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Welcome to the Biology department!

Biology, the study of life, constitutes one of the most relevant fields of study in an individual’s total education. The study of biology enables students to understand the workings of their bodies in health and disease, makes them aware of their place in a world of living organisms, and awakens in them an appreciation of the beauty and complexity in the design of life.

The aim of the Biology Department is to provide a broad background in the biological sciences sufficient to meet the needs of students who intend to enter graduate or professional schools, to teach biology, and to pursue various biology-oriented careers. Therefore, students interested in careers in biological research, medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, public health, or other allied health specialities, may be interested in earning a degree in biology. For more information on specific programs, please see the section on pre-professional programs below.

(Sea urchin embryo: picture courtesy of Se-Min Kim, Developmental Biology, Fall 2010.)

The Department of Biology supports the mission of the university by seeking to create an environment where students can learn

• to situate their knowledge of biology in a world-view which is biblical.
• to think critically about sources of knowledge and knowledge claims, as well as to constantly try to integrate their knowledge, both within biology as well as with other disciplines of study.
• to encourage and support a sense of curiosity and a realization of the excitement and reward that goes with discovery of the beauty and complexity of the living world, and to inspire in students a realization of the importance and benefits of life-long learning.
• to see the importance of using their knowledge and talents in service to others, and to encourage them to contribute in significant ways to society and the church as professionals and as citizens.

Career Opportunities

A biology major provides excellent preparation for students who wish to enter professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or certain paramedical programs. Employment opportunities for biology graduates are available at federal, state, and local agencies as biologists, ecologists, naturalists, wildlife managers, and, with some additional training, as laboratory technicians or researchers. The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist denomination and the public school system in Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia provide opportunities for science teachers at the secondary level. Many of these career opportunities as well as admission into other educational programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Programs Offered

Biology (BA) Suggested 4-Year Track,
Biology (BS) Suggested 4-Year Track,
Biology Minor Suggested 4-Year Track,
Applied Bioinformatics Minor,
Teacher Certification.

Pre-professional programs

Students should choose their majors based on their principal abilities and interests, because most professional schools accept individuals on the basis of merit rather than on their choice of major. Those who plan to enter professional schools should consult with their academic adviser in addition to the appropriate pre-professional program coordinator, listed below.

An overall GPA of at least 3.0 is required for admission to most professional programs, although some require a GPA significantly above 3.0.

Students should work closely with their pre-professional coordinator to ensure that they are meeting all of the requirements and recommendations within their chosen field. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the professional schools they wish to attend and consult their bulletins for information concerning specific courses and tests required for admission. Credit earned by Advanced Placement or CLEP may not be accepted.

Listed below are program coordinators, and required courses, for pre-professional programs most frequently chosen by students at WAU:

Course Descriptions

Read the Department of Biology section in the Academic bulletin.

For more information about the department, please see below:

Admission Information

Graduation Requirements

Statement of Student Responsibility

For news and stories, please see below:

Where are they now? Congratulations to our graduates!

Congratulations to our Honors Society Inductees!

**Biology Major Sets New Standard for Ministry**

Alicia Francis attends the 2012 Vaccine Renaissance Conference

Who am I?

Learning Outside the Classroom