Program Description
The biology major within the Department of Biology/Chemistry gives its students information about, experience with, and insights into the fascinating topic of life. Functions of organisms and their parts, interactions of organisms with their environments, taxonomy of plants and animals, and mechanisms for continued survival are all considered by biology courses.
Other majors offered within the Department of Biology/Chemistry are:
The department also offers three pre-professional programs:
Career opportunities:
Students with the biology major have several fulfilling options for future careers. Some students desire pre-professional training in preparation for advanced study in human medicine, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine and other medical professions. Other biology majors who wish to teach in public, private, or charter schools desire a broad biology background. Some biology majors intend to continue their education in graduate school, possibly to find careers in research, wildlife management, resource management or as college professors. Another option chosen by majors has been to enter a biology-related career directly after receiving a degree. Examples of this option are careers in environmental fields and medical laboratories. Visit our career services section.
Program strengths and emphases:
The biology major has many distinctives. Among them are the following:
- Individualized attention from concerned faculty
- Christian life perspective
- Research or honors projects
- Wide breadth of offerings
- Association with the Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies (including special scholarships for summer classes)
- Hands-on laboratory and field work
- Specialized pre-medical advising
- Optional study of special topics
In addition to offering a high-quality, diverse academic program, the department tries to develop an appreciation for life and the moral integrity to use knowledge wisely. This will enable the student to improve the quality of life for each individual, as well as to improve the quality of the earth’s environment.
Notes for general education: Advanced science lab courses included in the major meet the general education science requirement.
Notes for students certifying to teach: Biology majors and minors certifying to teach at the secondary level should pass the departmental examination prior to taking the Michigan State Teacher Test in Biology.