Our Mission
The Department of Biological Sciences is a community of learners dedicated to the
teaching of pre-baccalaureate through post-doctoral students and other diverse constituencies.
The faculty is focused on the teaching/learning of biological principles and the advancing
of empirical research that integrates critical thinking across scientific disciplines
and applying modern technologies in order to understand living things and their surrounding
environment. Students will become life-long learners in diverse careers, serving the
greater good by developing and sustaining an ethical civilization through enhanced
medical, biological, and environmental stewardship.
Our Vision
The department will train students to achieve academic excellence through a modern
curriculum, experiential learning and extracurricular activities. The department will
provide an intellectual climate, where undergraduate students interact with graduate
students (M.S. and Ph.D.) as well as faculty and other leading experts. Students will
gain the knowledge to continue post-graduate studies or work in biomedical settings
and be self-learners. The Department is committed preparing students to become academic
and professional leaders. The Department is also committed providing the educational
needs of undergraduates and graduates, diverse in race and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Goals
- Students will achieve academic excellence through a modern curriculum. Course content
will combine established concepts with modern scientific information and technology.
Students will be challenged to integrate course information and to think critically
to address scientific issues. The curriculum will be up-to-date so as to meet the
needs of the emerging workforce.
- Students will be provided with opportunities for experiential learning through course
work and extracurricular activities. Teaching laboratories will provide students access
to modern technologies and training in the scientific method. Faculty will have research
programs to support both graduate and undergraduate training. The faculty and student
body will work with career services to develop and expand opportunities for internships
with local biomedical companies or hospitals.
- he department will provide an intellectual climate to nurture its students. Our graduate
programs (MS and PhD) demonstrate the breadth and expertise of the faculty in research.
The undergraduate students will benefit through learning in the classrooms, the laboratories
and research settings by interacting with the graduate students, faculty and other
scientists. Student presentations of research or academic projects at scientific forums
are strongly encouraged. This communication will enrich all academic levels within
the department.
- The department will provide a sense of community for students and faculty. Faculty
will be of service to one another as well as to their students. Undergraduate and
graduate student activities will be facilitated and supported by faculty. Mentoring
of undergraduates by graduate students will be encouraged. Students and faculty will
be recognized for their achievements.
- The department will identify, develop and/or expand its resources in order to support
the scholarship of its faculty and students. Faculty will pursue grant funding for
research as well as curriculum modernization. Alliances with other departments, universities
and businesses should be sought out as they may provide opportunities for experiential
learning, access to expensive technologies, development of interdisciplinary programs
and interaction with leading experts of the scientific community.
- The department will continue nurturing the learning community by increasing student
and alumni engagement in departmental activities, including, but not limited to, departmental
seminars, graduate symposia and the annual biological sciences symposium.
