Our mission is to train students in scientific principles and technologies for the greater good of society.

Our Vision
The irrefutable value of biological sciences is manifest in the human condition. The understanding of living things and surrounding environment is essential for developing and sustaining civilization itself. Therefore, pursuit of scientific knowledge and its ethical application serves the greater good. Biology spans many disciplines that must be integrated in order to truly understand any one of them. Biological concepts must be understood in a historical context even though they are constantly evolving. Laboratory training with modern technologies must complement classroom lectures as what we can learn depends on our understanding of the tools available. Academic excellence is achieved through teaching and research. The empirical nature of science demands critical thinking. Critical thinking combined with a strong foundation in biological principles can be applied to diverse careers and life-long learning. The increasing complexity of biological sciences must be supported by graduate work with a vertical transmission of knowledge from the doctoral to the pre-baccalaureate level.

Our Objectives

1. To achieve academic excellence through a modern curriculum. Course content should combine established concepts with up-to-date scientific knowledge. Course content and course dissemination should avail itself of computer technologies, such as BlackBoard. Students should be able to think critically and apply course content to current scientific issues. The curriculum should be modern so as to meet the needs of the emerging workforce.
   
   
2. To provide opportunities for experiential learning through course work and extra curricular activities. Teaching laboratories should provide students access to modern technologies and training in the scientific method. Faculty should develop research programs that support both graduate and undergraduates. The faculty and student body should work with career services to develop and expand opportunities for Co-ops and internships.
   
   
3. To provide an intellectual climate. The graduate programs (Masters and Doctorate) should generate the highest level of academic dialogue through interaction with faculty and other leading experts as well as the pursuit of cutting-edge research. This level of discourse, together with faculty research programs, should enrich all academic levels within the department. Student presentations of research or other types of academic projects at scientific forums should be encouraged.
   
   
4. To provide a sense of community within the department. Faculty should be of service to one another as well as to their students. Undergraduate and graduate student activities should be facilitated and supported by faculty. Mentoring of undergraduates by graduate students should be encouraged. Students and faculty should be recognized for their achievements.
   
   
5. To identify, develop and/or expand resources that will enhance departmental goals. Faculty should pursuit grant funding for research as well as curriculum modernization. Alliances with other departments, universities and businesses should be sought out as they may provide opportunities for experiential learning, access to expensive technologies, development of interdisciplinary programs and interaction with leading experts of the scientific community.