YSU Biological Science Mission Satement Page

Our Mission

At the Department of Biological Sciences at Youngstown State University, we recognize numerous regional and global challenges—the solutions of which depend upon a strong foundation in the fundamental biological principles and theories, as well as an appreciation and understanding of the advanced application of these principles and theories within the diverse disciplines of the life sciences.

In general, humankind struggles with issues of over-population, hunger and malnutrition, degraded and diminished natural resources, declining bio-diversity and endangered species, effects of pesticides, air and water pollution, and disease. Resolution of these problems will require the collaborative efforts of biologists, informed environmentalists, and, most important, the citizens of planet Earth. The Department is focused to provide the basic knowledge and understanding requisite to meet these pressing challenges, which threaten our health, environment and ultimately the quality of life.

The Department of Biological Sciences is distinctive and notable in its ability to provide a broad curriculum of courses among the diverse disciplines of biology as well as offering those courses needed to support the many professional health-related programs within the University. Within each discipline, the curriculum is designed to expose students to the processes and methodologies of scientific inquiries, to encourage the integration of creative inquiry, and to introduce sound problem -solving skills into their educational experience.

Provide broad-based, quality education.
Offer a broad curriculum that meet the needs of majors and non-majors.
Prepare, train, and educate majors for their chosen careers in the related fields of biological science.

The Department is housed in Ward Beecher Science Hall and Cushwa Hall on the main YSU campus. Other facilities of the department include:

Center for Biomedical and Environmental Research (CBER): A service laboratory located in Ward Beecher Science Hall that plays an integral role in the numerous research projects both within the university and collaboratively with area hospitals, government agencies, and local industries.

Lake Erie Enology Research Center (LEERC): A consortium of faculty and students from Youngstown State University and Cleveland State University chartered to enhance the health and competitiveness of Lake Erie grape and wine producers via basic and applied research in partnership with the local grape-wine industry following research priorities of the American Viticulture and Enology Research (AVERN).

Arboretum: A 118-acre facility located just north of campus that is dedicated to the study of plant and wildlife indigenous to Northeast Ohio.

Other facilities within the department include an herbarium, a greenhouse, computer labs, and a fully-equiped laboratory care and surgical facility.

For more information, contact the department office at (330) 742-3601, or Fax (330) 742-1483, or send me an e-mail.