Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 UMA Catalog 
    
2020-2021 UMA Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology


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Admissions: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3465 or (207) 621-3465
Advising Center: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3149 or (207) 621-3149
Coordinator: Susan Baker (Augusta)
Website: www.uma.edu/academics/programs/biology/


Program Objectives

This degree provides students with a liberal arts education with an emphasis on the biological sciences. The required courses for the major give students a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The science electives allow a student to pursue an area of personal interest. Graduates of this program have obtained employment in laboratories, pursued careers in teaching, entered graduate work in the sciences, attended medical school and allied health programs such as physician assistant programs.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of science and its influence on society and the natural world in order to be responsible and reflective professionals by:
    • Understanding that all living things have characteristics in common, share and evolutionary history, and belong to the biosphere.
    • Understanding the importance of biological diversity
    • Making informed assessments of the opportunities and risks inherent in the scientific enterprise
    • Having a knowledge and skill base that enables them to continue to educate themselves about scientific and technological issues
    • Having an understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning the nature of scientific enterprise, integrative concepts, and the social and historical context of science
  • Demonstrate competencies in the biological sciences to a level that prepares them for graduate programs or careers in the field by:
    • Having an understanding of the methods and processes of scientific inquiry
    • Understanding that cell structure, physiology, and biochemistry serve as a foundation for organisms in the biosphere
    • Understanding the chemical basis of life
    • Demonstrating technological proficiency and sound knowledge of safe laboratory practices
  • Demonstrate quantitative and analytical skills needed by:
    • Applying mathematic tools to analyze scientific problems
    • Developing and analyzing experimental data sets
    • Obtaining a basic understanding of statistics and statistical applications
    • Demonstrating a quantitative understanding of experimental error and uncertainty

Academic Advising

Biology majors are advised by full-time faculty members and are required to meet with their advisors prior to registration. An advisor’s signature or electronic equivalent is required for registration. Students are encouraged to continue to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to help ensure a productive and meaningful college experience.

Admissions Requirements (see UMA general requirements )


Career Opportunities

Skills You’ll Acquire

As a Biology major you will become a problem-solver who likes challenges. You will learn to be accurate, reliable, work well under pressure and finish a task once started. You will also communicate well, both verbally and in writing. Listed below are some representative skills and abilities that you will acquire.

Careers You Can Seek
Investigation
  • Understanding cause & effect
  • Observing carefully
  • Designing experiments
  • Relating lab findings to common disease process
  • Utilizing formulae
Technical
  • Using laboratory equipment
  • Maintaining Laboratory equipment
  • Monitoring quality control
  • Applying principles of safety
  • Attending to detail
Communication
  • Using medical terminology
  • Writing reports
  • Educating others
  • Training others
  • Working as a team member
Analysis
  • Collecting & processing specimens
  • Perceiving patterns/structures
  • Examining specimens
  • Conducting tests
  • Analyzing data

As a Biology graduate, you will be able to apply your skills in a variety of settings including health care, business and industry, government and research organizations. The following is a list of some of your career options.

Health Care
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Clinical Toxicologist*
  • Diagnostic Virologist*
  • Physician Assistant*
  • Medical Doctor*
Research
  • Cancer Researcher*
  • Pharmaceutical Research Assistant
  • Epidemiologist*
  • Genetics Researcher*
  • Cytotechnologist*
  • ChemistGovernment/Public Service
  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Forensic Laboratory Assistant
  • Food Technologist
  • EPA Staff Member
  • Science Teacher (HS, College)*
Government/Public Service
  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Forensic Laboratory Assistant
  • Food Technologist
  • EPA Staff Member
  • Science Teacher (HS, College)*
Business/Industry
  • Color Development Chemist
  • Brewery Laboratory Analyst
  • Paper Mill Lab Technician
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Sales Representative for Biotechnical Instrumentation and Reagents

* Graduate level study is generally required for these occupations.

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