courses will be a capstone course from the following list: BIO 432 Mammalian Physiology ; BIO 453 - Evolution and Adaptation ; BIO 468 Molecular Biology of Eucaryotes ; BIO 477 - Biology Senior Seminar . Biology 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 421 - Mammalogy ; BIO 431 - Comparative Animal Physiology ; BIO 432 - Mammalian Physiology (capstone); BIO 436 - Applied and Environmental Microbiology , BIO 438 - Medical Microbiology ; BIO 439 - Clinical Mycology ; BIO 444 - Neuroscience; BIO 453 - Evolution and Adaptation (capstone); BIO 456 - Herpetology; BIO 460 - Conservation Biology ; BIO 460 - Conservation Biology , BIO 468 Molecular Biology of Eucaryotes (capstone); BIO 477 Biology Senior Seminar (capstone).

Programs in Biology

A graduate program (Master of Science in Biology) is described in the Graduate Study section of this Catalog. Five undergraduate 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 Honors Program in Biology (Bachelor of Science) , and the Program in Human Biology (Bachelor of Arts) . Minors in Biology and Field Biology are also available. The department encourages undergraduate biology students to consider a minor or a double major with a program in another discipline. However, students are not allowed to major in more than one biology program nor are they allowed to both major and minor in biology.

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