College	Arts and Sciences
Academic Award	Bachelor of Science
Credits Required	125 semester credits
Faculty Lead	Eric Steinkamp
CIP Code	26.0101

The study of biology strives to understand the natural world we live in, including the human body. A career in biology involves curiosity of how living things work, how they interact with each other and the non-living world and how our actions influence nature and our bodies. Studying biology causes us to ask questions, make observations, describe potential answers, design studies, collect evidence, evaluate data and solve problems. Biologists may use a microscope to study human health and diseases, or a single celled organisms effect on the environment, Biology may also use nets to capture migrating birds and understand their contribution habitats along their migratory routes, or use a greenhouse to grow native plants which will be transplanted in ecosystem recovery efforts.

Graduates with a degree in Biology will be able to:

1. Conduct an empirical research project using the scientific method.
2. Apply scientific tools to solve problems.
3. Evaluate primary scientific research articles.
4. Evaluate scientific practices across cultures.
5. Articulate how their Christian faith guides their scientific conduct.

Students majoring in biology have a wide range of interesting and challenging career opportunities. Accordingly, the major is designed to enable a student to choose a track that supports his or her chosen career path. Following the completion of the Foundations phase of the biology curriculum, a student should apply for admission to the biology major and, in consultation with a science advisor, choose the track that provides the basis for further education or chosen career path. The tracks from which a student may select are: Animal biology (pre-veterinary), Pre-health (Physician’s Assistant, Physical Therapy, Naturopathy, Chiropractic, and others), Pre-Medicine, and General Science.

Animal Biology Track

The animal biology track prepares students to apply for admission to veterinary schools, or to graduate study relating to the study of animals.

Recognizing that the admission to veterinary schools is highly competitive, the student should work closely with his or her advisor to meet the admission standards set by the professional schools.

Pre-Health Track

This track prepares a student to enter training for a variety of healthcare careers such as Physician’s assistant, Physical Therapy, Naturopathy, and more. Because these careers have rigorous programs of study and training required for certification, they often have specific requirements for admission. The student, upon entering the track, should work with her or his advisor to meet the entrance requirements for the specific career training programs.

Pre-Medicine Track

The pre-medicine track develops students as scholarly professionals who are dedicated to pursuing advanced studies in medicine and who are qualified for admission to professional schools. Pre-medicine includes Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDS), and Doctor of Optometry (DO). Because admission into medical schools is highly competitive and selective, students in this track will be carefully guided toward meeting the standards for admission set by the Association of American Medical Colleges. A student entering this program with a goal of gaining admission to a professional school accepts the personal responsibility to carefully prepare for application by achieving strong grades and pursing service experiences in health sciences. Participation in an advising cohort aimed at developing the whole student as a potential professional enhances the possibility of achieving the goal of admission to a professional school.

General Science Track

The general biology track develops students as scholarly professionals who are dedicated to working in the scientific community, or who are prepared to pursue graduate studies in the sciences. Students who complete this degree track will be well prepared to enter fields of employment appropriate to a B.S. degree. In addition, the student will participate in development oriented cross-cultural scientific experiences that provide a rich understanding of the interplay of science and human well-being, and that give a unique preparation for entering the job market, or for pursuing admission to graduate programs in advanced fields of study.