Department of Biological Sciences
| Department Chair: |
Erik Lindquist |
| Assistant Chair: |
John Harms |
| Administrative Assistant: |
Cynthia Steffan |
| Professors: |
S. Boyce, E. Davis, D. Foster, J. Harms, E. Lindquist, L. Mylin, M. Shin |
| Associate Professors: |
J. Erikson |
| Assistant Professor: |
G. Matanguihan, J. Ness-Myers |
Majors and Minors
The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following majors:
Biology (B.S.) with concentrations in:
Biomedical
Cellular
Ecological
General
Organismal
Biology with Secondary Teaching Certification (B.S.)
Biopsychology (B.S.)
Environmental Science (B.S.)
Molecular Biology (B.S.)
Sustainability Studies (B.A.) (see Interdisciplinary section)
with concentrations in:
Community and Urban Development
Conservation and Agriculture
The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following minors:
Biology
Environmental Science
Sustainability Studies (see Interdisciplinary section)
Pre-Professional Health Programs
Pre-Medical/Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Allied Health
Pre-Physical Therapy
Special Program: AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies
Program Options
The Department of Biological Sciences seeks to provide students with an understanding of the sciences that will enable them to continue study in graduate school, medical school, the allied health field, or immediately seek employment in a variety of settings in industry, business, education, and government. The unique advantage of studying biological science at Messiah is that students work in the context of a Christian liberal arts education. Thus, while investigating the world around them, they also study themselves and their Creator. The Department places special emphasis on integrating the knowledge and methods of the sciences with what Christian faith teaches about people and their place in the universe.
Messiah University has outstanding facilities for the study of the biological sciences. The Jordan Science Center together with the Kline Hall of Science offers well-equipped laboratories, research facilities, computer facilities, much instrumentation including a Real-time PCR machine, a scanning electron microscope, an NMR and HPLC, a greenhouse, and The Oakes Museum of Natural History. The 400-acre campus includes woodlands, fields, and the Yellow Breeches Creek, affording excellent opportunities for field experiences. Field trips are a regular part of many courses, and special science courses have been offered in places such as the United States Desert Southwest, Zambia, New Zealand, Central America and Southeast Asia.
Biological Science Majors find a variety of research opportunities available. These enable students to combine theory with different experimental techniques both in the lab and the field. Internships are available which give students practical experience in their selected profession. Seniors are strongly encouraged to complete a “professional” experience prior to graduation. In most cases this will involve a field or laboratory research project or honors project under the direction of a faculty member. Some students secure opportunities through off-campus research internships at a major research university, while others serve as senior laboratory assistants in private or government sectors. For program assessment, all majors are required to take an internal assessment exam during their sophomore year and the Educational Testing Services Major Field Test during their senior year.
Messiah University is affiliated with AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies in Mancelona, Michigan. The Department encourages science students to participate in the various programs offered by the Institute near the Great Lakes in Michigan; the Pacific Northwest; and in south India. Financial assistance is available to students wishing to study at AuSable during the summer.
Departmental Honors
The purpose of Departmental Honors is to encourage scholarly initiative and in-depth investigation within a limited area of study in the student’s major. In the Department of Biological Sciences, students work under the direction of a faculty member to plan and carry out scientific research that culminates in both written and oral presentations of the project. To graduate with Departmental Honors, students must apply during the junior year and enroll in BIOL 393/CHEM 393 Research Methods, followed by five to six credits of BIOL 497, 498 Major Honors during the senior year. Obtain detailed information from your academic advisor.
Pre-Medical, Pre-Allied Health, and Pre-Physical Therapy Programs
Many students preparing for careers in health care professions choose to major in the biological sciences, where there is excellent overlap with the requirements of health care programs. For more information about the Pre-Medical, Pre-Allied Health, or Pre-Physical Therapy Programs at Messiah University, please refer to the Pre-Professional Health Programs section of this Catalog.