Biological and Environmental Sciences

Department Chair—Swails
Professors—Boulant, Cheesman, Lahm, Stam, Swails
Associate Professors—Romstedt, Thomas
Assistant Professor—Anderson
Instructor—Heym

The biological and environmental sciences cover a wide range of topics, approaches and technological applications. These extend from biochemistry and molecular biology to ecology and ecosystem science. Biological scientists work as practitioners, teachers, and researchers. Practitioners apply biological knowledge to solve day-to-day problems. Examples are physicians, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, conservation officers, forensic scientists, pharmaceutical sales, and technical representatives. Teachers who are biological scientists work at all levels from elementary schools through universities, and may also be involved in educational administration or non-formal institutions such as museums and zoological parks. Biological researchers in industry, government, and academia create and develop new knowledge for its pure scientific value or for immediate commercial application. This may include study of the human genome, molecules involved in cell development or death, or ways to reproduce endangered species; or it may involve development of new cancer drugs, genetic variants of crops, or design of surgical equipment.

The department offers a wide array of majors, many of which can be tailored to individual student needs. Majors offered include biology(for students interested in pursuing graduate school degrees or entering the job market immediately), preprofessional biology (for students interested in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, etc.), pre-occupational therapy (preparing students for a clinical master’s degree), pre-physical therapy, and environmental science(see the separate alphabetical listing for this program). Minors are available in biology, environmental science, and geology.