Catalog 12-13.indd - McMurry University

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGYProfessor Benoit Department ChairProfessors WilsonAssociate Professor Brant, SaghatelyanAssistant Professors Brosius, SharpInstructor BanksThe Department of Biology offers majors focusing on the study oflife. Each program offered consists of biology coursework and supportingcourses from chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Majorsoffered are the BS in Biology, BS in Life Sciences, and the BS inBiomedical Science. Though the majors differ in their focus andcontent, each supports the mission and goals for the department.Additionally, the department contributes to the general education ofMcMurry students and provides service courses for other programs.In these courses, the Department of Biology demonstrates its commitmentto high quality life science instruction for all students.The department also is the administrative unit overseeing theprogram and courses in Geography and Geosciences. The descriptionsfor these courses are located on page 95 of the catalog. Thesecourses are offered in support of the general education requirementsand of other programs in the curriculum.Department of Biology Mission and Goals:The Mission and Goals of the Department of Biology are to producegraduates who:1.2.3.understand fundamental biological principles and processes;possess the technical and communication skills needed for successful;are equiped through experiences for lives of leadership and sucess.The department’s Mission and Goals fully support and agree with the Missionand Institutional Goals of McMurry University as listed below.‣ Students acquire an education shaped by Christian values*;‣ Students are equipped for successful careers and post-graduateeducation;‣ Students acquire an enthusiasm for lifelong learning throughexpanded intellectual and cultural experiences.*Christian values are refl ected in the manner in which courses are taught,in support of the McMurry Mission Statement where it is stated that“…truth, in a universe created by God, is nothing to fear. We honor theCreator when we use our minds for their intended purpose of learning inways unhindered by prejudice or ignorance.”The Department of Biology also supports McMurry’s institutional goal that“The institution will engage in an ongoing pursuit of excellence in curricula,programs, and policies.” The Department engages in ongoing efforts tomake sure its students are learning and that its programs are performingto the highest standards of excellence by a) conducting rigorous, annualassessments of student learning and b) implementing evidence-basedimprovements to its programs when needed. All faculty in the departmentcontribute to these efforts for the benefi t of its students and majors.Programs of the Department of BiologyBachelor of Science in Biology DegreeThe B.S. in Biology major is the broad-based, general degree that providesthe knowledge and skills for understanding of the broad and diverseworld of living organisms, ecology, and the environment for those studentsseeking careers or further education in a life science fi eld. All graduatescomplete an internship or conduct original research as part of their education.Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science DegreeThe B.S. in Biomedical Science degree provides a deep and practicalknowledge of contemporary biology for students interested in careers asresearchers, health professionals, science educators, and support personnel. The focus is on molecules, cells, microbes, and human biologyand health. The curriculum is research-rich and skills-laden. All graduatescomplete an internship or conduct original research as part of theireducation.Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences DegreeThe B.S. in Life Sciences degree provides a broad exposure to life in all itsforms for students with an interest in all facets of biology. The curriculumfocuses on all topics central to teacher preparation in the state of Texaswith strong human, animal, plant, microbe, molecular, genetic, physiology,and ecology components. This is the preferred degree for futurebiology teachers when obtained in conjunction with a minor in Curriculum& Instruction. All graduates complete an internship or conduct originalresearch as part of their education.Special Programs and Opportunities:Pi Beta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. The purposesof this organization are to promote scholarship, biological research,and dissemination of scientifi c knowledge.Departmental Honors. Please see the description of the Honors Programunder the Special Program section earlier in the catalog.Departmental Awards. Each spring, awards are presented to theoutstanding freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior Biology , BiomedicalScience, and Life Sciences majors.Travel courses in Biology. The Department attempts to offer a travelcourse (BIOL 4340) or travel opportunity each year. Additionally, manyfi eld biology courses feature fi eld trips.Undergraduate Research. Biology, Biomedical Science, and Life Sciencesmajors often participate in research within their normal courses.Additional involvement in research is available for students wanting to jointhe ongoing work of faculty. Summer research is also encouraged eitherat McMurry or other institutions.Courses Taught in the Biology Department:BIOL 1301 Biology of Unicellular OrganismsBIOL 1401 Principles of BiologyBIOL 1402 Biology of PlantsBIOL 1403 Biology of AnimalsBIOL 2110 Environmental SeminarBIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology IBIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology IIBIOL 3403 Foundations of MicrobiologyBIOL 3440 Comparative AnatomyBIOL 3460 GeneticsBIOL 4101 Biological LiteratureBIOL 4201 BIOL Capstone ExperienceBIOL 4340 Biology Field StudiesBIOL 4360 EvolutionBIOL 4430 EcologyBIOL 4450 Advanced BotanyBIOL 4X91 Advanced Topics in BotanyBIOL 4X92 Advanced Topics in ZoologyBIOL 4X95 Independent StudiesBIOL 4X96* Biology Honors TutorialBIOL 4X97* Biology Honors ResearchBIOL XX99 Special TopicsBIMS 1101BIMS 1300BIMS 3410BIMS 3430BIMS 4000BIMS 4120BIMS 4201BIMS 4320BIMS 4X91BIMS 4X92BiologyBiology of Unicellular Organisms LabIntroduction to Scienctifi c ResearchMicrobiologyHuman PhysiologyJunior ExamMolecular and Cellular Biology LaboratoryBIMS Capstone ExperienceMolecular and Cellular BiologyAdvanced Topics in MicrobiologyAdvanced Topics in Molecular Biology and Genetics47