Bachelors of Biology - General

Program Overview

The general Biology program at Franklin College aims to provide students with a well-rounded knowledge of the life sciences, exploring important areas such as cellular, organismal, systemic, and environmental biology. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of laboratory sessions, lectures, and discussions, presenting science not merely as a collection of facts but as an active process of inquiry and concept generation. This integrative track offers a broad and flexible foundation, preparing students for diverse future career pursuits in fields like forensics, agriculture, and education, or for advanced studies in various biological disciplines.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Franklin College is unequivocally a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated program. Biology is fundamentally a scientific discipline that relies on observation, experimentation, data analysis, and the application of scientific principles to understand living systems. This STEM classification is particularly advantageous for international students, as it often provides access to an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, allowing more time to gain professional work experience in their field.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Biology (Standard Track) at Franklin College is comprehensive, covering core biological concepts and foundational sciences. While specific course numbers may vary, the program typically includes foundational courses like Biology I and II (with labs), Genetics, and either Cellular Biology or Microbiology. Students also complete supporting courses in General Chemistry I and II (with labs) and at least two semesters of Math at the College Algebra level or above, including Statistics or Calculus. The curriculum emphasizes skill acquisition, including critical thinking, data analysis and interpretation, use of primary scientific literature, and the planning and execution of biological experiments and basic field/laboratory techniques. Students also choose a significant number of biology electives to broaden their knowledge.

Research Focus: Franklin College's Biology program places a strong emphasis on developing students' research capabilities and understanding the scientific process. The curriculum is designed to ensure students "understand the way to use scientific methodology to solve problems." This is achieved through various laboratory experiences, independent studies, and potentially senior thesis projects. Students gain authentic hands-on research experience, which is crucial for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While specific examples of student research for the "general" track might not be as specialized as the Biomedical Sciences or Ecology/Conservation tracks, the overarching biology department provides opportunities for students to conduct research, potentially present at conferences, and contribute new knowledge to the field.

Industry Engagement: Franklin College emphasizes practical experiences to prepare its biology graduates for professional careers. The program aims to provide students with "experiences that help students better understand the nature of science and the role of scientists in society." While the general biology track might not have the same explicit "mandatory internship" component as some other Franklin College programs, the college broadly highlights that students gain "field skills" and "practical skills" that prepare them for impactful careers. Cooperative programs with other institutions in health-related professions also provide pathways for industry engagement and professional experience, where successful completion of the first year in a cooperative program often satisfies the internship or senior year experience requirement for the major.

Global Perspective: Biology, as the study of life, naturally encompasses a global perspective, as biological principles and phenomena are universal, yet manifest with diverse expressions across different ecosystems and cultures. While the specific global components within the general Biology program are not extensively detailed, the college's overall commitment to a liberal arts education and international experiences contributes to a global perspective. Other biology tracks at Franklin College offer "immersive travel opportunities," and the broader institution encourages "study-away" programs. These opportunities can expose biology students to diverse ecological systems, conservation challenges, and health issues in international contexts, broadening their scientific and cultural understanding.