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 the ability to discuss ethical issues in the application of biological sciences, and the impact of science on society.

4Demonstrate skills in critical thinking. These skills include understanding scientific methods, solving biology-related problems, interpreting and analyzing primary literature in biology, and interpreting data in a meaningful way.

5Demonstrate knowledge of the path leading to specific careers in biology.

6Understand how biochemistry contributes to improvements in human health, industry, and broader scientific understanding.

7Become 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.

8Understand the chemical and physical principles that govern biochemical and physiological processes.

9Understand the role of evolution of creating and modifying the macromolecular components of the cell, and in creating biological complexity and variability.

10Understand how chemical and biochemical processes relate to biological function at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and higher levels.

11Understand the compositions and formations of cellular structures, the molecular basis underlying cellular processes, and the links between diseases and aberrant gene functions.

12Understand the principles governing the development of multi-cellular animals and plants.

13Understand ways in which organisms interact ecologically with each other and their environment.

14Understand how evolutionary forces influence organisms to produce adaptations.

15Acquire knowledge of the ways in which animals communicate with each other.

16Exhibit proficiency in population and community ecology, animal behavior, and evolutionary mechanisms.

17Be familiar with taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships among organisms.

18Extend basic ecological principles to species and ecosystem conservation.

19Learn to efficiently communicate scientific information or results from biological investigations using both oral and written methods.

20Use and understand the scientific method, including how to generate hypotheses and predictions, develop an experimental design, collect data, statistically analyze data, and interpret results.

21Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and theories of genetics.

22Demonstrate an understanding of laboratory skills used in genetics.

23Exhibit proficiency in the physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of bacteria including diversity, metabolism, and gene expression regulation as well as key metabolic control mechanisms.

24Become 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.

25Able to demonstrate knowledge of how evolutionary forces impact and shape microbial function and activity.

26Able to demonstrate technical competency in basic microbiological laboratory techniques and common molecular biology techniques that exploit the use of microbes.

27Able to efficiently communicate scientific information or results from biological investigations using both oral and written methods.

28Able to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method including hypothesis generation and testing, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

29Demonstrate an understanding of prokaryotic cell structure and the major physiological processes of microorganisms that are critical for metabolism, function, and utilization of ecological niches.

30Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of nervous system function at the systems, cellular and molecular level.

31Demonstrate the ability to measure dynamic changes in living organisms, tissues, and cells.