Biology (B.S.) Organismal Concentration

Program Overview

The Biology major provides a strong and broad foundation in biological sciences, from the molecular to the ecological level. The Organismal Concentration explores the diversity and ecology of organisms and their interactions within dynamic communities. Study botany and zoology and prepare for graduate work or employment at zoos, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and more. As with all Biology concentrations, supporting courses in philosophy, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics equip students with a versatile foundation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Biology program can:

1. Understand the nature of science, biological molecules, cell structure and function, enzymes, metabolism, and classical and molecular genetics.
2. Understand the diversity of animal life; comparative aspects of development, physiology, morphology; life history, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary biology of animals.
3. Understand the diversity of plants; flowering plant anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and ecology; distribution of major plant communities with global climate patterns; biogeochemical cycles.
4. Understand hereditary mechanisms: linkage, gene interactions and regulation, molecular genetics, mutations, and development.
5. Understand interactions of organisms at the species, community, and ecosystem levels; evidences for modern evolutionary thought in the context of a Christian world view. 
6. Appreciate historical, philosophical, and ethical aspects of the natural sciences.
7. Learn the skills needed to make a professional oral research presentation using Powerpoint or similar software.
8. Participate in investigative-style laboratory experiences.
9. Learn to work as teams in conducting laboratory and field research.
10. Compose lab reports in format appropriate for scientific journals.
11. Apply and extend of basic laboratory and field skills.
12. Skill in use of spreadsheet software such as Excel for data analysis and graphing
13. Demonstrate proficiency in basic laboratory techniques (e.g., microscopy, dissection, slide preparation, pipetting, restriction analysis).
14. Demonstrate familiarity with essential laboratory and field safety protocols.
15.  Be familiar with options for employment, voluntary service, and/or graduate education in biology.
16. Understand the inter-relatedness of living organisms & humanity’s calling to creation stewardship.
17. Understand various models that relate science and Christian faith.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three to four credits of the following:

Three credits from the following:

Four credits from the following:

Organismal Concentration (17-19 credits)*

Three to four credits from Oganismal and Biodiversity:

Six to seven credits from the following:

QuEST Requirements