Our mission is to instill an understanding and appreciation of the common thread that connects modern biological study at all levels, from molecules to ecosystems. We strive to actively engage you in the process of scientific investigation, develop your spirit of inquiry, strengthen your ability to explore both in field and laboratory, hone your analytical skills, and foster your capacity to communicate effectively with professional peers and the public. By helping you become independent thinkers and intellectually vibrant individuals, we hope to enable you to achieve a lifetime of personal and professional success and service to society.
Dr. Lord and student Morgan Weaver conduct experiments with deep-sea corals
Dr. Irish and her students photograph snake feeding
BIOL111 Foundations of Biology stream sampling
Dr. Fox working on a SOAR project with a student
Dr. Thevenin working with a research student
Dr. Kara Mosovsky processing soil microbe samples with a student
Dr. Proud and his students set up honeybee colonies on campus!
Field Marine Ecology course in Oregon
Cecilia M. Fox Receives Grant from Society for Neuroscience to Help Fund Brain Awareness Programming
Student Morgan Weaver holding deep-sea octopus collected over a mile deep in the ocean!
Biology today encompasses a very broad range of knowledge, from atoms and molecules to large-scale ecological interactions. The program in biology at 91¿´Æ¬ emphasizes the importance of gaining an appreciation for, and some mastery of, all aspects of modern biology. This broad base of knowledge gives you the ability to succeed in any arena calling for biological expertise: teaching at all levels; academic, government, private, and industrial research; science journalism and law; professional fields such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and optometry; allied health areas such as physical and occupational therapy; and graduate study.
Biology majors use current methodological approaches in laboratories, learn about the intricacies of the subject in class, and discuss recent research findings in seminars. All students are encouraged to participate in an independent study or Honors project, in which you can work closely with a member of the biology faculty on a research topic. In addition, your may participate in field study opportunities to see how you might put your education to use after graduation.
Check out a word cloud of our seniors' favorite memories!
