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Rice Creek Kearns building

Biological Sciences

While working towards a biology or zoology degree, students will learn from outstanding professors, gain hands-on research in the labs of the state-of-the-art Shineman Center and the living laboratory of the Rice Creek Biological Field Station, and become well-prepared for in-demand professional opportunities or graduate school pursuits.

With their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems with creativity and independent judgment, biology and zoology majors make great employees in any field. Majors discover new knowledge to better understand themselves, the world, and their place in it, whether it be working in science or using their knowledge to make informed decisions that impact society.

Majors and Minors

After completing introductory core courses, students and professors work together to design a program of additional courses to fit student’s professional career interests. Careful selection of electives, research courses, internships, and cognates can be used to prepare students for careers, graduate studies, or training at professional schools including medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

Majors and Minors

Faculty

Our department boasts an outstanding faculty who are committed to a high standard of teaching, research, and service to the college community. We believe in working closely with students to build a learning-centered community where the discovery of knowledge plays an important role in every student's academic career.

Faculty

Facilities

Our department has state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation for both teaching and research purposes, and because we specialize in undergraduate education, our students have a lot of hands-on experiences. Along with shared facilities such as the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Center, microscopy suites, and the 400-acre Rice Creek Field Station, we also have a greenhouse, herbarium, animal care facilities, and a core histology lab.

Facilities

Biological Science student riding a horse

My research and internships have allowed me to apply classroom learning in hands-on opportunities that have made me a competitive applicant in potential graduate endeavors. Being out in the field for ecological research is incredible, handling amphibians, reptiles, insects all for research and classroom study is very special.

Biology Student Bianca Fernandez

All of my professors have been supportive and willing to help their students when needed. They welcome them to their office hours and make an effort to schedule appointments if you can’t make those times. Even if I have a quick question and I see my professors outside their office, they don’t hesitate to stop by and help.

Biology Student Andrea Dattellas

Five years after graduating from veterinary school in St. Kitts, Dattellas now owns and operates her own clinic. Her dedication and hard work resulted in the Oswego Small Business Development Center honoring her with the 2016 Small Business Excellence Award.

Andrea's full story.

Stephanie Facchine using a net to collect samples near sand dunes by the shore

Stephanie Facchine, a senior biological sciences major, studied how climate change might impact the rare, threatened Pitcher's thistle through a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Fellowship at the University of Michigan Biological Station.

Stephanie's full story.

Contact

Chair: James MacKenzie

Associate Chair: Karen Sime  
Advisement Coordinator: David Dunn 
Secretary: Paula Fredette

Office: 392 Shineman
Phone: 315.312.3031
Email: [email protected]