Mission and Goals of the Biology Department

Keeping in mind that members of the Biology department, faculty, staff, and students alike, are a part of the University community and global citizens, our mission is:

1. To develop among our students and the University community an appreciation of biology’s dynamic and fundamental contribution to understanding nature and the human condition.
2. To promote the comprehension of biology as a creative discipline.
3. To graduate biologically-informed and responsible citizens who have the ability to critically evaluate the discipline and relate it to other subject areas within the liberal arts.
4. To prepare majors for graduate and professional schools and biological careers.
5. To provide an environment that fosters high-quality teaching, on-going professional development, and community service as it relates to biology.
6. To instill in our students the understanding that scientists have a moral responsibility to collect, analyze, and present the results of their work in an objective and unbiased way; to firmly resist all external pressures and incentives to do otherwise; and where necessary to enter the public arena in defense of scientific integrity.
7. To promote our conviction that biologists have a particular responsibility to respect and help protect the Earth’s natural ecosystems; to educate other people about the need for such respect and protection, and to carefully reflect on the ethical dimensions of their work, particularly when it has consequences for animal welfare, human health, and the well-being of society.

In support of this mission, we have established the following goals:

1. To engage students in the process of science.
2. To promote comprehension of basic facts and theories in biology.
3. To help students construct curricular and professional goals with a comprehensive program of advising and mentoring.
4. To provide an effective learning environment.
5. To encourage interaction within the broader communities in which we live.
6. To cultivate active professional development among the faculty and staff.
7. To promote quality teaching from faculty and staff.