Biological Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
Thomas W. Cole, Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology, Suite 3005
Telephone: (404) 880-6794
Dr. Joann Powell
(Chair)
jpowell@cau.edu
The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to assist undergraduate and graduate students in the study of life sciences in a research environment that focuses on scientific reasoning, critical inquiry, problem solving, and the development of research skills that prepares graduates to be competitive in our global society.
The vision of the Department of Biological Sciences is to be recognized as a premier undergraduate, graduate, and research-centered department, among the research-intensive institutions in the nation, whose graduates will be excellent scholars, researchers, and practitioners through productive scientific and professional health careers.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology. Students with an interest in careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, environmental science, genetics, biomedical sciences and other areas in biology should major in biology. The core of the curriculum includes courses in biochemistry, genetics, and cell & molecular biology. Graduates of the undergraduate program are prepared for entry level positions in industrial and scientific companies. The curriculum also provides excellent preparation for students to enter graduate or professional schools in health-related fields.
Students are prepared for further studies leading to the Masters of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy degrees for research or teaching careers in higher education and industry. The Department of Biological Sciences fosters and maintains collaborations at national academic, industrial, and governmental research facilities. Some research faculty participate in the University’s Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development supported by the National Institute of Health and other biomedical research programs. Detailed information regarding the department’s graduate degree programs are presented in the University’s Graduate Catalog.
Program Objectives for the Department of Biological Sciences
- Provide rigorous courses and extramural opportunities that will help students develop a broad understanding of biological principles.
- Provide or facilitate research experiences (on- campus and off-campus internships; summer enrichment programs, etc.) that allow students to develop the ability to critically and independently investigate biological phenomena through the development of the skills necessary for observing, gathering, analyzing, and presenting data.
- Emphasize in all courses the contemporary and human aspects of science, especially biology and its impact upon society.
- Provide high quality general education training in the life sciences for all undergraduate students in addition to exemplary support courses for multiple programs across the campus.
- Aggressively seek extramural funds for research training and academic support programs for students.