Biology

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.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor