Biology
Major & Minor
Whether you’re interested in medicine and health occupations, agriculture, ecology, research, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine, the biology program at Bushnell University can help you reach your goals.
You’ll work closely with instructors and advisors to choose the courses, research projects, and internship opportunities that provide you with the best preparation and most competitive edge.
Students are well-prepared to pursue graduate school with hands-on scientific research, while being in a Christ-centered environment. Â
Contact
Paul Allee, Ph.D.
Program Director
541-684-7210
pallee@bushnell.edu
Why Choose Bushnell?
As a Biology major, students will learn in an environment centered around faith and science. Students will be provided many opportunities to explore areas of scientific inquiry. Additionally, students will be well-equipped to pursue pre-professional programs, including, but not limited to medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy.
Program Objectives
Graduates of this program will:
- Apply scientific foundations of chemistry and mathematics to the discipline of biology
- Demonstrate a solid foundation in biological principals in the areas of general biology, biodiversity, genetics, anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, organismal biology, population biology, evolution, ecology, and cellular biology
- Develop into critical thinkers
- Analyze and assess scientific literature
- Demonstrate the skills to plan and implement research in a field of emphasis using appropriate scientific methodology
- Be able to integrate faith and science
- Be prepared to pursue ongoing professional development in biology or related professional fields through graduate level study, professional schools, and through membership and participation in professional organizations
Highlighted Courses
BIOL 310 Genetics
An introduction to classical Mendelian and contemporary molecular genetics. Topics include Mendelian patterns of inheritance, transmission genetics, chromosome structure and function, genetic mutation, chromosomal aberrations, the structure, function and control of genes, techniques in genetics and model organisms, cell-cycle dynamics, recombinant DNA mechanisms, population genetics.
BIOL 341 Bioregulation
The endocrine system, nervous system and immune system each secretes its own chemical Bioregulators: hormones, neurocrines and cytocrines. This course will provide students with an overview of Chemical Bioregulation by introducing them to the specialized fields of endocrinology, neurobiology and immunology and then considering the interactions of these systems as they regulate one other.
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway
This pathway emphasizes courses related to human health and disease in order to prepare students for admission to professional schools including medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy. All Prerequisites and General Requirements for the Biology Major must be met.
Professional Pathway Recommendations:
- BIOL 100 Medical Terminology
- BIOL 311/311L Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIOL 312/312L Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
- BIOL 330/330L Microbiology with Lab
- BIOL 410 Advanced Molecular Biology
- CHEM 321/321L Organic Chemistry with Lab
- CHEM 415 Biochemistry
- MATH 251 Calculus I
- PHYS 201/201L Introduction to Mechanics with Lab
- PHYS 202/202L Introduction to Electromagnetism
- Other upper division biology
Prerequisites for the Biology Major:
- BIOL 200/200L General Biology with Lab
- BIOL 201 Introduction to Scientific Literature
- BIOL 205/205L General Biology II: Biodiversity with Lab
- BIOL 240 Integration of Faith and Science
- CHEM 121/121L General Chemistry with Lab
- CHEM 122/122L Organic and Biochemistry with Lab
- MATH 130 Pre-calculus or MATH 251 Calculus I (Recommended)
- PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 202/202L
General Biology Pathway
The courses recommended in this pathway offer students the best opportunity for the broadest exposure to all of the subdisciplines of biology providing students with the broadest opportunity to pursue a variety of careers in the biological sciences to further their education. All Prerequisites and General Requirements for the Biology Major must be met.
Professional Pathway Recommendations:
- BIOL 350 Ecology
- BIOL 341 Bioregulation
- BIOL 365 Developmental Biology
- BIOL 410 Advanced Molecular Biology
- BIOL 420 Advanced Organismal Biology
- PHYS 201/201L Introduction to Mechanics with Lab
- PHYS 202/202L Introduction to Electromagnetism
- Other upper division biology or chemistry
Prerequisites for the Biology Major:
- BIOL 200/200L General Biology with Lab
- BIOL 201 Introduction to Scientific Literature
- BIOL 205/205L General Biology II: Biodiversity with Lab
- BIOL 240 Integration of Faith and Science
- CHEM 121/121L General Chemistry with Lab
- CHEM 122/122L Organic and Biochemistry with Lab
- MATH 130 Pre-calculus or MATH 251 Calculus I (Recommended)
- PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 202/202L
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Pathway
The courses recommended in this pathway focus on genetics, cell, molecular, and developmental biology as well as general and organic chemistry and biochemistry. The concentration best prepares students interested in pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology. All Prerequisites and General Requirements for the Biology Major must be met.
Professional Pathway Recommendations:
- BIOL 330/330L Microbiology with Lab
- BIOL 341 Bioregulation
- BIOL 365 Developmental Biology
- BIOL 410 Advanced Molecular Biology
- BIOL 420 Advanced Organismal Biology
- CHEM 321/321L Organic Chemistry with Lab
- CHEM 415 Biochemistry
- MATH 251 Calculus I
- PHYS 201/201L Introduction to Mechanics with Lab
- PHYS 202/202L Introduction to Electromagnetism
Prerequisites for the Biology Major:
- BIOL 200/200L General Biology with Lab
- BIOL 201 Introduction to Scientific Literature
- BIOL 205/205L General Biology II: Biodiversity with Lab
- BIOL 240 Integration of Faith and Science
- CHEM 121/121L General Chemistry with Lab
- CHEM 122/122L Organic and Biochemistry with Lab
- MATH 130 Pre-calculus or MATH 251 Calculus I (Recommended)
- PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 202/202L
Beacon Points of Pride
- 100% of traditional undergraduates students graduate with at least 135 hours of field experience
- 190 company and school internship and field experience partners
- The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) reported a 100-percent pass rate for Bushnell students on the national exams (NCE & NCMHE) over the last year. Bushnell students score on average higher than the national averages on 12 of the 14 exam areas
- According to EDsmart.org, a nationally recognized publisher of college resources and rankings, Bushnell University is ranked 2nd in the state of Oregon among fully accredited universities and colleges
Career Opportunities
Careers with a bachelor’s degree in Biology include:
- Research Assistant
- Zoologist
- Nutritionist
- Forensic Scientist
- Environmental Scientist
- Ecologist
- Biologist
- Medical Labratory Technician
- Food Manufacturing (research or quality control)
- Microbiologist
Internship Sites
Most students are interested in health-related fields and intern in clinical settings.
Life After Graduation
A sampling of where our graduates are employed include:
- University of Utah Hospital
- Research assistant at the University of Oregon
Additionally, here are some graduate programs that our former students are currently enrolled at:
- PhD Program in Microbiology at Arizona State University
- Master’s Program in Biomedical Science in Biotechnology at UC Denver
- St. George’s Medical School in Grenada
- Western University of Health Sciences Medical School
Program Overview
Life at Bushnell
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Meet the Faculty
Paul Allee, Ph.D. Program Director
“The Biology Program at Bushnell University offers students the opportunity to experience a learning environment that emphasizes the integration of faith and science and fosters an awareness of calling and purpose while simultaneously providing a rigorous and diverse curriculum that prepares students for the next steps in fulfilling their goals and dreams.
Alumni have gone on to become chiropractors, nurses, biochemists, and foresters. Recent graduates have been admitted to ABSN programs, medical schools, and PhD programs. Let us help you discern, prepare for, and pursue your life calling.”