Biology, B.S., Marine Biology Concentration

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Justin Merry, jmerry@francis.edu
Coordinator: Dr. Matthew Birk, mbirk@francis.edu, 814-472-3080

Program Description:

The Biology, B.S., Marine Biology Concentration is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to work or continue their studies in a wide array of marine biological careers. Students will focus their studies on completing a wide exploration of marine biology their first two years and then specialize their studies the last two years to prepare for careers as field biologists, coral reef ecologists, fisheries biologists, aquaculturists, etc., or to continue their studies in graduate level programs. Students will build skills in completing marine biological studies throughout the program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Employ the scientific method, including the use of discipline-specific techniques, to discover and validate biological knowledge;
• Demonstrate scientific literacy through reading, writing, presenting, and discussing research;
• Demonstrate knowledge of how atoms and molecules interact to permit the function of living systems, and how cells sense, control, and respond to stimuli in their environments;
• Demonstrate knowledge of molecular genetics and how this leads to the expression and inheritance of traits;
• Explain how organisms reproduce and develop, how their anatomical structure permits function, how they maintain internal conditions, and how they sense and respond to external stimuli, across the full range of biological diversity;
• Describe how evolution by natural selection explains the unity and diversity of life on earth, and articulate how organisms interact at the population, community, and ecosystem levels.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Capstone Requirement:

The senior capstone requirement is completed by taking BIOL 402 Evolution .

Total Credits Required:

128 credits