Biology

Jacqueline D. Van Hoomissen, Ph.D., chair

Faculty: Ahern-Rindell, Alexander, Beadles-Bohling, Brown, Favero, Flann, Greaves, Kodadek, Lafrenz, Maginnis, O’Reilly, Sullivan, Taylor, Van Hoomissen

The Department of Biology strives to achieve excellence in the teaching of science to all levels of undergraduate students. Students majoring in biology achieve comprehensive preparation for careers as future scientists, health care practitioners, and technical personnel. Students in these majors acquire a breadth of knowledge along with technical and analytical skills, while reflecting on ethical values that link science and society. In an increasingly technological world, educated citizens need value-based scientific expertise and skills in critical thinking. Undergraduate research is emphasized throughout the curriculum, reinforcing independent learning and allowing students to develop talents in critical thinking and problem solving while refining advanced laboratory or field skills in observation and data collection. Students in nursing, education, and environmental studies complete biological coursework relevant to their professional training. B.S. and B.A. degrees in biology are offered; a minor is available in biology. A concentration in biology is offered through the environmental studies program.

Programs of coursework to prepare for post-graduate study or employment in many areas of health science, biology, and environmental studies are offered by the Department of Biology. Students should consult with their academic advisor or with the health professions advisors to develop a schedule of courses that will meet individual educational goals.

The Department of Biology oversees a comprehensive undergraduate program for students preparing to enter a variety of health professions, including medicine, dentistry, dental hygiene, pharmacy, occupational therapy, optometry, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and biomedical research. The pre-health professions program at the University of Portland focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in the natural sciences within the context of a broad liberal arts education.

The University offers courses that satisfy the admission requirements for all accredited U.S. medical and dental schools, and for most other health professions programs and graduate programs in the biomedical sciences. Most professional and graduate programs require students to complete a set of prerequisite science courses, but students may complete these requirements while pursuing a degree in any academic major. The University encourages students to pursue a major of their choice and take a broad spectrum of coursework, while completing the specific requirements for a particular professional or graduate program. Students interested in the biological sciences may fulfill these requirements while completing a bachelor’s degree in biology.

The Department of Biology offers supporting courses in the University’s environmental studies program. Students interested in entering environmental careers at the bachelor degree level, or entering graduate programs in the environmental sciences may obtain a B.S. degree in environmental science with a concentration in biology. A description of this program and its requirements may be found in the environmental science section of this Bulletin.

Learning Outcomes for Biology Major

Biology graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the levels of biological organization and the ability to integrate them: cellular/molecular, organismal, population;
   1. Demonstrate knowledge of each of the sub-disciplines of biological organization at the intermediate level and advanced level of one of the sub-disciplines.
   2. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize examples, facts, or hypotheses from more than one level of organization into a coherent whole.
2. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the physical sciences (chemistry, physics and mathematics) with biology;
   1. Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative reasoning.
   2. Demonstrate proficiency in technology literacy.
   3. Demonstrate knowledge of general chemistry and the principles of physics.
   4. Demonstrate knowledge at the introductory level of calculus, organic chemistry, and physics.
   5. Demonstrate the ability to use examples, facts, or theories from mathematics and the physical sciences in biology.
3. Employ appropriate experimental design and methods to solve problems in biology.
   1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method.
   2. Demonstrate inquiry and analytical skills.
   3. Demonstrate data gathering skills in the lab or field.
   4. Demonstrate the ability to work in teams.
4. Obtain, critically evaluate, and communicate biological information.
   1. Demonstrate information literacy.
   2. Demonstrate effective written communication.
   3. Demonstrate effective oral communication.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary social and ethical issues related to biology and the professional responsibilities of a biologist.
   1. Demonstrate ethical reasoning.
   2. Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics and scientific integrity.

 Scholarship Requirements

Students are required to complete BIO 206/276 and BIO 207/277 as part of the Biology major requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees, as well as the Biology minor. These courses represent foundational information for the upper-division biology curriculum.  An average GPA of 1.7 (C-) or better in BIO 206 and BIO 207 is required of all Biology majors and minors for entrance into upper-division biology courses.