Mission and Goals

Department Mission Statement

imageThe mission of the Department of Biological Sciences at University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. The department consists of a diverse faculty whose research interests span the major levels of biological investigation from molecular and cellular biology to organismal biology and ecology. Our courses explore medical, terrestrial, and marine biology. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a variety of classroom, internship, research experiences, and opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

The expected learning outcomes for students graduating with a bachelor of science degree from the Department of Biological Sciences include:

A. Knowledge of fundamental principles in biology, relevant concepts in mathematics and the physical sciences, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the critical analysis of new biological information, in the following areas.

1. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life - including cell structure, metabolism, heredity, reproduction.
   
2. Organismal Diversity - including organismal structure and function, hierarchy of organization, and the evolution of life.
   
3. Interrelations of Organisms and their environment - including abiotic and biotic interactions, biogeochemical cycles; ecosystems and their dynamics, and human actions and interventions.


B. Understanding of the process of science, as well as demonstrated competency in biological research, with a particular emphasis on:

4. The scientific method, including observational, comparative and experimental approaches and the tools utilized.
   
5. A critical reading of the primary scientific literature.
   
6. Data analysis, interpretation and the communication of scientific results (including oral presentations and scientific report writing).


C. Appreciation for the relevance of the biological sciences to real-world issues, including:

7. Familiarity with avenues and applications of current and future research as well as the careers that use them.
   
8. Bioethical issues and their biological and social basis.
   
9. Recognition of the civic responsibility to share knowledge and to apply expertise to the improvement of human and environmental health.

   
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