Biology, B.S.

The mission of the VMI biology department is to broadly train students to understand how living organisms function and to appreciate the intricacies and interactions that govern all living systems.   This mission supports the broader VMI mission of creating citizen soldiers, by equipping students to make informed decisions that will better society.   We accomplish this by providing students with broad training and fundamental background in the biological sciences, while providing the opportunity to specialize in the sub-disciplines described under “Academic Concentrations in Biology.”   Also, we offer in collaboration with the Physical Education Department an Exercise Science minor.  The degree programs are particularly good at preparing majors to pursue post-graduate education in the biological and health sciences and allow for specialization that matches student interests and career plans.   Faculty members believe that interaction with cadets in the classroom, laboratory, and on an individual basis is critical in the development of the successful biology major.  In keeping with this philosophy, class sizes are small, laboratories accompany most courses, advising is conducted on an individual basis, and undergraduate research is encouraged.   The biology department also provides a summer research experience.  The Dr. Fred C. Swope Summer Scholars Program is an intensive ten-week program that introduces selected students to the scientific method, research design and data analysis, data presentation, use of sophisticated laboratory instruments, and independent research.  Each student conducts a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  This research is at the “cutting edge” of science, and student/faculty publications have resulted from these projects.  Normally, cadets are selected to participate in this program between their second and first class years.  Many additional opportunities for undergraduate research exists, allowing students to engage in a one-on-one interaction with a faculty mentor in their area of interest as early as the summer following the fourth class (freshman) year.