Department of Biological Sciences

Department Chair:	Erik Lindquist
Assistant Chair:	John Harms
Administrative Assistant:	Cynthia Steffan
Professors:	S. Boyce, D. Foster, J. Harms, E. Lindquist, M. Shin
Associate Professors:	G. Barroga-Matanguihan, J. Erikson, J. Ness-Myers
Assistant Professor:	I. Rivera-Walsh
Laboratory Coordinator:	L. de la Riva

Majors and Minors

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following majors:

Biology (B.S.) with concentrations in:

Biomedical

General

Organismal

Biology with Secondary Teaching Certification (B.S.)

Biopsychology (B.S.)

Environmental Science (B.S.)

Molecular Biology (B.S.)

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following minors:

Biology

Environmental Science

Molecular Biology

Pre-Professional Health Programs

Pre-Allied Health

Pre-Dental

Pre-Medical

Pre-Opthamology/Pre-Op

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Veterinary

Special Programs:

AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies (Michigan, Washington, Costa Rica)

Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC Costa Rica Program)

The Oregon Extension (Oregon)

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, or allied health fields, or immediately seek employment in a variety of settings in industry, business, education, and government. Students in the biological sciences at Messiah experience the unique advantage of studying in the context of a Christian liberal arts education. Thus, while investigating life and the world around them, they also study themselves and their Creator. The Department places special emphasis on the pursuit of harmony in faith and science, holistically integrating the knowledge and methods of the sciences with a vibrant Christian faith.

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 teaching laboratories supporting dissection—including human cadaver dissection, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology, human and exercise physiology, and environmental science and ecology. Multiple dedicated biological research laboratories are equipped with cell and tissue culture areas, environmental growth chambers, and specialized instrumentation including real-time PCR machines, a scanning electron microscope, and three types of fluorescence microscopes. A greenhouse provides space for active aquaponics research and The Oakes Museum of Natural History features more than 40,000 specimens. 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 students travel with faculty on specialty courses offered in the United States Rocky Mountains, Zambia, New Zealand, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

Biological Science majors find a variety of research opportunities. These enable students to combine theory with hypothesis-driven experimentation and cutting-edge techniques. In most cases, this involves a field or laboratory research project or an honors project under the direction of a faculty researcher, partnering on aspects of the mentor’s established research endeavors. Students regularly publish or present their findings at regional scientific meetings. In addition to on-campus mentored research, some students secure opportunities through off-campus research internships at major research universities, while others serve as laboratory assistants in private or government sectors. Internships in biotech, consulting firms, or state and federal agencies are available which give students practical experience in their selected profession. Seniors are strongly encouraged to complete a “professional” experience prior to graduation.

The Department of Biological Sciences remains dedicated to continuous curricular development in light of advancements and changing demands of each discipline. All majors are required to take the Educational Testing Services Major Field Test during their senior year to inform critical yearly assessment of programs.

Messiah University maintains the following off-campus institutional affiliations for student opportunity and enrichment:

Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. The Department encourages Environmental Science, Organismal Biology, and Conservation and Agriculture Sustainability Studies students to participate in the various programs—including marine biology and various ecological specialties—offered by the Institute near the Great Lakes in Michigan, the Pacific Northwest in Washington, and in Costa Rica. Financial assistance is available to students wishing to study at Au Sable during the summer.
Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC Costa Rica Program, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica). To inspire a global-minded, disciplinary aspect to our Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability Studies programs, students can deeply connect with program participants, nature, and God in the cloud forest highlands in central Costa Rica. This affiliate program is operated by Southern Nazarene University only during the dry season (spring semesters).
The Oregon Extension in Ashland, Oregon. Sustainability Studies students should consider the OE for a hands-on, honest, connected, and deeply engaged learning experience while participating in an intentional community setting in the fall semester. This program is set in the natural beauty of the Western Cascade Mountains.

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, Pre-Dental, Pre-Ophthalmological, Pre-Veterinary, 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, Pre-Dental, Pre-Ophthalmological, Pre-Veterinary or Pre-Physical Therapy Programs at Messiah University, please refer to the Pre-Health Professions section of this Catalog.