Biology Department

Biology from a Christian Perspective

There are few academic or professional disciplines that hold as much intrigue with regards to the world God has created than that of biology. At Covenant, we believe that a faithful response to God’s living world requires breadth and depth in the academic discipline of biology, as well as consideration of various aspects of the discipline as a human endeavor; therefore, we engage in critical analysis of how biology is done and how it is represented in our culture, based on our Christian perspective.

Why Study Biology at Covenant College?

Faculty

Academic Catalog

Four-Year Planners

Contact Biology Dept.

Biology Program Features

Requirements for Minor

BIO 111 General Biology I 4 hour(s)
BIO 112 General Biology II 4 hour(s)
Biology electives 12 hour(s)

Total hours for the minor: 20

Recent Senior Capstone Projects

"Ultraviolet Radiation Damage and Sunscreen Efficacy"
"Exercise Compared to the Treatment with SSRIs for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescence: A Review of the Data"
"A Web of Interactions: Factors Contributing to Spillover of Zoontic Viruses to Humans"
"Implication of Origins for Design and Evolution Discourse: The Flagellum as an Example"
"The Importance of Big Cat Behavioral Research in Zoological Institutions"

BIO 313 Genetics

Principles of heredity including classical, molecular, cellular, behavioral, and population genetics.

BIO 345 Immunology

A study of human defenses against exogenous infectious agents and endogenous neoplasia. The course includes an overview of the nonspecific defenses but focuses on specific defenses.

BIO 346 Cancer Biology

An examination of the molecular and cellular events that lead to the unregulated proliferation of cells in the human body. Significant attention is given to tumor immunology, mechanisms of metastasis and anti-cancer therapies. Some material concerning cancer epidemiology, host-tumor interactions and cancer prevention is also included.

BIO 335 Field Botany

The course studies the taxonomy and ecology of vascular plants as components of natural communities. Field identification of plant species will be stressed and will include laboratory dissection and identification.

The biology program’s rigor, emphasis on hands-on learning, and deeply committed and caring faculty thoroughly prepare students for their post-college careers. Our graduates have entered the professional world in such areas as medical research, biotechnology, aviculture, teaching, banking, politics, and writing. Others have pursued graduate and professional training at such institutions as:

Vanderbilt University College of Medicine
University of Alabama School of Dentistry
Notre Dame University
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
California College of Podiatric Medicine
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Georgetown University College of Medicine
Stanford University College of Medicine

General Biology

Biology can be taken as a major or a minor and is also an integral part of many related academic areas, including pre-medicine, pre-nursing, pre-physical therapy, pre-veterinary studies, pre-dentistry, and pre-ophthalmology. There are three tracks within the biology major—the biomedical option, the environmental option, and the general professional option—each of which includes a standard set of courses in general biology, chemistry, and physics.

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Environmental Concentration

This option offers a concentration in environment/ecology-related topics and is recommended for those interested in environmental issues, conservation biology and wildlife biology.

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Biomedical Concentration

This option offers a concentration in cellular and molecular biology and is recommended for those interested in biotechnology, biomedical research and professional school in medicine (veterinary as well as human), dentistry, podiatry and optometry.

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Health Professions Concentration

This concentration provides a solid foundation in biology and the flexibility to meet prerequisites for graduate and professional programs for a variety of health professions. Students who intend to pursue graduate and/or professional training in physical therapy, nursing, physicians assistant programs, occupational therapy and other similar programs will be well served in this concentration.

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Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Certificate

The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability certificate program at Covenant cultivates student’s abilities to articulate a faithful perspective on the physical world, to pursue creation care personally as a commitment to reconciliation, and to become vocational leaders in the growing environmental workforce.

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Biology Students - In Their Own Words

Samara Barbee '22

"Dr. Morris has impacted my thinking the most because he has helped me realize the beauty and intricacy of God’s design in creation. When explaining difficult topics in biology, he always takes a moment to discuss how a Christian should think and respond to the topic we are studying. "

Viona Okwii Brown '22

"I chose Covenant because of its Christian tradition and the amazing faculty and great laboratory facilities, which are a huge plus for my major. I wanted the combination of a quality education and strong Christian values."