Biology

Department Chair: Joseph C. Ortega
Email: ortega_j@fortlewis.edu

Professors: Sherell K. Byrd, Deborah M. Kendall, and Joseph C. Ortega
Associate Professors: John M. Condie, Cynthia E. Dott, Steven D. Fenster, Julie E. Korb, and Erin M. Lehmer
Assistant Professors: David J. Blake, Ross A. McCauley, and Heidemarie Steltzer
Visiting Instructor: Cathleen T. Hartney

Both government and industry have considerable demand for people trained in the biological sciences and for which a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. Administrative and professional careers may be found in government service and with a variety of conservation and recreation agencies at both state and federal levels. Laboratory and technical work is available with industry and with several government agencies. Some sales positions, especially with pharmaceutical houses, require a biology background. There is considerable demand for secondary school teachers with certification in biology. Many positions for biologists require a graduate degree, for which a liberal arts major in biology is an excellent background.

The various biology curricula are designed to meet the different needs of students considering the broad field of biology. Although all of these curricula lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, there are four options available: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Environmental and Organismic Biology, General Biology, and Biology for Secondary Education.

A minor in biology is available for students majoring in other disciplines. All minors must be arranged in consultation with the student’s biology advisor.

The Cellular and Molecular Biology option prepares students for graduate study in cellular and molecular biology or to find employment in the biotechnology and health care industries. Students with this major are highly sought after in forensics technology, pharmaceutical development, and industries involving bioinformatics and gene discovery. This option is ideal for students preparing for post-baccalaureate careers as physicians, physician’s assistants, dentists, in naturopathic medicine, or in other health care vocations.

The Environmental and Organismic Biology option provides a broad exposure to the principles and practices of ecology, environmental conservation, and management of natural resources. Thus, this option is particularly valuable for those students who plan to work for the many private firms and state and federal agencies involved in natural resource management and environmental impact assessment. This curriculum also prepares students interested in pursuing graduate studies in ecology, organismal, and environmental science.

The General Biology option provides exposure to all the major conceptual areas of biology. It is intended for students wishing to tailor a program to match their interests. It prepares students for professional careers in veterinary medicine or graduate school in a broad area of the biological sciences. It is also recommended for those students who are undecided about specific career goals in biology.

The Biology for Secondary Teachers Option gives high-quality academic preparation to students who wish to become Colorado licensed grades 7-12 science teachers. This option is extremely demanding and requires careful planning and advising. Students choosing this option should consult a Biology Department advisor as early as possible in their careers, and should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section of this catalog, for the steps and requirements for applying to the Teacher Education Licensure Program and requirements for completing the program.

Majors and Minors in Biology:

Biology Major - Biology for Secondary Teachers Option

Biology Major - Cellular and Molecular Biology Option

Biology Major - Environmental and Organismic Biology Option

Biology Major - General Biology Option

Biology Minor