Biology

The mission of the Biology Department of Westfield State University is to foster in all students an understanding of, and curiosity about, the living world and biological processes, an appreciation of how scientific knowledge is acquired, and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to generate and address new questions. As Biology majors, students will develop an understanding of the diversity, classification, form, function, and behavior of living organisms. Students will also learn to design experiments and collect and analyze data while working closely with dedicated faculty in both their required coursework and optional independent research projects. The Biology major prepares students for careers or advanced study in a variety of biological and environmental fields, teaching, and professional fields such as medicine.

We provide our majors with a broad education in all of the fundamental areas of modern biology, while also assisting them in their pursuit of advanced knowledge and skills in various sub-disciplines. The department also offers a program to prepare students for the Massachusetts Secondary Education Licensure for Teacher of Biology. Included in all of these options are opportunities for study in the areas of cellular, ecological, environmental, molecular, organismal, and physiological biology. Westfield State University’s international programs also provide opportunities for Biology students to study biology abroad during J-term courses. Independent studies and internship programs, both on- and off-campus, are available for Biology majors wishing to pursue areas of special interest.

Facilities include nine teaching laboratories, one molecular research lab, a computer lab, greenhouses, an aquarium room, and teaching collections of plants and animals. The rural setting of the University offers ample opportunities for study in local forests, mountains, and rivers.

Interdisciplinary Major

In conjunction with other departments within the University, the Biology department supports courses that are included within the interdisciplinary major in Environmental Science and Health Sciences . Students may choose to double major in any of these areas in order to gain more experience in preparation for advanced studies or the workforce.

Advising

Biology faculty members welcome the opportunity to speak with incoming students about the Biology program. Students who decide to major in Biology will be assigned a faculty advisor in the department who can provide guidance concerning the major, as well as related work in mathematics, chemistry, physics, secondary education, or other areas of interest. Consultation at an early date is encouraged to assist with course selections that lead toward a variety of career options.

Transfer Students

In addition to satisfying all major requirements, transfer students in the Biology major must complete a minimum of 20 Biology credits at Westfield State.

Programs

Major

Minor

Biology Minor

Courses

Biology

Catalog