Changing Lives Through Life Sciences
Â鶹ÊÓƵ's biology faculty offer students opportunities to see beyond the facts and to examine unanswered questions while also considering ethical and societal impacts. Upon graduation, students pursue graduate or professional schools at top universities or start careers in healthcare, education, natural resources, or in research labs, among many other options.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ biology students are driven to contribute to their fields, whether they're future medical professionals, environmental scientists, or educators. The biology department offers you scientific training that includes hands-on experiences that build quantitative analyses, professional communication, and reasoning skills. At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, you can pursue your interests in the natural world with dedicated faculty in top-of-the-line facilities. You will gain experience doing research that prepares you to be a leader in your career - from genetics of stress or cancer to restoration ecology and animal behavior.
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs
Â鶹ÊÓƵ biology majors are motivated to address pressing questions by a faculty that nurtures scientific curiosity. You will acquire essential knowledge of biological processes, from molecules to ecosystems. You also will apply that knowledge in labs and class discussions. As you move through the major, you can specialize in your area of interest with electives spanning the cellular world to global ecosystems.
With small classes and labs connected to most courses, you will be empowered to work independently and learn to collaborate on a team. You will build these relevant career competencies under the mentorship of knowledgeable and supportive faculty. As a biology major, you will take the same core biology courses with a cohort of peers. This builds a strong community among the students that deepens the learning process.
Contributing Today While Growing Through Research
- From your first year through senior year, the research opportunities in biology equip you with the essential skills to break new ground in the discipline, discover your areas of interest, and explore future career tracks.
- Science can be messy. You will explore the variations and exceptions, not just the rules.
- Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a place that nurtures your curiosity and has opportunities to build technical research skills on campus, both in labs and the Arboretum.
- In addition, the faculty and alumni are well-connected to top research institutions worldwide.
Opportunities in Biology
Stand Out with Powerful Skill-Building Opportunities
Picture yourself conducting fieldwork in the Northwoods or the Great American Prairie, or investigating medical research at the Mayo Clinic, or designing a novel experiment alongside a Â鶹ÊÓƵ professor. Step into life-changing and career-advancing experiences with Biology at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
Research — Develop your skills by contributing directly to research on campus, at other universities or institutions like Mayo Clinic, or with governmental organizations that manage parks or natural resources. Research grants to support independent work are available each semester as are opportunities to present research locally or nationally.
Student Clubs and Awards — Build relationships and interpersonal skills while learning through national organizations like Beta Beta Beta (Biology Honors Society); the Botanical Society of America; or TriAlpha, for first generation college students. Each provides opportunities for leadership, service, and academic recognition. The Department also recognizes several top students for academic, service, or research accomplishments each year.
Facilities, Instrumentation, and Collections for Learning — From instruments that analyze DNA and proteins, grow cell cultures, and image microscopic processes, to plant collections, and a campus greenhouse, you have access to facilities, instruments, and collections to study hands-on.
Teaching Assistance and Tutoring — Participate as a biology educator to lock in your skill set. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in biology education or not, teaching is a great way to solidify your own mastery of the subject and build interpersonal skills that are attractive to employers.
Study Away — From tropical locales to mountains or oceans, study abroad opportunities allow you to experience different cultures and ecosystems. Approved coursework can apply to your Â鶹ÊÓƵ degree.
Careers — Career development starts with one-on-one advising with a Biology faculty member who can help you craft a four year plan that includes internships, research, and work experiences that build your resume. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Career Development Center offers additional resources to help leverage all your scientific and liberal arts competencies for your career path.
Graduate and Professional School — Many students choose to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, genetics, ecology, veterinary, plant biology, food systems, ecology, natural resources and more. We provide support and guidance as well as an Honors program option to help you take the next step in your education.
Do Research in Some of the Best Science Facilities in Minnesota
When you study biology at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, you are learning in state-of-the-art facilities from award-winning faculty. The is also a national leader in biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Being in Saint Peter, you're minutes away from the medium-sized city of Mankato, an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul or to Rochester, home of the Mayo Clinic. The Biology Department at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Â鶹ÊÓƵ is committed to providing you with a comprehensive education and real experiences that prepare you for diverse careers in the life sciences.
Contact Biology
Email:Ìýbiology-dept [at] gustavus.edu (biology-dept[at]gustavus[dot]edu)
Phone:Ìý(507) 933-7333
Nobel Hall of Science, 2145
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082