1Demonstrate subject-matter competency, including the mastery of biological theories.

2Demonstrate proficiency with professional skills needed by practicing biologists, including experimental design and execution, biological techniques, data collection and documentation, communication of results, and responsible conduct of science.

3Demonstrate skills in critical thinking. These skills include understanding scientific methods, solving biology-related problems, and interpreting data in a meaningful way.

4Be familiar with the biogenesis, structure, and chemistry of the basic types of macromolecules important in cells: nucleic acids, proteins, and membranes, and with the organic and inorganic molecules important in cellular metabolism.

5Understand the role of macromolecules in cellular processes such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein translation, and metabolism.

6Understand the principles of how energy is obtained, stored and used in biological processes.

7Understand the role of evolution of creating and modifying the macromolecular components of the cell, and in creating biological complexity and variability.

8Understand how chemical and biochemical processes relate to biological function at the molecular, cellular, organismal levels.

9Understand how evolutionary forces influence organisms to produce adaptations.

10Exhibit proficiency in the physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of bacteria including diversity, metabolism, and gene expression regulation as well as key metabolic control mechanisms.

11Be familiar with taxonomic, ecological, and phylogenetic relationships among microorganisms including biogeochemical nutrient cycling, microbial diversity, and the biotechnological application of microbes to address environmental and energy problems.

12Able to demonstrate knowledge of how evolutionary forces impact and shape microbial function and activity.

13Acquire knowledge of disease-causing microorganisms that includes an understanding of humoral, cell-mediated and non-specific immune responses, as well as the molecular basis for bacterial and viral pathogenesis.

14Able to demonstrate technical competency in basic microbiological laboratory techniques and common molecular biology techniques that exploit the use of microbes.

15Able to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method including hypothesis generation and testing, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

16Demonstrate an understanding of prokaryotic cell structure and the major physiological processes of microorganisms that are critical for metabolism, function, and utilization of ecological niches.