Biology

Mission

The Reinhardt University Biology Program works to link patterns of divergence and adaptation found in nature to the evolutionary processes responsible for these patterns by making use of the broad research expertise of the faculty. The strong organismal component of the curriculum provides Reinhardt students with an understanding of patterns of nature, which are complemented by process-oriented courses such as Genetics, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology. Due to the small class size at Reinhardt, we are able to cater instruction and provide a great deal of guidance to each student. This intimate classroom instruction and extensive extracurricular interaction of professors and students allows for an educational experience that is highly personal, while the rigorous assignments in each course challenge Reinhardt students to maximize their educational experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology program will be able to:

1. Apply the scientific method to questions in biology by formulating testable hypotheses, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting work orally and in writing in the formats that are used by practicing scientists.
2. Access the primary literature, identify relevant works for a particular topic, evaluate the scientific content of these works and synthesize critical summaries and/or analyses of these works.
3. Identify the major groups of organisms, classify them within a phylogenetic framework, and compare and contrast the characteristics of taxonomic groupings.
4. Use basic principles of heredity to predict patterns of inheritance of genetic traits, and understanding the central dogma of molecular biology.
5. Use the theory of evolution to explain how descent with modification has shaped organismal morphology, physiology, and life history.
6. Explicate the ecological interconnectedness of life on earth by tracing energy and nutrient flows through the environment, and relate the physical features of the environment to the structure of populations, communities, and ecosystems.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology program will be able to:

1. Apply the scientific method by formulating testable hypotheses, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting their work orally and in writing.
2. Access the primary literature, identify relevant works for a particular topic, evaluate the scientific content of these works and synthesize critical summaries and/or analyses of these works.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in using basic principles of heredity to predict patterns of inheritance of genetic traits and to demonstrate an understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology.
4. Explain the ecological interconnectedness of life by tracing energy and nutrient flows through the environment, and relate these changes to the theory of evolution by natural selection and other means.

Teacher candidates who complete the Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Biology Education program will:

1. Use knowledge of curriculum, learner differences, and ongoing assessment data to plan for student access to same essential content.
2. Utilize a variety of strategies to differentiate instruction and provide an academically challenging environment for all students.
3. Use systematic formal and informal assessment as an ongoing diagnostic activity to measure student growth and to guide, differentiate, and adjust instruction.
4. Display a professional commitment to the teaching philosophy of differentiated instruction to support students’ diverse learning needs and to maximize learning.

Special Features and Activities

Biology students are offered the opportunity to participate in the following:

1. , an honorary society in Biology.
2. Field and laboratory experiences providing hands-on education in developing techniques and technology.
3. Student research activities.
4. Guest lectures in current biological topics.
5. Individual and small group instruction.
6. Support for articles published in the Georgia local and regional journals.