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Clark University
Department of
Biology

Goal 1

To provide students with a broad conceptual background in the biological sciences:

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of Mendelian and molecular genetics, cell structure, cell physiology, and molecular processes of cells.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of organismal form, function, and diversity.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of evolution and ecology.

Goal 2

To provide students with technical and analytical skills used in modern biological research:

  • Students will demonstrate proper and safe laboratory practice, proper use of equipment, and the ability to use basic techniques in several areas and advanced techniques in at least one area.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to perform appropriate quantitative analysis of experimental data and draw valid conclusions from their analyses.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with computational, mathematical, and statistical approaches to acquire, analyze, and model experimental datasets.

Goal 3

To provide students with an understanding of the role of science in society and the ethical conduct of science.

Goal 4

To provide students with the ability to develop hypotheses and design approaches to evaluate them, as well as to access and critically evaluate information in biology:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively use electronic media to access biological information.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate a journal article from the primary literature.

Goal 5

To provide students with the ability to effectively communicate the findings of biological research and incorporate these findings into the existing body of knowledge in biology:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to report the results of their experiments in a written paper that conforms to the scientific conventions of that field and incorporate the findings into the existing body of knowledge in biology.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to orally communicate the findings of their experiments or the work of others.

Goal 6

To prepare students to undertake careers in the biological sciences:

  • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake careers in biology or to gain admittance to graduate or professional school.