Biology . . .
encompasses
a wide
range of disciplines that use many different
approaches to accomplish Òthe study of life.
From molecules to
ecosystems, from
microorganisms to
people, biologists use
the methods of science
to gain a better
understanding of the
nature of the living
world. This knowledge
can then be applied to
solve problems in
agriculture, medicine
and the environment.
Department of Biology
414 Agriculture Science
(715) 425-3591
Undergraduate Catalog
Goals
- to support the select mission of UWRF to provide quality undergraduate programs in
natural science to meet regional needs. This includes providing students with a working
knowledge of scientific methods, hypothesis formulation and experimental analysis as well
as an understanding of current theories and concepts in biological science.
Students will
have hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and field research. They will have the
ability to communicate scientific ideas in verbal and written forms and to employ electronic
technology used in disseminating scientific information.
Students will have gained an
appreciation for the ethical and social implications of advances in science and technology
and the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate these issues.
- to prepare its graduates to make significant contributions as scientists and citizens.
Curriculum
The biology department offers a 34-credit major and a 22-credit minor.
Students completing a biology major can obtain a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree.
The general biology option is appropriate for students who want to be broadly educated in biology
or who plan to teach biology. The biomedical sciences option is intended for students going
on to professional schools or into biomedical laboratory jobs. The field biology option will be
useful for students interested in ecological research or jobs with agencies such as the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service. A degree with a biology major also requires completion of a minor and
additional supporting courses in chemistry, physics and math. The two most common biology
degree programs are the bachelor of science with a minor in chemistry, which is usually
chosen by students interested in laboratory biology or medical careers; and the bachelor of
science with a minor in conservation, which is often selected by those interested in field biology
areas.
Faculty
The biology department currently has ten full-time faculty, all of whom hold a doctoral
degree. Their diverse educational and research backgrounds provide a broad spectrum of
expertise in various biological disciplines. They are committed to actively engaging students in
the learning process in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the field. In addition to formal
coursework, many students have the opportunity to work with biology faculty in exciting and
important research projects.
Career Opportunities
Biology majors are prepared to enter a wide variety of career
paths. The 2002-03 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Department of Labor Statistics
projects that jobs for biological scientists will grow faster than the average for all occupations
through 2010. Biology majors work as laboratory scientists in industry, agriculture, medicine
and academia. They work as naturalists and as field and laboratory researchers for state and
federal agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some find employment in sales and service jobs or in
management and administration for pharmaceutical or other companies using chemical and
biological techniques. Biology is often the major of choice for students planning to progress to
professional schools in human or veterinary medicine. |
