BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY

Biology is an essential branch of natural sciences that studies life, living things, and their processes. The field of biology is diverse. The Department of Natural Sciences and Math is committed to offering a wide range of learning opportunities for biology majors to develop foundational skills and research experience in the biological sciences.

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT

The mission of the biology program is to provide students with a quality experience in the biological sciences within a strong liberal arts background. Consistent with Hilbert College’s mission, the Biology Program aims to provide students with a broad learning experience in the natural sciences and guides them to choose a career path that values strengthening communities through service. After completing the program, Biology students will be able to pursue STEM and health professions such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, and veterinary services.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

A Biology student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in biology, with a deeper understanding of specific areas of interest.

• Explain the fundamental biological processes and the interrelationships between the form and function of biological entities at various levels of organizations of life and the living things.

• Recognize and apply basic ethical principles to basic and applied biological sciences research.

• Integrate and apply critical thinking to problem solving across scientific disciplines.

• Conduct scientific experiments following the appropriate scientific method.

• Analyze and interpret scientific data and literature.

• Demonstrate effective oral and written scientific communication.

CAREER OUTLOOK

A bachelor’s degree in biology is the gateway to a wide variety of careers and opportunities, including:

• Health Professions: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Veterinary medicine, etc.

• Graduate Studies opportunities in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, and many more.

• Research Assistant/Technician in research labs in universities, medical schools, and government agencies such as NIH, CDC, FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.

• Entry-Level Laboratory Assistant/Technician in Biological Sciences, Chemical, and Environmental Science Labs; Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries.

• Pharmacy Assistant/Technician in pharmacy or drug stores.
  

The biology program requires 39 credits of biology-related coursework and 33 credits of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. General education and liberal arts electives can fulfill the remaining 48 credits. All science courses with a lab in the program are four credits. Students develop essential laboratory skills to conduct scientific experiments using modern scientific instruments and equipment.