Program:
Tremendous progress in our understanding and ability to manipulate
molecules such as DNA and proteins was witnessed during
the final quarter of the last century and has led
toward the elucidation of the molecular pathways regulating
cellular function. This relatively new discipline,
molecular biology, has had a tremendous impact on
many diverse fields such as genomics (i.e. the human
genome project), agriculture, medicine, forensics,
and the study of evolution. For example, molecular
biology has been critical in our ability to fight
genetically based diseases such as cancer and diabetes,
and in the development of genetically modified organisms
such as golden rice which may help reduce diseases
related to malnutrition.
Molecular biology is the area of biology that involves use of
a specialized set of tools and techniques to answer
basic questions concerning how living organisms work.
While some of those questions involve the molecular
basis of life, molecular techniques are also used
to answer questions at higher levels of biological
complexity, e.g. to understand the mating patterns
of mammals, and the evolutionary relationships among
bird species. As biologists trying to understand living
organisms at all levels of organization, from global
patterns of distribution to the pattern of the genetic
code itself, we find molecular biology to be a valuable
source of new information and insight at all levels
of biological complexity.
Our philosophy is that undergraduates should first be
competent biologists and then specialists within their
area of particular interest. Thus, our program allows
students to concentrate in molecular and cellular
biology while obtaining a broad background in biology
and in the liberal arts. The curriculum is designed
to be rigorous and challenging and to prepare students
both for careers in research and production associated
with molecular biology and for admission into graduate
and professional schools (A number of students planning
on attending professional school, e.g. medical or
veterinary medicine, choose to follow the molecular
biology curriculum). Students in the Molecular Biology
Option complete advanced courses in biochemistry and
in molecular and cellular techniques; many take advantage
of opportunities to complete independent research
projects in genetics, developmental biology, virology,
cell and molecular biology, or endocrinology. Because
biology is a science that is built on our understanding
of the physical world as revealed by the physical
sciences, all the programs in Biology require extensive
coursework in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
Our goal is to prepare our students to meet the challenges
of today’s world and to be ready for the unknown
challenges of the future. Thus, we strongly believe
that the best training for the future is to become
a lifelong learner. The Biology faculty at Millersville
is a group of such learners who attempt to teach students
how to become critical thinkers. We help our students
learn to write and speak well and to become proficient
in analyzing and solving problems as well as acquire
the technical expertise they need to become sources
of knowledge and skill sought by employers and society.
We attempt to help our students develop their intellectual
skills to their full potential.
We strongly believe that scientific research is an extremely
valuable educational experience for students. Therefore, the members of the Biology Faculty maintain active research programs specifically
geared to the participation and training of undergraduates.
Not only do these activities provide useful training
and experience for our students, but they help keep
the faculty abreast of and participating in the advancement
of biological knowledge.
|
