Biology

Faculty

Sheila Lyons-Sobaski, chair and professor.
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; M.S., Kansas State University; Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Appointed 2005.

Roger J. Albertson, associate professor.
B.S., University of Colorado at Denver; Ph.D., University of Oregon. Appointed 2008.

Abigail E. Cahill, associate professor.
B.A., Colgate University; Ph.D., Stony Brook University. Appointed 2016.

Marcella D. Cervantes, associate professor.
B.S., University of Houston - Downtown; M.S., University of Oregon; Ph.D., University of Washington. Appointed 2017.

Ola Olapade, A. Merton Chickering Professor.
B.Sc., M.Sc., Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria); M.S., Millersville University; Ph.D., Kent State University. Appointed 2006.

Bradley J. Rabquer, professor.
B.S., 2001, Bowling Green State University; Ph.D., 2006, University of Toledo. Appointed 2011.

Marc Roy, professor.
B.A., Lawrence University; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison. Appointed 2005.

Kenneth J. Saville, professor.
B.S., Western Michigan University; Ph.D., Syracuse University. Appointed 1995.

Joanna Sblendorio, visiting assistant professor.
B.A., The College of New Jersey; Ph.D., Western Michigan University. Appointed 2023.

Introduction

The Biology Department’s mission is to provide students with an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the living world, including the fundamental mechanisms that underlie all life. Students should understand the ways in which they are affected by living organisms and how their lives in turn have an impact on other living organisms and the biosphere. They should become proficient in the methods of science and aware of the processes that lead to discoveries in science. In course work, they should develop observational, analytical and communication skills, regardless of their chosen career path. Ultimately, biology is best understood by active involvement with organisms and the systems of life in laboratory and field settings, and in collaborative student-faculty research.

Biology Department Website

Career Opportunities

Albion’s biology program prepares students for employment or advanced studies in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, etc.), environmental fields, biotechnology, teaching, and many areas of research (academic, governmental, industrial, medical, etc.).

Research Opportunities

Students have numerous opportunities for individual research projects. Many of these projects result in honors theses, publications in professional journals and in presentations at professional meetings. Some projects are in collaboration with faculty; others are more independent. Courses in the Biology Department equip students with scientific skills and materials they need to do research. Outstanding students participate in nationally competitive summer research programs at major universities and research institutes.

Special Features

The department also invites outstanding students to serve as laboratory teaching assistants. Advanced equipment in the biology facilities of Kresge Hall and in the Dow Analytical Laboratory in the Norris Science Center provides unique opportunities for undergraduate laboratory studies and research, just as the 144-acre Whitehouse Nature Center adjacent to the campus provides opportunity for fieldwork. The departmental facilities also include a greenhouse and a herbarium with a collection of about 14,000 specimens.

Departmental Policy on Advanced Placement Credit

Students who earn a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam in biology will receive one unit of credit for BIOL 190. This unit does not count toward the biology major but does count toward the graduation requirement of 32 units.

Student Learning Outcomes

A student completing a major in Biology will be able to:

1. Articulate core concepts in biology, including evolution, at the molecular, cellular and ecological levels.

2. Apply the scientific method to questions in biology.

3. Perform major methods used to investigate biological phenomena, including methods used in molecular biology and bioinformatics, and methods used in the field to study biological populations, communities and ecological systems.

4. Evaluate scientific content within the primary literature.

5. Present scientific hypotheses and data in the formats used by practicing scientists.

6. Describe the relationship of biological knowledge to society including in the areas of human health and environmental sustainability.

A student completing a Cell and Molecular Biology Minor will be able to:

1. Apply core concepts in biology, including evolution, at the molecular, cellular and ecological levels.

2. Apply the scientific method to questions in biology.

3. Perform major methods used to investigate biological phenomena, including methods used in molecular biology and bioinformatics.

4. Evaluate scientific content within the primary literature.

5. Present scientific hypotheses and data in the formats used by practicing scientists.

6. Describe the relationship of biological knowledge to society, primarily in the area of human health.

A student completing an Environmental Biology Minor wil be able to:

1. Apply core concepts in biology, including evolution, at the molecular, cellular and ecological levels.

2. Apply the scientific method to questions in biology.

3. Perform major methods used to investigate biological phenomena, including methods used in the field to study biological populations, communities and ecological systems.

4. Evaluate scientific content within the primary literature.

5. Present scientific hypotheses and data in the formats used by practicing scientists.

6. Describe the relationship of biological knowledge to society, primarily in the area of environmental sustainability.

Programs

Major

Minor