Senate Document Number 6500S
Date of Senate Approval 5/4/00
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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:
APC Document 52: Curriculum Revision in Biology
1). ADD (four new biology courses to course offerings)
215 Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology (4)
Introduction to cell structure and function, and to basic concepts of genetics
and molecular biology. Prerequisites: either BIOL 111 or 112; CHEM 132; or
permission of instructor. Fall.
216 Concepts in Ecology and Evolution (4)
Introduction to basic concepts in evolutionary biology and ecology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 215. Spring.
331 Entomology (4)
Introduction to the evolution, systematics, morphology, anatomy and
physiology of insects. The laboratory includes field trips to collect and
observe insects and to understand their life history, behavior and ecology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 216; or permission of instructor. Even years, Fall.
423 Molecular Biology (3)
Study of living organisms and their properties resulting from the structure,
function, and interrelationships of their macromolecules. Prerequisites: BIOL
215; CHEM 231. Even years, Spring.
2). DELETE (p. 71):
a. Course number, title, and description for BIOL 210 and 211.
2). ADD (p. 71):
a. 111 Principles of Zoology (4). Introduction to the study of animals. Emphasis will be on structure, function, and phylogenetic concepts. Spring.
b. 112 Principles of Botany (4). Introduction to the study of plants. Emphasis will be on structure, function, and phylogenetic concepts. Fall.
3). DELETE (pp. 69-70): Introductory paragraphs and Major in Biology I-VI.
3). ADD (substitute these entire sections; pp. 69-70):
The major in Biology is designed to give students a substantial foundation in biology with an emphasis on investigative methods. The courses provide a broad background for students who seek awareness of the living world and their role in it, as well as training preparatory to professional schools, graduate schools, or science education careers. Graduates may go directly into careers in biology or related fields. They may also pursue advanced work in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, or enter graduate programs in disciplines such as microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation biology.
Majors must complete one of three concentrations. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies in ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, or animal behavior should select the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration. Those who wish to enter health-related professions or graduate studies in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, or related disciplines should select the Cell and Molecular Biology concentration. The General Biology concentration is designed for students seeking a more general education in the biological sciences and is designed for students who do not have immediate plans to enter graduate or professional schools. Students seeking teacher licensure must fulfill all requirements listed under section I of this concentration.
Requirements for all biology majors:
I. Required courses in the major-- 18-19 hours including BIOL 111, 112, 215, 216; either 480
or 490. Individuals who are seeking teacher licensure should complete EDUC 396/496 in
place of BIOL 480 or 490.
II. Required courses outside the major-- 19 hours, including: CHEM 111, 132, 144, 231; MATH 191; STAT 185.
III. Other departmental requirements-- Completion of requirements in one of the concentrations listed below. Both the departmental and oral competencies are satisfied by completion of BIO 480 or 490, or EDUC 396 and 496, with a grade of C or higher.
Additional course requirements for concentrations are as follows:
Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
27-33 hours, including PHYS 131, 231; BIOL 443; one course from either BIOL 338, 345, or
455; three courses from BIOL 321, 331-337, 350, 351, 356, 360; ENVR 350, 360, 384, 443,
444; and either BIOL 444 or both CHEM 222 and 232. CHEM 223 may be substituted for
CHEM 222.
Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
31-33 hours, including PHYS 131, 231; two courses from BIOL 344, 423, 443, 444; one
course from BIOL 338, 339, 345, 346, or 455; two additional 300-400 level BIOL electives;
CHEM 222 and 232. CHEM 223 may be substituted for CHEM 222.
Concentration in General Biology
19-20 hours, including five 300-400 level courses in BIOL with at least one from each of the
following: (1) BIOL 344, 423, 443, 444, (2) BIOL 338, 339, 345, 346, 455, and
(3) BIOL 321, 331-337, 350, 351, 356, 360; PHYS 131 may be substituted for one of the five 300-400 level BIOL courses.
