BIOP - Bachelor of Arts in Biology ~ Physiology Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts degree is ideal for students seeking a strong foundation in biology, for teaching, for graduate work in many fields of biology (ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, toxicology), and for admission to the study of medicine, dentistry, or a number of professional programs (nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy). We have a wonderful group of a highly qualified and motivated faculty, modern laboratory facilities, an abundance of field-based classes, and research opportunities. The classes and opportunities at UProvidence will help you become who you want to be, whether it is a physician, physical therapist, dentist, wildlife ecologist or a professional in any of the other biology careers.

Why Study Biology at UProvidence?

1. You will receive preparation for a broad range of career paths, including medicine, teaching, wildlife biology, and many others.

2. You will have the opportunities to integrate your class schedule, studies, or degree plan with independent research and internships.

3. You will get individualized attention from faculty who care.

What Makes Our Program Special?

1. A solid foundation for graduate and professional school in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, ecology, wildlife biology, and environmental science disciplines.

2. Preparation for careers as diverse as teaching, medicine, conservation, field biologist or sales.

3. An emphasis on field and laboratory skills.

4. Exploration of career options through independent study, internships, research projects, summer research positions, field trips, and work-study.

5. State-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms specifically designed for hands-on work and interactive learning.

6. Small class size that allows for more feedback, more conversation, more discussion and more opportunities for interaction with your professors and your peers.

Pre-Biology Major Preparation

Students who enter the biology program must take a placement test. Placement tests are administered by the Center for Academic Excellence. These tests do not affect admission; however, the results are essential for proper placement into English and Math classes.

Students with strong high school backgrounds are urged to complete their basic preparation in general chemistry and mathematics during their freshman year. Students with weak mathematics preparation (as shown by placement test) should make up this deficiency by completing the appropriate courses prior to matriculation into the program. Biology majors should see their faculty advisor early to discuss degree requirements and plan their schedules.

Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

Students who are interested in research may join the SURE program which is an undergraduate research program that helps students perform hands on, cutting edge research. These students get the chance to both present and publish their work. These types of projects and activities help students claim a spot in an increasingly competitive job market. They also gain knowledge and experience they will need to get into and succeed in graduate school.

The objectives of SURE center around providing undergraduate students research and educational opportunities designed to enhance their understanding of science and to provide them with skills and confidence to continue their undergraduate science degree program as well as continue their studies at the graduate level.

The collective objectives of SURE are determined by two principal considerations:

• Recruiting students into the sciences through structured professional cross-disciplinary research integrating biology, ecology, chemistry, and mathematics. Students will participate in SURE as members of a research team led by the Principal Investigators. Students majoring in either biology or chemistry will follow a curriculum designed around this research.

• Retaining undergraduates in the sciences by providing exposure to cutting-edge technologies and training opportunities designed to support and nurture these students through their undergraduate and post-graduate careers. Students will gain field experience as well as analytical experience.

The SURE program revolves around “hands-on” research designed to develop critical thinking skills. Critical thinking, among other things, teaches students to recognize patterns and provides a way to use those patterns to solve a problem or answer a question. Through the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of their own work as well as the scientific literature relevant to their projects, our students will leave the program with the ability to initiate research and critically evaluate the results. Most importantly, they will be able to support their ideas with evidence, data, qualitative, and statistical measures.

As we move through the 21st century, it is increasingly important that we not only educate students for the current job market, but also prepare them for the future. Our goal is to afford students the opportunity to hone skills that will make them marketable today and tomorrow. SURE students will gain high-demand expertise with analytical equipment, computer programming, quantitative data management, and science communication. The abilities and experiences garnered by SURE students will make them more versatile for an ever changing market. Students with a broad and deep understanding of science will find themselves open to opportunities in biotechnical or environmental fields, as well as in traditional science disciplines.

• Apply the scientific process to solving problems.

• Distinguish between credible and non-credible sources of information.

• Interpret, analyze and evaluate information collected by doing research.

• Work effectively in collaborative team investigations.

• Present research findings at scientific conferences.

• Evaluate ethical issues related to science and technology.