Biological Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Biology, the study of life, aids students in gaining a deeper understanding of the living world around them. Humans are living organisms and interact with millions of other living organisms and non-living things. An understanding and appreciation of biology helps one to develop informed positions related to human health, the environment, and some political issues. To understand biology is to better understand ourselves.

The Department of Biological Sciences conducts teaching, research, and service related to biological disciplines; educates scholars within the department, in various health-related disciplines, and offers general education courses to those in all disciplines. Expertise in the department includes the fields of cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology, and other related fields.

Programs in the Department of Biological Sciences prepare students for careers in the biological sciences, graduate school, and professional school. Careers in biological and biotechnological fields include research and laboratory technicians and supervisors, pharmacy technicians, biology teachers, research and development, and quality control. Opportunities in graduate school include master’s and doctoral degrees, and opportunities in professional school include medical school, pharmacy school, dental school, and physical therapy school.

Vision The Winston-Salem State University Department of Biological Sciences curricula provide students the opportunity to explore the science of life, in all its complexity and diversity, within the tradition of the liberal arts. A student that graduates with a degree in biology will have the ability to acquire and critically interpret knowledge of basic facts and theories of biology, relate that knowledge to other subject areas in the liberal arts, add to the body of biological knowledge through research, and communicate his or her understanding to others both within and outside the field of biology. Biology majors will develop strong analytical and problem solving skills with broad exposure across the discipline. Graduates will be competitive in seeking acceptance to graduate and professional schools, adaptable to diverse career fields, and have a strong foundation for succeeding in a global society.

Mission The Department of Biological Sciences’ primary mission is to:

· Deliver quality and innovative academic instruction to students;

· Value/cultivate/inspire a life-long appreciation for the biological sciences in all students so that they can make scientifically-informed decisions;

· Engage students in research to facilitate the discovery and dissemination of knowledge;

· Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the university, and engage student in research to facilitate the discovery and dissemination of knowledge

DEPARTMENTAL GOALS

Academic Excellence

1. Student Success

Graduates will have access to caring, mentoring and advising relationships with faculty and staff through curricular and extra-curricular activities. Graduates will have the ability to reflect upon and apply their scientific knowledge for admissions into graduate, professional, and allied health programs as well as seek entry-level positions in the workplace.

2. Excellent Undergraduate Education and Research

Graduates will have “minds-on and hands-on” learning experiences in a nurturing and engaging environment that values research and community service.

3. Scientific Literacy

Graduates will have a comprehensive knowledge of the biology/biotechnology of the living world.

4. Critical Thinking and Critical Reading

Graduates will be able to achieve competitive scores on standardized admission exams and curricular assessment instruments.

5. Quantitative and Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to use appropriate experimental methodologies and tools to solve problems in biology and biotechnology.

6. Written and Oral Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to effectively communicate the overarching principles surrounding current scientific issues.

Undergraduate or Graduate Programs Offered

Major Programs

Biology

Biotechnology

Minor Programs

Biology

Biotechnology

Neuroscience

Centers

Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center