Experiment with your distinctive potential as a biology major.
At Bethany, you will learn science by doing science, studying under expert professors, who are passionate about mentoring and eager to see you grow. Bethany’s Biology and Environmental Science curricula provide a comprehensive overview of the study of life, from the molecular to the ecosystem scale. Our Biology and Environmental Science majors enjoy unique experiences that will prepare you for your next step following graduation. You will have opportunities to conduct hands-on research, to complete field work in the landscapes adjacent to campus, to earn prestigious summer internships, to proctor laboratory classes, to join the Pre-Health Professions Club, to work with the campus greenhouse, and to complete senior research projects.
Areas of Study
- Biology (Major)
- Environmental Science (Major, Minor)
- Botany (Minor)
- Zoology (Minor)
- Medical and Health Professions (Pre-Professional Program)
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Professional Program)
Why Bethany
BIOMOLECULAR RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IS 12
HANDS-ON FIELDWORK NEAR CAMPUS
CAREERS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
- Veterinarian
- Medical Doctor
- Forensic Scientist
- Physical/Occupational Therapist
- Nature Conservation Officer
- Science Writer
- Agricultural or Food Scientist
- Researcher
- Professor
- Ecologist
- Science Teacher
- Pharmacologist
Alumni Outcomes
Alanea Fink I Biology, 2015
Area Supervisor, Pueblo Zoo
Colorado Springs, CO
After recognizing her love for animals and conservation, Alanea’s professors encouraged her to pursue a career in zoology and personally introduced her to staff members at the local zoo. That led to Alanea completing internships at the Pittsburgh Zoo and a local veterinary office.
Upon graduation, she accepted a full-time zookeeper position at a small zoo where she worked with the snow leopard, cheetahs, bears, and zebras.
From there, Alanea joined Audubon Zoo as an African Carnivore Keeper, caring for and training four African lions. She also offered the cats enrichment and husbandry training, which means the animals actually participate in their own care. For instance, they stand up so that their abdomens and toe pads can be inspected, and open and hold their mouths for dental checks.
Alanea is currently Area Supervisor at Pueblo Zoo.
Meet the faculty
Dr. Anna Edlund
Associate Professor of Biology; Chair
Postdoctorate, University of Chicago
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
B.A., Swarthmore College
484-894-6454
aedlund@bethanywv.edu
Read more about Dr. Edlund
William T. Hicks
Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Oregon State University
M.S., Miami University, Ohio
B.S., Bloomsburg University
304-829-7642
whicks@bethanywv.edu
Dr. Peter Ehni
Visiting Associate Professor of Mathematics and Science
Postdoctorate, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington
M.S., Ph.D., University of Maine
B.S., Wheeling College
304-829-7741
pehni@bethanywv.edu
Dr. Albert R Buckelew Jr.
Emeritus Professor
Post-doctoral, 1968-69:
University of New Hampshire
Ph.D., Microbiology, 1968:
University of New Hampshire
Jbuckelew@bethanywv.edu
Read more about Dr. Buckelew
Dr. John T. Burns
Emeritus Professor
Ph.D. Vertebrate Zoology & Physiology,
1977: Louisiana State University
M.S. Vertebrate Zoology, 1968:
Louisiana State University
B. A. Zoology and Botany, 1965:
Wabash College
304-829-7637
jburns@bethanywv.edu
Read more about Dr. Burns
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES COURSES
Dive into the scientific study of living organisms. At Bethany, you'll benefit from expertly crafted courses that will prepare you for your lifelong career.
YOUR COURSES MAY INCLUDE:
- BIOL 221 Introduction to Environmental Science
A study of the processes of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, and of the human impact on the environment. - BIOL 268 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
A study of histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems. - BIOL 300 Immunology
An overview of the immune system and an examination of the impact of the immune system on areas such as infection, organ transplantation, cancer, and auto-immune disease. - BIOL 343 Microbiology
A study of morphology and physiology of microorganisms, principles of lab technique, and cultural characteristics and environmental influences on microbial growth.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Internships can foster skills in research, organization, teamwork, and problem-solving, and offer great opportunities to explore the many career paths available to you in Biology or Environmental Science.
Curious what internship opportunities are out there for students majoring in the biology field? Check out some examples.
- Drug Development Intern
- Wildlife Biology Intern
- Building and Industrial Hygiene Intern
- Environmental Engineering Intern
- Forestry Intern
- Health Care Marketing Intern
- Genetic Counseling Intern
- Medical Scribe
- Research and Development Intern