I. Students who wish to receive teacher licensure in 9-12 Biology or Comprehensive Science must complete SOC 240 and all additional requirements indicated under the Education section of the Catalog. Students who wish to receive licensure in 9-12 Comprehensive Science must also complete ASTR 105, ENVR 105, and ATMS 103. Students seeking middle school science licensure should contact the Department of Education for the specific requirements.
4). DELETE - p. 70; Delete entire section that is shown under "minor in biology"
4). ADD (substitute entire section that is shown; p. 70 under "minor in biology"):
18-20 hours in Biology, including either BIOL 111 or 112; BIOL 215 and 216; and 6-8 hours chosen from advanced offerings at the 300-level or higher. For teacher licensure, BIOL 333, 335, 344 and 443 are recommended.
5). DELETE (delete all sections pertaining to teaching licensure on p. 70):
6). DELETE (course description for BIOL 490; p. 73):
6). ADD (new course description for BIOL 490; p. 73):
Individual research project for upper-level students. Includes literature review, laboratory preparation, and completion of a research project. Students with ongoing research projects nearing completion, after consultation with their instructor, may opt to submit their work to the faculty as a demonstration of senior competency. A written research paper and oral presentation are required. Prerequisites: completion of biology core courses and permission of instructor. (An IP grade may be awarded at the instructor's discretion.) Fall and Spring.
BIOL 223:
DELETE: Prerequisite: BIOL 105.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 105 or 111.
BIOL 234:
DELETE: Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor. On demand.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 112; or permission of instructor. See department chair.
BIOL 321:
DELETE: Prerequisite: BIOL 105.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 216.
BIOL 332:
DELETE: Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor. Odd years Spring.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 216; or permission of instructor. Odd years, Fall.
BIOL 333:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 216; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 334:
DELETE: BIOL 105, 211 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 112, 216; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 335:
DELETE: BIOL 105, 211 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 112, 216; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 336:
DELETE: Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111; either 215 or 216; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 337:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 216; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 338:
DELETE: Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and CHEM 132.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 215, CHEM 132; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 339:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105 or CHEM 132.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 215; CHEM 132; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 344:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105 or CHEM 111,144.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 215; CHEM 132; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 345:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 211 or permission of instructor, CHEM 111, 144.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 112, 215; CHEM 132; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 346:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111 or 112, 215; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 350:
DELETE: Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 216; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 351:
DELETE: BIOL 105, 211 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 112; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 352:
DELETE: BIOL 210 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 111; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 356:
DELETE: BIOL 105 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 360:
DELETE: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor. Fall.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 216; or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIOL 442:
DELETE: BIOL 105 or permission of instructor.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 112.
BIOL 443:
DELETE: BIOL 105; CHEM 111, 144, CHEM 231 is recommended.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 215, 216; CHEM 111, 144; ; or permission of instructor. CHEM 231 is recommended.
BIOL 444:
DELETE: BIOL 105, 210, or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144, CHEM 231.
ADD: Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 215; CHEM 111, 144, 231; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 455:
DELETE: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144.
ADD: Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 215; CHEM 111, 144; or permission of instructor.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The major curriculum revision that is proposed will affect the major, minor, and university as follows:
1. Major- additional requirements for the major are that students take one semester of calculus and a four-course core sequence in biology. Certain concentrations require a full year of non-calculus based physics and a second semester of either organic chemistry with the lab or biochemistry.
2. Minor- new requirements are that individuals take three of the four core courses in biology in place of BIOL 105, 210, 211.
3. University requirements. Biology majors with teacher licensure will take the core course biology sequence plus a semester of noncalculus-based physics. Bio 105 will now be dedicated to being a general education course.
