Biology

Biology is the study of life. To understand biology, students need to have a working knowledge of all sciences.

The Fairmont State University Biology program gives students the broad based education they need to succeed. Students can work toward any of three Biology degrees. They are:

B.A. in Education with a specialization in Biology
B.S. in Biology
B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in biotechnology

Students earning the B.S. in Biology have the flexibility to select courses in one of the following areas:

Organismal Biology
Ecology
Cell and Molecular Biology

Biology majors are not required to take a minor.

Some Fairmont State students choose the Biology program as their undergraduate major before going on to graduate school for dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

Career Opportunities

A Biology degree is perfect for students with goals of becoming doctors. Students who choose the B.A in Education with a specialization in Biology prepare to be able to teach biology in grades 9-adult.

Students who earn either of Fairmont State University’s B.S. degrees in Biology are set up to be:

Lab technicians
Wildlife Biologists
Research Scientists
Naturalists

Combining a Biology degree with another field of study opens students to more opportunities. For example:

Biology and English – Scientific writer, technical journal illustrator
Biology and Computer Science - Bioinformatics
Biology and Business – Marketing for pharmaceutical firms and biological supply companies

See a Day in the LifeSee a Day in the Life

Biology Mission

The mission of the Biology Program is to introduce students to the dynamic field of biology and prepare them for the career path of their choice. Students in the program acquire critical thinking, technical skills and the ability to apply and share their knowledge of the biological sciences.

Additional Resources

Fairmont State Wiki Plant Atlas

Biology Model Schedule

Outcomes

Program Outcome	Direct Measure	Satisfactory Performance Standard
Demonstrate a broad range of fundamental biological facts and theories.	ETS Exam given to graduating seniors every spring.	The average score of our graduating class will be at or above the national average for the total score AND in each of the four subcategories: Cell Biology Molecular/Genetics Organismal Population/Ecology/Evolution
Organize and critically evaluate biological information and present it clearly in written form.	Specific Laboratory reports: Last report in BIOL 1105 Last report in BIOL 1106 Last report in BIOL 3390	Score of 70% or higher on specified rubric.
Organize and critically evaluate biological information and present it clearly in oral form	Presentation in class: BIOL 1106 BIOL 1106 BIOL 4485	Score of 70% or higher on specified rubric

Program Goals

In order to prepare our students for employment or for obtaining future advanced degrees in biological sciences, our students should be able to:

Acquire, apply and communicate a broad knowledge of biological concepts to problems in coursework, research opportunities, and continued life-long learning that involves becoming a healthy, active citizens in a diverse society
Locate, read, and critically evaluate scientific literature and resources in order to express oneself scientifically in speech and writing
Appreciate viewpoints and deal with complex issues of others through multi- and inter-disciplinary inquiry
Have confidence in their own continual learning in the biological sciences which results in students that can clearly state learned ideas and opinions
Have an opportunity to participate in research to develop a variety of vital skills essential in the pursuit of biological knowledge by developing and utilizing intellectual, laboratory, field, and/or technical skills required for comprehending and conducting biological research