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The department of Cell and Molecular Biology was established in 2009. It
currently offers a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology as well as an M.S.
with thesis-based and Professional Science Master's (PSM) options. Each
student graduating from from the department of Cell and Molecular
Biology has participated in research and made a public presentation on
that research. Graduates from both programs are extremely successful in
finding employment, admission to professional programs or receiving
excellent packages to attend PhD programs. Our strategic plan for
2016-2021 is focused on maintaining the quality and contemporaneity of
our programs as well as increasing the impact of our programs on the
students at GVSU, our community and our profession.
Mission
The CMB department integrates meaningful practical experiences with
excellent classroom teaching to prepare students to be critical
thinkers, engaged citizens, and creative and competent professionals.
Vision
The CMB program aspires to provide a first-rate degree program. We
recognize that a current, challenging curriculum, highlighted by
intensive laboratory courses and which forces our students out of their
comfort zones is a vital component of a first-rate program. To these
ends, we aspire to offer a rigorous core curriculum which provides a
strong basis of theoretical and practical skills supported by electives
which enhance our students abilities in fields related to cell and
molecular biology such as molecular genetics, bioinformatics,
computational biology, development, cancer biology, biotechnology and
applied fermentation.
We recognize that developing a facility with the scientific method, a
working knowledge of the tools available to address scientific
questions, an understanding of the evolution of scientific thought, and
the ability to use scientific principles to address problems in daily
life are critical components of a first-rate program. We aspire to
infuse our curriculum with historical and current examples of the
application of the scientific method to problems in cell and molecular
biology and allow students to practice the scientific method in
laboratory settings with the aim that they integrate the scientific
method in their own daily thought.
We recognize that student involvement in original research is a critical
component to a first-rate cell and molecular biology program and we
aspire to provide the means for all of our undergraduates, and graduate
students pursuing a thesis, to participate in research.
We recognize that a diverse faculty engaged in their areas of expertise
and responsive to the needs of our students, colleagues and community
are necessary for a first-rate program. We aspire to support our faculty
such that they may perform these roles.
We recognize that graduates who are competitive for direct employment or
for further training in graduate and professional programs are
indicative of a first-rate program. We aspire to have all of our
graduates either employed in a field of their choice using the expertise
developed in the CMB program or accepted into graduate or professional
programs in which they will build on their expertise.
Value Statement
The CMB program values an academic environment that features: " A
broad, challenging and current curriculum featuring intensive laboratory
courses along with excellent classroom instruction; "
Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research; " An
engaged, diverse and responsive faculty, dedicated to excellent
teaching, scholarship and professional service; " An understanding
of the methods, tools and history, of science; and " A recognition
of the value of service.
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
