The biology programs at Defiance College allow a student to pursue their specific interest in biology while preparing them for the fast-paced world of cutting-edge science. Students receive one-on-one training that makes them competitive applicants for graduate schools and the workforce.
Biology is the broad study of organisms. It examines every aspect of life from single-celled organisms to complex ecological interactions. Areas of biology include genetics, evolution, ecology, and other more focused fields such as botany, entomology, ornithology, and herpetology. Biology attempts to understand, organize, and classify the living world around us from the sub-cellular mechanisms of individual cells to plant and animal diversity and behavior. Current advances in genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and ecology have greatly influenced areas of medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
The general biology major allows the exploration of a diverse assortment of biological topics ranging from environmental biology to human biology. Students also have the option of a field biology focus if their interest is in field work.
The molecular biology major examines biological phenomenon in terms of chemistry and physics. It is a pre-professional program geared for those students interested in a career in biotechnology, medicine, veterinary science, research, and similar professional careers.
The restoration ecology major allows students to study how ecosystems are damaged and mechanisms of how they may be repaired.
All science majors have access to:
- a dedicated computer study area only for them
- the 250 acre Thoreau Wildlife Sanctuary
- free travel to scientific conferences as part of the Mikula-Frey travel endowment
- one-on-one training in laboratory techniques and instrumentation
Major Learning Outcomes (MLOs)
By the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Implement the scientific method to generate hypotheses, execute data collection, infer results from data, and summarize their findings as they relate to issues in biology.
- Synthesize findings from published scientific literature, using appropriate citations and references.
- Evaluate key concepts, principles, and theories of microbiology, cellular biology, genetics, molecular biology, and organismal-level biology.
- Discuss the relationship of biology to other natural sciences, technology, society, global perspectives and ethics.
GRADUATE OUTCOMES
Auburn College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bowling Green State University
Kansas State School of Veterinary Medicine
Liberty University
Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Department of Transportation
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ross University School of Medicine
United States Geological Survey
University of Findlay College of Pharmacy
Wayne State University
MEET THE FACULTY
Patrick Cain, Ph.D.
Nathan Griggs, Ph.D.
Mollie Sorrell, Ph.D.
