Expected Student Outcomes

• Students will develop a broad-based knowledge of concepts and terminology in molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological biology.
• Students will develop applied scientific skills though field and laboratory experience and data analysis.
• Students will develop skills in reading and interpreting the scientific literature and in presenting a synthesis of it accurately in oral and written form.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills using experimental design and the scientific method.

Outcomes Assessment Activities

Assessment of students’ improvement in intellectual skills, knowledge and capacities from entrance to graduation will be accomplished through the use of several tools. Exams and course assignments will be used as one measure of the student’s proficiency in writing skills, acquisition of knowledge, communication, problem solving and laboratory skills. All majors will take a Senior Seminar that requires scientific literature interpretation along with oral and written presentations evaluated by peers and department faculty. Seniors will also take the Biology Major Field Test, which measures Colorado State University Pueblo students’ content knowledge and analytical skills against national norms.

Specific Program Requirements 

• Students majoring in biology must receive a grade of C or better (2.000) in all core biology courses.
• Students graduating with a BS in biology must have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major area. A cumulative GPA of 2.600 in the major area is required for admission to the teacher education program.
• Transfer students are required to earn a minimum of 15 semester credit hours in approved Biology upper division courses from CSU-Pueblo, including BIOL 493 Seminar (1 c.h.), for graduation with a BS degree in Biology.
• A maximum of 6 semester credit hours of approved upper division CHEM courses may be applied towards approved upper division biology electives.
• A maximum of 6 semester credit hours of approved upper division WANR courses may be applied towards approved upper division biology electives.
• Graduates are encouraged to complete a minor outside the biology department.

Specific Concentration Requirements

Students completing a major in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Education are required to complete a minor in Education and meet all other requirements outlined by the Teacher Education Program.

Planning Sheet

Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.

Note: Students completing a major with a concentration in Secondary Education are required to complete a minor in Education and to meet all other requirements outlined by the Teacher Education Program.

*COMR 103 is required for admission into the Teacher Education Program.