Biology Programs at NVU-Johnson
The study of biology serves all college majors and professionals by preparing them to understand and deal with the many biological concepts, issues and problems in their fields. Our program is designed to introduce the core sub-disciplines of biology and to offer advanced studies in organismal, human, molecular and environmental biology. Microbiologists, physiologists, zoologists, molecular biologists, field naturalists, ecologists, marine biologists, agricultural scientists, foresters, wildlife managers, physicians, therapists, nutritionists, toxicologists, science writers and teachers are a sample of the professionals who commonly begin as biology majors.
Students in the biology program explore outdoor laboratories ranging from the College’s Babcock Nature Preserve to areas as diverse as tropical ecosystems and the American west. On campus, our program is supported by teaching laboratories, a greenhouse, an artificial stream laboratory, a cellular and molecular laboratory, and extensive herbarium and vertebrate museum collections.
The research activities of the faculty include understanding cell behavior at the molecular level, classification of plants, improving teaching in biology, vertebrate ecology and studying environmental pollution.
The B.S. in Biology is designed for students who desire a comprehensive training in the life sciences leading to areas in education, research or medicine. As noted above, graduates who also complete the required education courses for secondary licensure become candidates for a license to teach science in grades 7-12.