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Biology

A degree in Biology at William Penn University will provide graduates with numerous career choices through various environmental and research agencies. Students gain the ability to conduct research while developing critical thinking skills, which will enhance their leadership qualities and provide a variety of opportunities.

The Biology Program

The Biology degree offers a Bachelor of Science, as well as several teacher education endorsement areas. The major teaches students about the functions of humans and other organisms at the cellular and molecular level. It will prepare students for further education in ecology, medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary science, physical therapy, forensic science, and other health and life science professions. It is also appropriate preparation for a career in laboratory research or biotechnology, either in an academic or industrial setting.

3+1 Program with Palmer College of Chiropractic

The Biology program at William Penn University is offering an additional field of study in the form of a 3+1 program through a partnership with Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. As a student in the program, you will spend three years completing the biology program and earning at least 94 credit hours. Once you complete the first year’s coursework at Palmer in the Doctor of Chiropractic program, credits can then be transferred back to WPU to complete the undergraduate degree. This allows you to simultaneously complete your B.S. from WPU while working towards your Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College.

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Careers

As a graduate of the Biology program, you will be qualified for positions in the following fields:

  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Bio Process Specialist
  • Product Manager
  • Bio Process Specialist
  • Cell Culture Expert
  • Process Support Coach
  • Wildlife Ecologist
  • Fisheries Ecologist
  • Aquaculture Technician
  • Hydrologist
  • Geneticist
  • Forester
  • Lab Technician
  • Paleontologist
  • Natural Resource Technician
  • Park Ranger
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Interpretive Naturalist
  • Agricultural Scientist

Internships

Internships are designed to help students gain an understanding of professional experience. Professors encourage students to pursue internships so they can apply classroom and experimental knowledge to real world activity. Biology majors have interned with the following businesses:

  • Ajinimoto
  • Cargill
  • Walmart Pharmacy
  • Army Corps of Engineers (Lake Red Rock)
  • Mahaska Health Partnership
  • Lifetime Dental
  • Animal Health Center of Oskaloosa
  • Ottumwa Regional Health Center
  • Mahaska County Conservation Board

Faculty

Pete Eyheralde, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology | Health & Life Sciences Division Chair 641-673-1121 Email

James A. North, Ph.D.

Professor of Biochemistry 641-673-1065 Email

Janet L. Ewart, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology 641-673-1119 Email
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Organizations

     
  • Pre-Professional Majors Club:The Pre-Professional Majors club participates in a large field trip every year that is hosted at different academic locations and assists surrounding community schools with different projects.
  • Wildlife Ecology Club: The Wildlife Ecology club organizes volunteer opportunities with local conservation agencies and private nonprofit groups, as well as activities such as fishing trips, canoe trips, and prairie restoration

Courses

Biology students will take the following courses:

Health and Life Sciences Foundation courses

  • KINS 160 First Aid & CPR
  • KINS 110 Wellness and Fitness

Biology Core courses

  • BIOL 101 General Biology I
  • BIOL 102 General Biology II
  • BIOL 307 General Ecology or
  • BIOL 322 Medical Biology
  • BIOL 308 Microbiology
  • BIOL 313 Comparative Anatomy or
  • BIOL 314 Human Anatomy
  • BIOL 335 Genetics
  • BIOL 357 Internship
  • BIOL 390 Biology Practicum
  • CHEM 101 General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 102 General Chemistry II
  • MATH 140 College Algebra and Trigonometry

*In conjunction with the Biology Core, and in consultation with their advisor, students take 30 additional credits in areas of interest/need

Biology Minor courses

  • BIOL 101 General Biology I
  • BIOL 102 General Biology II
  • BIOL Electives (10 Hours)

Chemistry Minor courses

  • CHEM 101 General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 102 General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM Electives (4 Hours)

Earth Science Minor courses

  • EASC Electives (16 Hours)

Additional Resources