Biological Science, B.S.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Science:

Content Knowledge

  • Explain (i.e., expound, explicate, elucidate, and interpret) fundamental concepts and principles in the following areas of biological knowledge: biodiversity, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, organismal biology, and physiology. 
  • Interpret the following unifying theme in the context of the above areas of biological knowledge: complexity of biological systems, cycles, feedback loops, energy flow, homeostasis, information flow, networks, and structure-function relationships. 
  • Demonstrate specialization and thus be able to explain advanced concepts in one or more of the areas of biological knowledge in the first bullet above. 
  • Interpret connections between: science and technology, past scientific discoveries and current scientific progress, academic requirements and careers or professional advancement, scientific method including its limitations and the discovery of new knowledge, and bioethics/scientific integrity and the advancement of science.

Skills

  • Communication. Communicate effectively orally; communicate effectively in writing; write in scientific format acceptable by scientific journals. 
  • Teamwork.  Work cooperatively in a group of diverse composition; solve problems in a group of diverse composition. 
  • Finding biological information. Find, evaluate, use, and integrate published information; use databases and information technology. 
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving.  Make an argument and support it; recognize and use deductive and inductive reasoning; integrate concepts within and among disciplines; recognize patterns; identify unifying principles; solve problems; distinguish between data and inferences based on data; distinguish information from scientific versus pseudo- and non-scientific sources and methods. 
  • Use of the scientific method.  Use deductive methods of inquiry; apply the scientific methods to problems by generating hypotheses and designing experiments to test these hypotheses. 
  • Analytical and quantitative skills. Create data sets from observations; objectively analyze data; interpret data; use quantitative methods for the analysis of data. 
  • Lab and field work. Use appropriate technology; use equipment properly; follow safety procedures; apply government regulations that govern their work.

Attitudes 

  • Embrace lifelong learning by: being capable of self-directed learning; having a continual interest in biology; having confidence in their knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
  • Value learning by: being open-minded; appreciating the value of knowledge; appreciating and respecting alternative possibilities and explanations; experiencing the joy of discovery.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of careers by: defining potential career paths; being aware of the requirements for career or professional advancement.
  • Be aware of impacts of biological issues on society by: valuing the support of science by society; appreciating the relevance of biology to society; recognizing the connectedness of science, society, and history. 
  • Demonstrate an awareness of bioethics by: identifying and evaluating ethical issues in biology; appreciating the value of integrity; valuing ethical behavior. 
  • Demonstrate appropriate stewardship and advocacy by: respecting biodiversity; contributing to the understanding of true science; helping the public make informed decisions; being responsible stewards of biological resources. 
  • Demonstrate biological literacy by: distinguishing science from pseudoscience; recognizing that science is a way of viewing the world and is not just a collection of facts; understanding the limitations of science; applying scientific thinking to everyday problems; recognizing the impermanence of "truths".

All students will progress through lower-division core courses and select an upper-division concentration.  Details of learning goals for the core and concentrations may be found at biology.fullerton.edu.