Biology - BA

St. Kate's biology major gives students an understanding of the major principles of biology in a manner that encourages the development of critical-thinking skills. Faculty members encourage students to take an active role in their own educational experiences and foster a cooperative - rather than competitive - learning environment in which women thrive. Students receive hands-on experience with advanced biological techniques and instrumentation.

The biology curriculum provides a solid foundation of first- and second-year courses followed by a variety of advanced courses in topics spanning the discipline. Students frequently use electronic databases to access the scientific literature and professional software programs to analyze data. Students often collaborate with faculty on research projects and access an on-site cadaver, tissue culture facilities, and modern biological instrumentation for laboratory and fieldwork.

A St. Kate's biology major prepares students for a wide range of careers in the biological sciences, including graduate research in ecology and environmental science, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, plant and animal physiology, behavior, public health, forensic science, and for professional programs in medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy, and medical technology. St. Kate's biology graduates lead and influence as professionals in healthcare, teaching, non-profit organizations, industry, and government.

Students have many opportunities to explore career options, including internships related to their specific interests. Internships at off-campus sites expose students to the day-to-day activities of professionals ranging from physicians, field biologists, teachers, and basic researchers to industrial biotechnologists.

Students also have opportunities to explore their creative, intellectual, and scientific potential through research projects done in collaboration with faculty. This type of experience allows students to discover the dynamic nature of the scientific process, experience autonomy in their thinking while seeing how collaboration enhances scientific creativity and productivity, and learn the value of perseverance through the frustrations that often accompany conducting and trouble-shooting experiments. Together with faculty mentors, students pose original research questions and are involved in experimental design, data gathering, and the interpretation of results. Students share their research results with the larger scientific community through conference presentations and publications. Participation in research activities as undergraduates helps some students decide if research is an appropriate career path and enhances their chances of being accepted into graduate programs. For example, one student recently worked with faculty on a field study of wetlands, which enriched her education and made her better prepared for graduate school. Another student performed a genetic analysis of bacteria, giving her the lab experiences she needed to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology. Students may receive stipends to support their research activities through the Summer Scholars Program, the Assistantship Mentoring Program, and Faculty/Student Collaborative 3M STEM Grants.  

See also: Applied Science in Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Public Health, Pre-Holistic Health Studies.

This major is offered in the College for Women only.

Curriculum

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The subject/subdiscipline of each topics course varies.

Biology majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing BIOL 4860W Senior Seminar. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with three other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman,  CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice, and any other writing-intensive course in any department).