Beta Beta Beta 

National Undergraduate Biology Honors Society

Rho Iota Chapter
 

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On the key, which is a common symbol of academic excellence, you will see three Greek letters, Beta Beta Beta and a coiled serpent. The first Beta stands for the Greek word BALANOS which means acorn; it represents life in and on the ground. The second Beta stands for the Greek word BOUDETASE which means little bird; it represents life in the air. The third Beta stands for the Greek word BOAX, which means fish; it represents life in the water.

All three words may be summed up in the one word BIOS, meaning life. In addition to the meaning I have just given, Beta Beta Beta also represents our three purposes:

1.To promote scholarship in the biological sciences;

2.To promote the dissemination of biological knowledge;

3.To encourage research.

The coiled serpent in the center of the key is an ancient symbol of wisdom.

This is the coat of arms. It shows the acorn, the bird, and the fish, representing life on the ground, in the air, and in the water. The knight's helmet signifies that the scientist is always ready to apply his abilities for the benefit of mankind. The skull reminds us that science, although greater than the life of any individual, depends upon the contributions of individual scholars. The two light quarters of the shield represent truth know to us; the dark quarters represent truth still unknown. The diagonal golden band symbolizes the light and truths of science. As on the key, the serpent stands for wisdom. The colors of the Society are red and green: Blood red for zoology and leaf green for botany. The flower is the red rose, symbol of beauty and strength. The motto is BLEPEIN BASIN BIOU which means "to see the foundation of life".