Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Biology (BS-BA)
Program Purpose
The purpose of the BS and BA Biology degree programs of the East Carolina University Department of Biology is to: prepare our students with the knowledge and confidence to apply the scientific method in biological research; train our students to communicate scientific discoveries in standard scientific formats; educate our students so they understand, and are able to apply, foundational biological concepts necessary for graduate education or a career in the biological sciences.
Learning Outcomes
Communication skills
Students will be able to clearly and efficiently communicate scientific information, orally and in writing, employing vocabulary and analytical tools appropriate at the undergraduate level.
Ecological Systems
Students will be able to apply the principles of ecology to analyze and evaluate ecological studies.
Evolution
Students will be able to apply the principles of evolution to analyze and evaluate evolutionary studies.
Information Flow
Students will be able to apply concepts of genetics and cell biology to analyze and evaluate how cells/organs/organisms respond to changing environmental conditions.
Structure and Function
Students will be able to apply the concepts of cell biology, physiology and biochemistry to analyze and evaluate how a structure physical and chemical characteristics influence its interactions with other structures, and therefore its function.
Transformation of Energy and Matter
Students will be able to use the concepts of ecology, physiology and evolution to analyze and evaluate how energy is neither created or destroyed, but can be changed from one form to another, and how energy capture by primary producers is necessary to support the maintenance, growth and reproduction of all organisms.