Biology

Our high-quality, well-equipped biology program prioritizes the integration of faith and scientific inquiry, empowering students to explore Christ’s preeminence in the wonder, beauty, and intricacies of biology. Our faculty guide students through an engaging and rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of biological disciplines, from genetics and physiology to ecology and immunology.

On this page Overview Graduate Outcomes Programs / Features Faculty Contact

Program Overview

Covenant’s biology program encourages students to explore how our faith provides a lens through which we can interpret the scientific world. We challenge students to develop a perspective that sees and understands humanity’s scientific pursuits in the context of a broader Christian theological framework.

As hands-on experience is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of biology, students participate in laboratory and field activities connected with classes and in research studies in collaboration with our faculty. Our facilities are equipped with a range of current lab bench equipment and field research equipment.

From conducting experiments to analyzing data, students actively participate in the scientific process, developing critical thinking skills and honing their problem-solving abilities. We also delve into the ethical implications of scientific advancements in biology, encouraging students to consider the moral and spiritual dimensions of technical and scientific advances.

Graduate Outcomes

Our graduates have embarked on a variety of career paths in research, healthcare, environmental conservation, and education, equipped with the foundational knowledge, skills, and faith-based values necessary to pursue and make a profound impact in their chosen fields.

Alumni have also pursued graduate studies 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

Chris Sossou '11

Lilly Smith '19

Jake Groenendyk ’14

Jonathan Crossman '18

Programs & Features

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.

A student can major in general biology or choose from one of three concentrations:

Biomedical Concentration
Environmental Concentration
Health Professions Concentration

Each of these concentrations includes a standard set of courses in general biology, chemistry, and physics.

View Course Catalog

Requirements for a minor in Biology include 4 hours of BIO 111 General Biology I, 4 hours of BIO 112 General Biology II, and 12 hours of Biology electives.

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Students interested in teaching biology for grades 6-12 can complete a BA degree with a major in biology (following the general biology concentration) and then enroll in the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Covenant College.

View Course Catalog

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.

Learn More

BIO 113 The Language of Nature
BIO 263 Natural History of the Appalachian Highlands
BIO 313 Genetics
BIO 322 Physiology of Exercise
BIO 346 Cancer Biology
BIO 335 Field Botany
BIO 401 Conceptual Review of Neuroscience

"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 Zoonotic 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"

Guided Capstone Requirements

Students can earn a degree in biology with a health professions concentration as preparation for a master of science in nursing (MSN) or an accelerated second-degree BSN program. Additionally, although a science major is not a pre-medical requirement, most pre-medical students major in a scientific discipline. Covenant offers rigorous majors in each of the disciplines in which medical schools specify course prerequisites in the sciences.

View Pre-Nursing Requirements
View Pre-Medical Requirements

Beyond the classroom, our program provides numerous extracurricular opportunities to enhance students' learning and professional development. Each year, we bring in seminar speakers who share their experiences, insights, and challenges relating to their professional work.

Additionally, students in the biology program are required to explore possible vocations through a practicum experience (shadowing, research internships, etc.) so that they can have clearer discernment as they discover their vocational callings.

Meet the Biology Faculty

Lynell Martinez Assistant Professor of Biology

Richard Nelson Professor of Biology

Tim Morris Professor of Biology

Joelle Laing Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

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Thank you for your interest in Covenant! By filling out this form, we'll be able to connect you with the best information regarding your program of interest, as well as your Admissions Counselor.