The Biology Mission Statement, Program Goals and Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes:
Mission
Statement
Within the Vision,
Mission and Values Statements of the University of San Francisco, the faculty
of Biology educates undergraduate students in current biological concepts and
methodologies in the laboratory and the natural environment to prepare them to be
good citizens, to go on for advanced work in the sciences, and for professional
careers in the health field.
Program Goals
The Biology Program
seeks to develop the following knowledge and skills in its students:
- An understanding
of major biological concepts.
- Problem
solving, analytical and communication skills as they apply to biological
sciences.
- The
ability to apply the scientific method and critical thinking in an ethical
fashion to biological problems.
- An
awareness of career pathways in the biological sciences.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Biology B.S. degree program, graduates
will be able to
- Demonstrate
both in-depth and broad knowledge of the concepts that comprise the
biological sciences.
- Apply
the scientific process, including designing and conducting experiments and
testing hypotheses.
- Perform
laboratory techniques (such as light microscopy, gel electrophoresis and
keeping a laboratory notebook and understanding of principles of
laboratory safety).
- Demonstrate the ability to read,
understand, and critically review scientific papers and prepare oral and
written reports in a standard scientific format.
- Express an awareness of the
careers and professions available in the biological sciences and an
understanding of the significance ethics plays in the field.
