Biology & Biotechnology
E. W. Overström, Head
Professors: D. S. Adams, J. C. Bagshaw, E. W. Overström, P. J. Weathers
Associate Professors: T. C. Crusberg, S. M. Politz, J. Rulfs, E. Ryder
Assistant Professors: D. G. Gibson III, L. Mathews, R. Prusty Rao
Adjunct Afiliate Professor: A. Di Iorio
Adjunct Assistant Professors/Lab Instructors: M. Buckholt, J. Whitefleet-Smith
Mission Statement
The Department of Biology and Biotechnology will make scholarly scientific and technological advances that will address the changing needs of society. We will prepare well educated scientists able to approach problems with creativity and flexibility. A key element in this preparation is active participation in the process of scientific inquiry.
Program Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology are to prepare students to function as scientists and educators in a broad array of biological disciplines. We recognize that the well educated scientist needs facility in technology and skill in critical thinking to function effectively in the professional arena as well as in the global community.
Program Outcomes
- Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Department of Biology and Biotechnology:
- have mastered a broad range of basic lab skills applicable to biology and biotechnology.
- have mastered applied research skills at an advanced level in at least one area of biology and biotechnology.
- know and understand a broad range of basic biological concepts, and can apply and analyze these in at least one speciality area.
- are able to generate hypotheses, design approaches to test them, and interpret the data from those tests to reach valid conclusions.
- have developed the ability to place their own work in a broader scientific context.
- have developed oral and written communication skills relevant to professional positions in biology and biotechnology.
- can find, read and critically evaluate the original scientific literature.
- possess skills necessary for life-long professional learning.
- can function effectively as members of a team.
- demonstrate adherence to accepted standards of professional and ethical behavior.
Program Distribution Requirements for the Biology and Biotechnology Major
| Requirements | Minimum Units |
|---|---|
| 1. Mathematical Science, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering (Note 1) | 5/3 |
| 2. Chemistry | 5/3 |
| 3. Biology & Biotechnology (Note 2) | 10/3 |
| 4. Laboratory Experience (Note 3) | 4/3 |
| 5. Related courses (Note 4) | 3/3 |
| 6. MQP | 1 |
Notes:
- BB 3040 may count toward this requirement.
- Biology & Biotechnology coursework must include 2/3 units at the 1000 level, 4/3 units at the 2000 level, and 4/3 units at the 3000/4000 level, of which at least 1/3 unit must be at the 4000 level. BB 1000, BB 1001 and BB 1002 may not count toward the major requirement. At least 2/3 unit of Biology & Biotechnology coursework must be taken from each of three major divisions of biology (below). The 2/3 unit for each division may include courses from any level (1000-4000).
- Chosen from BB 2000/3000 Laboratories or CH 4150 and 417X Experimental Biochemistry Laboratories. Must include at least 1/2 unit of course work at the 2000 level.
- Chosen from the Related Courses List or additional BB 3000/4000 level courses.
The Three Major Divisions of Biology
-
Cellular and molecular biology
BB 1035 Introduction to Biotechnology
BB 2920 Genetics
BB 2550 Cell Biology
BB 2002 Microbiology
BB 3055 Microbial Physiology
BB 4008 Cell Culture Theory and Applications
BB 4010 Advanced Molecular Genetics
BB 4065 Virology
BB 4070 Separation of Biological Molecules
BB 4550 Advanced Cell Biology
BB 4910 Advanced Molecular Biology
BB 4955 Recombinant DNA -
Biology of the organism
BB 125X Human Biology
BB 3101 Anatomy and Physiology I
BB 3102 Anatomy and Physiology II
BB 3080 Neurobiology
BB 3170 Plant Morphology and Development
BB 3120 Plant Physiology and Cell Culture
BB 3620 Developmental Biology I
BB 363X Developmental Biology II
BB 3920 Immunology -
Organisms in their environment
BB 1045 Introduction to Biodiversity
BB 2030 Plant Diversity
BB 2040 Principles of Ecology
BB 3140 Evolution: Pattern and Process
BB 3160 Behavioral Ecology
BB 4160 Population Genetics & Phylogeography
BB 4170 Molecular Ecology
Related Courses
BME 4541 Biological Systems
CE 3059 Environmental Engineering
CH 2330 Organic Chemistry III
CH 3510 Chemical Thermodynamics
CH 4110 Biochemistry I
CH 4120 Biochemistry II
CH 4160 Membrane Biophysics
CH 4190 Regulation of Gene Expression
CHE 3301 Introduction to Biological Engineering
Other Laboratory Experience List
BME 562 Small Animal Surgery
CE 4060 Environmental Engineering Laboratory
CE 4061 Hydrology
CH 4150 Experimental Biochemistry
GE 2341 Geology
Undergraduate Research Projects
The biology and biotechnology facilities offer an exceptional learning opportunity since research in an active laboratory group is the principal teaching tool. Tools for modern biochemistry, molecular biology, tissue culture, fermentation, ecology, microscopy and computer integration are all available to undergraduates.
In conjunction with the faculty, students who wish to expand their educational opportunities pursue many off-campus projects each year. Investigations may take place at institutions that have traditionally worked with WPI, such as the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the Worcester Biotechnology Research Park, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratories. The department also has established links with several companies that provide opportunities for project work and summer employment in applied biology and biotechnology.
Undergraduate research projects may be proposed by individual students or groups of students, or may be selected from on-going research activities of the faculty. The departmental faculty must be consulted for approval of a project before student work begins.
Last modified: February 26, 2008 10:10:43