Student Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the biology undergraduate program 

General student learning outcomes for all biology majors

• Students will be able to describe living systems, including their nature, organization and evolution.
• Students will be able to apply methods of scientific inquiry in biology.
• Students will be able to describe how human activities affect the living world and the physical environment.
• Students will be able to describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
• Students will be able to explain the historical context of biological discoveries.
• Students will be able to evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science.
• Students will be able to evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method.
• Students will be able to practice safety and proper techniques in the laboratory.
• Students will be able to write accurately and clearly about biology topics.
• Students will be able to explain why science is an integral activity for addressing social and environmental problems.

Additional outcome for the environmental biology and evolution option

• Students will be able to explain how resource limitation influences populations.

Additional outcomes for the microbiology and biotechnology option

• Students will be able to explain the flow of genetic information.
• Students will be able to perform dimensional analyses (dilutions, etc.).

Additional outcomes for the wildlife and fisheries option

• Students will be able to explain how organisms are interdependent.
• Students will be able to describe the diversity of life.