Natural Sciences & Mathematics Division
Biology Department
Contact Information
Director of Natural Sciences & Mathematics:
Motychak, Jeff, Biology, jmotychak@mccallcollege.org
Faculty
Motychak, Jeff, Biology, jmotychak@mccallcollege.org
Overview
The study of Biology offers an integrated understanding of biological systems and their environments is increasingly important to society. The mission of the department is to create and disseminate biological knowledge through research and education. All courses will advance knowledge, foster critical thinking and inquiry, and demonstrate the importance and relevance of biology to society. The research products generated by faculty and undergraduate students lead to both an improved understanding of biological systems and to solutions of complex problems. The education and research activities are mutually reinforced through interactions with academic partners, professional organizations, and government agencies.
Academic Majors Offered
None. See Professional Technical Program in Applied Field Biology.
Expectation of Students
The Academic Certificate in Biology is designed to provide students with the following:
an overview of topics in Biology with an emphasis on real life applications
able to form a foundation of the core basic areas of biological study including cellular, molecular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology.
offer an awareness of the evolutionary context with emphasis on form and function.
General Information
Beyond the core foundation requirements, students are encouraged to engage in a variety of elective courses. Labs are conducted as appropriate. Classes are otherwise supplemented by student-centered independent literature research with group presentations and discussions.
Students must achieve a 2.5 GPA or higher in the each of the required courses before moving on to the elective courses of the student’s choice.
Students are expected to complete readings and assigned work assignments in a timely manner. Small class sizes allow for a high degree of student participation in discussions and self-authorship of the student learning experience. In addition to gaining an understanding of Biology at each of its levels, the student is expected to learn to think critically in the context of Biology and apply knowledge in novel contexts.
Assessment
Student Evaluations (end-of-course evaluation form)
Program Evaluation by Graduating Students (Graduate Exit Survey)
Program Evaluation by 3-to-5-Year Alumni (Alumni Survey)
Evaluation by Natural Science Advisory Council
Meeting with Current Students
Transcript data analysis
Program outcome assessment data
Special Fees
Lab fees are to be expected for each laboratory course.
Advising
Program Plan advisement is given based on the student’s educational goals.
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