Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Department of Biology to educate students in the process and methodology of science and provide the conceptual and applied knowledge necessary to address problems at a wide range of levels of biological organization, and to be responsible global citizens able to make informed decisions about complex issues. These goals are achieved through learning partnerships in the classroom and laboratory that facilitate growth in knowledge and skills in the basic and applied sciences and the development of communication and critical thinking skills. Through experiential learning and mentoring, students are introduced to a wide range of historical and contemporary topics and techniques in the biological sciences, thereby illustrating the creative process which leads to scientific innovation. Through these efforts we seek to prepare students for careers in science, graduate and professional schools, and to be innovative lifelong learners while emphasizing the importance of the natural sciences in the University’s liberal arts tradition. Our faculty value and continually contribute to the scientific community through high quality research and pedagogical innovation, and to the improvement of society through service to professional organizations, the University and broader communities.