Biology (B.S.)

College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Department of Biology

Location: Sundquist Science Complex, Room D125
Phone: 931-221-7781
Website: www.apsu.edu/biology/index.php

Description of Major

Austin Peay State University’s Department of Biology provides an intellectual and motivational environment for career development in many areas of biology. Students can pursue training in field biology, botany, zoology, animal and plant physiology, microbiology, molecular genetics, and environmental assessment.

While a minor is not required for a Biology major, students pursuing a career in a Pre-Professional Health program are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor and complete the Pre-Professional Health minor.

Mission Statement

To educate students to become competent, confident, and compassionate individuals within their chosen careers. The Department of Biology faculty are committed to providing instructional and research experiences for students to develop skills of inquiry, abstract and logical thinking and critical analysis of natural science phenomena. The Department is also committed to meeting the needs of students by providing an array of professional, pre-professional and academic tracks.

Vision Statement

The Biology Department’s vision is to prepare students to enter the scientific community as responsible, productive professionals, capable of effective communication in both oral and written form.

Program CIP Code

18.26.0101.00

Program Modality

On-Ground

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Biology

Students will be able to think critically and solve problems by compiling and analyzing scientific information from the primary biological literature, and experimental sources and convey their thoughts and ideas in the form of oral and written presentations.
Students will be able to demonstrate a command of the general principles of biology in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics, organismal biology, and population ecology and evolution.
Students will be able to make informed and well-reasoned decisions about biological issues and to express them to professionals and the lay public.

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Concentration

Students earning a BS in Biology will demonstrate a command of the general principles of biology in the areas of genetics, organismal biology, and population biology, ecology, and evolution.
Students will demonstrate problem solving skills through the analysis of graphical representation of data.
Students will demonstrate mastery of their molecular skill set and/or ecological skill set using an evaluation tool established by the department.
Since career preparedness is the intertwining of content knowledge and skills mastery in the matriculation of the student to the next level, students will demonstrate bot content knowledge and skills mastery as evidence of career preparedness.
Academic advisement is multifaceted and includes assisting students to successfully complete their degree in a timely manner while also helping them develop as a biologist.

Medical, Cellular, and Molecular Concentration

Students earning a BS in Biology will demonstrate a command of the general principles of biology in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology and genetics.
Students will demonstrate problem solving skills through the analysis of graphical representation of data.
Students will demonstrate mastery of their molecular skill set and/or ecological skill set using an evaluation tool established by the department.
Since career preparedness is the intertwining of content knowledge and skills mastery in the matriculation of the student to the next level, students will demonstrate bot content knowledge and skills mastery as evidence of career preparedness.
Academic advisement is multifaceted and includes assisting students to successfully complete their degree in a timely manner while also helping them develop as a biologist.