Biology
Mission Statement
The Biology department seeks to develop students’ ability to function as independent scholars. A combination of required and elective work allows students to develop an appreciation of nature and an understanding of the biological knowledge that will have a role in their lives when they graduate from Adrian College. We seek to foster the ability to critically assess information and communicate clearly in writing and verbally. When they graduate, our students should have confidence in their ability to teach themselves and to apply their knowledge and experiences in new situations. Our courses use various combinations of lectures, labs, reading, writing, textbooks, primary literature, library research and individually-designed projects to develop diverse skills within the biological sciences.
The biology department is noted for its environmental and evolutionary programs, cellular and molecular biology studies, pre-health science preparation and taxonomic understanding. Facilities include a 119-acre natural science study area with forest and wetland habitats; greenhouse with aquaponics system; environmentally controlled plant growth space; an extensive natural history collection, primarily of Vertebrates; an Entomology collection, herbarium; labs equipped for microbiology and genetics; a fully equipped histology lab; and Human cadaver lab. The department has prepared students for careers with the Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, U.S. Interior Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and many academic, industrial and research institutions. Many other biology alumni are dentists, medical technologists, nurses, optometrists, physicians, podiatrists and teachers in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities.
Students majoring in biology may earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, or a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience in an interdisciplinary collaboration with the Psychology department. The department also offers the Associate of Arts degree and a minor in biology. Students are encouraged to acquire strong backgrounds in the supporting sciences, particularly chemistry, mathematics and physics. Those interested in careers requiring further education in professional or graduate schools may obtain specific program information from the Career Planning Office and the Institute for Health Studies.
Lab Fees
A modest lab fee will be charged to lab courses in order to supplement the cost of laboratory supplies.
Departmental Honors
Students who wish to be considered for departmental honors should submit a letter indicating this to the biology department chairperson before beginning their senior year. To graduate with departmental honors in biology, a student must earn a 3.00 grade point average in science; complete two credits of BIOL450 or BIOL451 associated with an approved research project; and prepare a paper for presentation to the biology faculty and majors or a professional group (a paper worthy of submission to a refereed journal will be viewed as meeting this requirement). Having met these criteria, the student qualifies for consideration for honors. Final selection is based on departmental evaluation.