BA/BS in Biology

Objective(s) of a study programme: The study programme is designed to train well-educated and open-minded biologists having basic skills of organizational, creative, and scientific work in the fields of biology, ecology, zoology, botany and related fields. Graduates are able to use different informational resources, scientific and educational literature, carry out independent research, analyze and explain phenomena related to scientific problems in the field of contemporary biology and ecology, capable to continue their studies for a master degree. The aims of the programme are as follows: ensure practical skills necessary for experimental work by means of different methods of collecting data and their analysis; provide a substantial knowledge of the basic fields of biology, firm understanding of biological principles and ability to use it when exploring biodiversity, structure, functions and evolution of living things; capacitate analytical critical evaluation and expressing conclusions both in written form and orally. Learning outcomes: A holder of a Bachelor's degree in Biology has practical skills necessary for experimental work using different methods of collecting data and analysis, good knowledge of the basic fields of biology, thorough understanding of molecular principles and is able to use it when exploring biodiversity, structure, functions and evolution of living things. He/she is capable of analytical critical evaluation and expressing conclusions in written form and orally. Activities of teaching and learning: Lectures, laboratory work, practical training, seminars, consultations, self -study. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The main form of evaluation is an examination. However, courses units may be evaluated by the pass/fail evaluation as well. Every course unit is concluded with either a written or written-oral examination or pass/fail evaluation. Student's knowledge and general performance during the exam are evaluated using grading scale from 1(very poor) to 10(excellent), or by pass or fail evaluation in the cases when pass/fail evaluation is foreseen as a final evaluation of the course unit. Study subjects (modules), practical training: Compulsory courses: General and Physical Chemistry. Organic Chemistry. Biochemistry, Origin and Diversity of Organisms (I, II, III), Organisms Diversity Practice (I, II, III); Mathematics for Biologists; Biology and Histology of Cells; Biological physics, Fundamentals of ecology, Molecular biology and genetics, Biostatistics, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Developmental Biology, Research Methods and Analysis, Plant physiology, Soil biology, Coursework, Ecology of waters, Human and Animal Physiology. Theory of Evolution. Course Project. Bachelor Thesis. Elective courses: Geographic information systems, Plant genetics, Behavioral ecology, Medical zoology, Plant anf fungi biology, Chemical ecology, Ecotoxicology, Phylogenetics, Phytosociology, Ornithology and teriology, Entomology, Ecology of populations. Distinctive features of a study programme: An emphasis of the complex understanding of Biodiversity on the levels of populations, species and ecosystems Access to professional activity: Graduate could find a situation in research institutes, private laboratories. After additional educological training, they might work as secondary school teachers. Access to further study: Bachelor degree holders could continue their studies in the following Master degree programmes: Medical Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neurobiology,Zoology, Botany, Environmental studies.