Biology
What You'll Study
The Biomedical Sciences track emphasizes the science foundation you need to excel in clinical fields (MD, DO) or research careers. Courses in this track provide abundant opportunities for you to work one-on-one with faculty members through independent study to further develop laboratory and research-design skills in the biomedical sciences. Topics covered include:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Biomedical Sciences was specifically designed to help prepare you for the admissions tests to medical and pharmacy schools, including the:
- MCAT (MD, DO, Podiatry)
- PMAT (Pharmacy)
- OAT (Optometry)
- DAT (Dental)
Cellular and Organismal Biology includes topics ranging from the structure and function of cells to physiology of living organisms and the evolution of biological diversity. This track emphasizes laboratory studies where you have opportunities for hands-on experience in molecular biology, microbiology, forensics, genetics, and physiology. Topics covered include:
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Cellular Biology
- Physiology
By completing studies in cellular and organismal biology you will be prepared to enter medical or veterinary programs as well as other health-related programs. Many graduates go directly into professional careers working in areas including:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Microbiology
The fields of ecology and environmental biology are of increasing importance in understanding our changing world. This track emphasizes the study of interrelationships among and between organisms and their natural environments. You will learn about complex ecological interactions and environmental processes. Topics covered include:
- Field Ecology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Environmental Policy and Regulations
- Biological Evolution
You will have opportunities to conduct innovative research with biology faculty members around your area of interest in the laboratory and field. Graduates of this track often enter graduate programs, or begin work directly in fields such as:
- Resource Management
- Fisheries and Wildlife Biology
- Pollution Abatement
- Conservation
Marine Biology focuses on the health of marine ecosystems. In this track you’ll experience an emphasis on field-oriented studies in marine environments and will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to develop and conduct research on marine systems. Topics covered include:
- Zoology
- Aquatic Biology
- Marine Biology
Field course work in marine biology typically takes place during the summer at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station. Upon graduation you will be qualified for employment in marine laboratory or fieldwork positions. Employers include:
- State and Federal government offices and laboratories
- Educational Institutions
- Conservation Organizations
- Legal Firms
- Environmental Societies
The General Biology track allows flexibility for you to gain the experience needed to reach you career goals. This track allows you to choose upper-level biology classes to tailor your interests and skill set while becoming competitive in the job market or when applying for graduate education. In addition to interesting coursework and dynamic experiences in the field, you will have the opportunity to engage in independent study research in collaboration with biology faculty. Topics covered include:
- Genetics
- Botany
- Zoology
You have a dedication to science and a desire to share your passion with a new generation. LHU’s renowned programs in the natural sciences and tradition of training great teachers will prepare you to enter the classroom ready to bring the natural world to life for your students.
A student choosing to minor in Biology must complete Principles of Biology I (BIOL106)
and Principles of Biology II (BIOL107).
The student then chooses to take Genetics (BIOL202), Human Genetics (BIOL225), Botany
(BIOL206), or Zoology (BIOL240). The student then completes an additional 12 semester
hours of 200-400 level biology courses. At least 6 s.h. must be 300 and/or 400 level.
BIOL215 and BIOL328 do not count for this requirement. BIOL202 and BIOL225 may not
both be counted towards the minor. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL369 count in this
category. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOL499 count in this category. Prerequisites
must be met. It is highly recommended that a student wishing to pursue a minor in
Biology consult with a Biology Faculty member for advice.
Program Highlights
- Scholarships: From honorariums to full-tuition waivers, scholarships exist to reward your hard work and dedication to the major. More information on available scholarships can be found here. Several scholarships are available specifically for biology students, including the:
- Research Opportunities: You will have opportunities to conduct research with biology faculty members on
a variety of topics in the laboratory and field. Students often engage in Independent
Study research projects with faculty with a variety of expertise. Examples of student
research experiences include:
- Effects of human impacts and contaminants on the environment
- Behavioral ecology of vertebrates
- Species diversity in a variety of habitats
- Developmental biology
- Cancer biology
- Environmental microbiology
- Effects and remediation/treatment of diseases caused by bacteria and fungi
- Applying GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to environmental questions
- Genomics and Bioinformatics.
- Facilities: The department is housed in the new, state-of-the-art East Campus Science Center.
The Center offers extensive equipment for teaching and research in both field and
laboratory settings, giving you the chance for hands-on learning at every stage of
your education. You can learn more about our lab facilities here. Resources in the facility include:
- Extensive fish collections
- Field sampling equipment for botany and aquatics
- A newly renovated greenhouse
- Advanced microscopy with digital cameras
- Advanced physiology equipment
- Tissue culture facilities
- Modern molecular biology equipment for analyses of protein, DNA, and RNA
- Chincoteague Bay Field Station: LHU is a member of the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, located on the Delmarva Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, adjacent to the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, in Wallops Island, Virginia. You will have the opportunity to enroll in summer courses offered through the field station where you’ll have access to seagoing vessels, land laboratories, and modern oceanographic equipment. The field station provides ready access to wetlands and barrier islands as well as inshore and offshore ocean habitats in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague National Seashore.
- Careers: The five options in LHU’s Biology program provide access to and training for nearly
all careers in biology and serve as excellent preparation for graduate and medical
school. Recent graduates have begun careers or advanced training in biology and related
fields, including the following:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical School
- Dental School
- Environmental Consulting
- Agriculture
- Federal Regulatory Agencies
- Aquarium Industries
- Forensic Science
- Conservation
- Wildlife and Fisheries
Featured Program Faculty
