Biology

Faculty

Kenneth J. Saville, chair and A. Merton Chickering Professor.
B.S., 1985, Western Michigan University; Ph.D., Syracuse University. Appointed 1995.

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

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

E. Dale Kennedy, professor.
B.A., College of Wooster; M.A., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Ph.D., Rutgers University. Appointed 1994.

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

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

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

Ruth E. Schmitter, professor emerita.
B.S., Michigan State University; M.Sc., University of Edinburgh; Ph.D., Harvard University. Appointed 1982.

J. Dan Skean, Jr., professor.
B.S., Western Kentucky University; M.S., North Carolina State University; Ph.D., University of Florida. Appointed 1988.

Douglas W. White, adjunct assistant professor.
B.S., Pennsylvania State University; M.S., University of Tennessee; Ph.D., Rutgers University. Appointed 1995.

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.). Biology majors can also pursue an environmental sciences concentration or a neuroscience concentration.

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.

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 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. Access the primary literature, identify relevant works for a particular topic, and evaluate the scientific content of these works.

5. Present scientific hypotheses and data both orally and in writing 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. Articulate core concepts in biology 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. Access the primary literature, identify relevant works for a particular topic, and evaluate the scientific content of these works.

5. Present scientific hypotheses and data both orally and in writing 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. Articulate core concepts in biology 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. Access the primary literature, identify relevant works for a particular topic, and evaluate the scientific content of these works.

5. Present scientific hypotheses and data both orally and in writing 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