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College of Arts and Sciences

Mission, Vision and Objectives

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.