Biology and Biochemistry
Faculty
Chair: Heather Ayala
Professor: Michael McLeod
Associate Professors: Heather Ayala, Jennifer Ellington, Robert Tompkins
Assistant Professor: Adolfo Ayala, Meredith Bostrom, Timothy Polnaszek
Overview
Program Mission
The Biology and Biochemistry Department educates students in the discipline of Biology and Biochemistry within the context of the Benedictine Liberal Arts tradition. In doing so, we understand biology as the study of life and life processes. The Biology and Biochemistry Department believes that, in this modern world, knowledge of biological principles and the process of science is necessary for every educated person. Such knowledge constitutes a vital part of that liberal learning. We aim for the study of Biology and Biochemistry to help students assess the many issues that face today’s world, enabling them to become responsible citizens and to promote the common good.
Program Goals
In Ex Corde Ecclesiae, John Paul II states, “a Catholic University is distinguished by its free search for the whole truth about nature, man, and God.” It is the nature of biology and biochemistry to observe the fundamental symmetry of nature, the chemical processes within living organisms, and the patterns and tempo in the evolution of organisms. The department provides students with an appreciation of the organization, evolution, and interrelationships of organisms, an understanding of the techniques, goals, and limits of science as a process, and valuable laboratory experience. We hope this study will help students become good citizens who can effectively participate in society. Increasingly, the ethical questions that society is debating are rooted in science. To participate in the debate and to make informed decisions, students have to understand the underlying science. The department offers foundation courses for non-majors, the B. S. and B. A. degrees in Biology, a B.S. degree in Biochemistry, a minor in Chemistry, and a minor in Environmental Science. The Biology and Biochemistry Department has the following goals for its majors: 1) to understand the methods of science; 2) to understand the basic theories in each biological discipline taught in the department; 3) to be able to search biological literature effectively; 4) to understand the fundamental principles of biology and/or biochemistry; 5) to be able to communicate their knowledge of biology and/or biochemistry effectively. Biology and Biochemistry majors develop the ability to make oral and written presentations and cultivate the skills necessary to enter into graduate and professional programs as well as the workplace. Biology and Biochemistry students are considered partners in the learning process and are expected to demonstrate cooperation with faculty in their progression through the departmental curriculum.