Biology, B.A.

Biology and Molecular Biology Mission Statement
The mission of the biology department takes its direction from the broader mission of Westminster College. The department’s quest for academic excellence and extensive experiential learning is suffused with a recognition that stewardship of life mandates the maximum possible development of each person’s intellectual capabilities and social responsibilities. In order to help women and men develop the competencies, commitments, and characteristics which distinguish human beings at their best, the biology department realizes its mission in students who:

• acquire knowledge and an appreciation of the natural world;
• cultivate an intellectual curiosity that encourages observation and exploration using multiple perspectives;
• demonstrate competencies to reason logically, evaluate critically, communicate effectively, and imagine creatively;
• develop and demonstrate moral and ethical commitments to society and the natural world;
• commit themselves to lifelong learning and the acquisition of skills for careers and responsible service as world citizens.

Learning Outcomes

1. demonstrate breadth of knowledge about current biological concepts and principles, including recognition of the inter-relatedness of knowledge among the various biological sub-disciplines;
2. demonstrate a foundation of knowledge that prepares them for a wide range of professions;
3. demonstrate a foundation of technical skills;
4. demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data;
5. demonstrate the ability to apply existing knowledge and skills to develop new ideas and solve novel problems;
6. demonstrate the ability to formulate testable hypotheses and design experiments that address those hypotheses;
7. demonstrate critical-thinking skills, such as the ability to evaluate scientific concepts and theories;
8. demonstrate the ability to work independently, complete a project, and meet a deadline;
9. demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a team to solve problems and complete tasks;
10. demonstrate an understanding of diversity, organization, and functioning of the living world sufficient to insure informed participation in society and to exhibit a capacity for bioethical decision making;
11. demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific ideas through written and oral presentation;
12. participate effectively in collaborative learning with faculty;
13. participate in co-curricular opportunities that enhance interactions with faculty, students, alumni, and professionals in the field of the biological sciences.