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Physics for the Life Sciences is a two-semester algebra-based introduction to physics with applications to living organisms, particularly the human body. The first semester focuses on motion, forces, torques, work, energy, and fluids. The second semester covers thermodynamics, optics, and electricity and magnetism. The course includes three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week.

Physics for the Life Sciences is a two-semester algebra-based introduction to physics with applications to living organisms, particularly the human body. The first semester focuses on motion, forces, torques, work, energy, and fluids. The second semester covers thermodynamics, optics, and electricity and magnetism. The course includes three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week.

Mission

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. The faculty are dedicated to active learning strategies and meaningful research opportunities, empowering students to engage directly in the practice of biology and environmental science.

Learning Outcomes

At graduation, a student who majors in Biology will:

1. Students will identify and explain the five key biological concepts—evolutionary patterns of unity and diversity, heritable information flow, the interplay between structure and function, transformations of energy and matter, and interactions within and between systems—and apply them to analyze current scientific issues.
2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the scientific method by evaluating scientific problems, analyzing data, and designing and conducting a relevant research project in the field of biology.
3. Students will critically evaluate current research in biology and effectively communicate their findings through written reports and oral presentations.
4. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in science-related fields or to succeed in professional or graduate programs.

Mission

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. The faculty are dedicated to active learning strategies and meaningful research opportunities, empowering students to engage directly in the practice of biology and environmental science.

Learning Outcomes

At graduation, a student who majors in Biology will:

1. Students will identify and explain the five key biological concepts—evolutionary patterns of unity and diversity, heritable information flow, the interplay between structure and function, transformations of energy and matter, and interactions within and between systems—and apply them to analyze current scientific issues.
2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the scientific method by evaluating scientific problems, analyzing data, and designing and conducting a relevant research project in the field of biology.
3. Students will critically evaluate current research in biology and effectively communicate their findings through written reports and oral presentations.
4. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in science-related fields or to succeed in professional or graduate programs.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the concept of the creative writing workshop, a forum that provides collective and constructive criticism of students’ creative works. This course introduces the concept of the creative writing workshop to students and provides a space to develop an understanding of the basic techniques and terminology of writing poetry and prose.

This course centers around the impact that comics and graphic novels and memoirs have had upon American culture and the literary canon, from Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast’s work and its role in the election of President Ulysses S. Grant, to the golden age of newspaper comic strips, and into the 21st century with the emerging importance of the graphic memoir by writers like Alison Bechdel and Art Spiegelman. Students in this course examine the academic value of comic books and graphic novels through the study of their history, similarity to other forms of literature, their own specialized literary and artistic techniques, and development as compelling narratives.

Playwriting is a workshop course in which students will explore writing for theatre through practical writing, discussion, and analysis of live theatre. Students will study the major components of playwriting including action, dialogue, and character development. Understanding of these components will be deepened through workshopping of written assignments, providing and receiving feedback, reading dramatic works, and attending productions. By the end of this course, students will have written and revised two ten-minute plays.

Advanced playwriting is a workshop course in which students will continue their exploration of writing for theatre through practical writing, discussion, and analysis of love theatre. Students will continue to study the major components of playwriting including action, dialogue, and character development. Understanding of these components will be deepened through workshopping of written assignments, providing and receiving feedback, reading dramatic works, and attending productions. By the end of this course, students will have written and revised two one-act plays

This course is a seminar designed to aid students in the proposal of, research for, and work toward completion of a senior project

Mission

The Department of Humanities fosters intellectual growth and cultural understanding through the study of religious studies, English, and world languages. Aligned with the College's mission, the department cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful contributions in an interconnected world. The department’s interdisciplinary approach encourages exploration of faith, language, and artistic expression, shaping informed and compassionate individuals ready to engage with diverse global perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

1. The student will analyze and interpret texts written in and translated into English, identifying elements of craft, process, literary techniques, and creative uses of language, and synthesize the methods and interpretive practices of the discipline.
2. The student will demonstrate skillful use of technique in the creative process for critical and intuitive thinking, and can appraise their own writing practices and how they have evolved.
3. The student will effectively communicate ideas through written and oral forms, showcasing their ability to express complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
4. The student will demonstrate the ability to research literary, cultural, and historical contexts, and determine how past and present literary forms, structures, styles, and traditions influence artistic choices in writing.
5. The student will engage in writing as a reflective, iterative process across a variety of genres, preparing for professional and graduate school opportunities by developing a portfolio and understanding the relevance and importance of clarity in writing in various career paths.