Concurrences- We have discussed the following impacts on other departments with chairs in the respective departments:
a. Physics -- The changes will likely require that the Physics Department add one laboratory section of PHYS 231 to accommodate the increased enrollment. An adjunct position might be required.
b. Chemistry -- All biology majors are currently required to take CHEM 111, 132, 144, and 231; about one-third of our students also take CHEM 222 and 232. The Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology will require CHEM 232 and either CHEM 222 or 223. These three chemistry courses are options for students seeking the Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Demand for CHEM 232, 222 and 223 will probably increase but the distribution of students among these courses is not known. While the impact is uncertain these changes should require no more than one additional section of each class.
c. Math -- The changes will increase demands for MATH 191 and to a lesser extent 167.
d. Education. Education students will complete the Concentration in General Biology along with additional courses needed for teacher licensure. Other courses in the sciences will remain the same except for the addition of MATH 191 to the requirements. These changes should strengthen the science component for teacher licensure in biology and provide a more comprehensive grounding in basic concepts of biology that are likely to be taught at the high-school level.
e. Environmental Studies-- The only significant change will be changing BIOL 210 and 211 to 100 level courses.
Resource needs- The creation of a four-semester core sequence in biology will require the creation of two new courses (BIOL 215, 216) that will increase staffing needs and require significant setup money for lab equipment and supplies. Staffing needs will be offset in part by a new faculty position that was filled in 1999. In addition, the number of lab sections of BIOL 105 may be reduced by one since biology majors will no longer take this course. The four-core courses will be offered once each year and staggered so that two of the four are offered each semester.
RATIONALE:
The biological sciences have undergone a dramatic revolution during the last two
decades. Emphasis has shifted towards an understanding of biological processes through the
use of investigations that increasingly extend to the molecular level and the role and control of
genetic machinery. Today's biologist, in order to be considered well-trained, must understand
the concepts underlying biotechnology and its applications as well as some of the analytical,
quantitative and experimental processes currently in use. The Biology Department's existing
curriculum can be improved to help ensure that our students continue to be adequately
prepared for either employment in the private sector or for entrance into graduate and
professional schools. Our existing curriculum has not undergone any major changes during
the last 15 years. Currently graduates often have taken courses beyond those prescribed for
a degree in Biology, in order to be prepared for successful careers in biology or related fields
as well as for postgraduate work. Most graduate and professional schools now require biology
majors to have one year of non-calculus based physics, two years of chemistry (one year of
inorganic and one year of organic with the lab), and math through calculus. Private employers
are increasingly looking for similar coursework in graduates. Our current curriculum requires
no physics, no calculus, and only one semester of organic chemistry.
In the past, students who plan to attend graduate or professional schools have been advised to take one year of non-calculus based physics, two years of chemistry (one year of inorganic and one year of organic with the lab), and math through calculus. Two problems arise with this approach. First, many students who do not express a desire to attend graduate or professional schools during their freshman or sophomore year often change their minds when approaching their senior year. They are forced to step back and take courses such as physics and calculus before applying to graduate school. This either prolongs the time required to complete their degree, or requires students to take additional courses after graduating. Second, while 60 to 70 percent of Biology graduates do go on to advanced studies, those who do not often do so after working for a year or two after graduating. Only 21% of UNCA students enter graduate or professional schools within one year of graduation. Those who are prepared to pursue advanced studies when they graduate need not go back to school to take additional courses, in order to enter the graduate program of their choice.
With the revised curriculum, students have the option to complete concentrations that will make them highly competitive for professional science positions in the work force, or that will qualify them for graduate or professional schools. This can be accomplished without increasing the existing number of hours required for a degree in biology. The four-core biology sequence will provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of basic concepts and principles in biology before they take advanced specialty courses. This core will replace the BIOL 105, 210, 211 sequence, which does not ensure coverage of the basic concepts and principles in sufficient depth to prepare biology majors for advanced studies. BIOL 105 will remain as a General Education science course for non-majors, and for those who desire some exposure to biological concepts before deciding to major in biology. The Concentration in General Biology will better prepare students for direct entry into the job market following graduation, and includes many courses that are prerequisites for graduate studies.
Teacher licensure.-- The proposed modifications in the teacher licensure sequence will better prepare biology majors for a career in teaching. Students will no longer take the BIOL 105, 210, 211 sequence. Instead, they will take a four-course core sequence that is designed for biology majors and that covers fundamentals in depth. Education students will no longer take BIOL 105, which is a general science course, and will be required to take physics (they currently are not required to take any physics courses). We have worked in conjunction with faculty in Education in developing the General Biology concentration.