At a Glance

Biology

Major icon MAJOR Minor icon MINOR

At AMU, Biology students discover that the natural sciences are not simply technological disciplines but are truly liberal arts by which we seek to know truth for its own sake. If you enroll in our Biology major, you’ll have two paths to choose from. Firstly, you can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, which focuses on the more scientific aspects of biology. Alternatively, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, which places greater emphasis on general electives and the liberal arts. No matter which Biology degree is best for you, you’ll gain fundamental knowledge of biological systems at the molecular, organismal and ecological levels while discovering a deep sense of wonder at the natural universe.

Careers: Biologist, Ecologist, Veterinarian, Nurse, Lab Technician, Dentist Teacher

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Study Creation, Discover the Creator

Our program brings together students and professors for comprehensive studies in several areas of modern biology. From cell and molecular biology to botany and physiology, our courses will train you to think critically and deepen your understanding of the world that is a dim reflection of its Creator.

light bulbFast Fact: AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter, which exceptional students have the opportunity to join.

Biology

EXPLORE the OPPORTUNITY

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Skills you will gain with

a Biology DEGREE

  1. Extensive working knowledge of Biology – Reap the benefits of a comprehensive biology education covering cell and molecular biology, ecology, botany, zoology and physiology.
  2. Thorough lab experience – Thanks to our small lab sizes, you can expect a more complete laboratory experience with individualized attention and expert guidance from our professors to help you become the best you can be.
  3. Critical thinking – This program will train your mind to think critically; to organize and order your thoughts, solve complex problems and allow you to understand more of the world.
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A look into the

Biology DEPARTMENT

The study of science is born from the conviction of the fundamental intelligibility of the world. Science at Ave Maria University testifies to the Catholic Church’s confidence in human reason’s ability to know the truth about God’s creation even apart from the illuminating power of grace. The natural sciences are not simply technological disciplines, but are truly liberal arts education in which we seek to know truth for its own sake. By enabling us to enter the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of physical reality, science instills within the students a deep sense of wonder at the natural universe. All students take at least two semesters of natural science as part of their Core Curriculum in the liberal arts education. These courses train their minds to think critically and allow them to understand more of the world that is a dim reflection of its Creator.

The Biology major provides a comprehensive study in multiple areas of modern biology. This major will serve as excellent preparation for graduate school, medical school, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or for employment in research laboratories, clinical laboratories or science education. If course prerequisites are required, they are identified within the course description. In addition to the general Core Curriculum requirements, the courses listed below are required.

Students with an interest in biology as a potential major are strongly encouraged to speak with a biology faculty advisor before beginning their freshman year.

AGNES BERKI, PH.D.

Professor of Biology

Agnes BerkiEducation: B.S., Chemistry and Physics, Lajos Kossuth University; M.Sc., Chemistry and Physics, Lajos Kossuth University; Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland
Office: Henkels 3053
Email: agnes.berki@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7926

Jacob Blanchard, M.A.

Instructor of Biology

Jacob BlanchardEducation: B.A., Biology, Ave Maria University; M.A., Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University
Office: Henkels 3052
Email: jacob.blanchard@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7130

DELIANN CARILLO, M.S.

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR OF BIOLOGY

Carillo DeliannEducation: B.S., Biotechnology, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico; M.S., Agrobiotechnology, University of Salamanca
Office: Henkels 2062
Email: deliann.carillo@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7873

Stephen Cronin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Stephen CroninEducation: B.S., Molecular & Cellular Biology, Texas A&M University; Ph.D., Biology, University of California, San Diego
Office: Henkels 3051
Email: stephen.cronin@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1617

Nicholas Curtis, Ph.D.

Chair of the Biology Department, Dr. Paula Ines Castagnet Chair of Biological Sciences; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

Nicholas CurtisEducation: B.S., Marine Science & Biology, University of Miami; Ph.D., Cell & Molecular Biology, University of South Florida
Office: Henkels 2053
Email: nicholas.curtis@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7132

Brett Feger, M.S., M.A.

Instructor of Biology, Faculty Athletics Representative

Brett FegerEducation: B.A., Biology, Knox College; M.S., Zoology, Western Illinois University; M.A., Theology, Ave Maria University
Office: Henkels 2021
Email: brett.feger@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7366

Ladislav Sallai, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Ladislav SallaiEducation: M.S., Pharmacy, Comenius University; Ph.D., Chemistry, University of North Dakota
Office: Henkels 3028
Email: ladislav.sallai@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2418

SAMUEL SHEPHARD, PH.D.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

Samuel ShephardEducation: B.Sc., Environmental Science, University of Westminster; M.Sc., Fisheries Management, Development and Conservation, University College Cork; Ph.D., Fisheries Ecology and Management, Mississippi State University
Office: Henkels 2021
Email: samuel.shephard@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7345 

STEPHEN WIRICK, PH.D.

PROFESSOR OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Stephen WirickEducation: B.S., Athletic Training, University of Akron; M.S., Exercise Science, University of Akron; Ph.D., Exercise Science, Ohio State University
Office: Canizaro Library 313
Email: stephen.wirick@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7966

 

ALEXANDER HEATHERLY, PH.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Alexander HeatherlyEducation: B.S., Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of North Alabama; M.S., Health and Human Performance, University of North Alabama; Ph.D., Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University
Office: Canizaro Library 314
Email: alexander.heatherly@avemaria.edu
Phone:(239) 304-7983

 

Required courses for the B.A. in Biology:

  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology
  • BIOL 220 Zoology
  • BIOL 230 Botany
  • BIOL 303 Genetics
  • BIOL 413 Critical Analysis II or BIOL 497 Directed Research
  • CHEM 125 General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 126 General Chemistry II
  • MATH 150 Functions or MATH 151 Calculus I

16 elective credits from among the following courses:

  • BIOL 105 Environmental Science I
  • BIOL 106 Environmental Science II
  • BIOL 200 Nutrition
  • BIOL 240 General Ecology with laboratory
  • BIOL 241 General Ecology without laboratory
  • BIOL 250 Health and Wellness
  • BIOL 304 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL 305 Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 306 Basic and Clinical Pharmacology
  • BIOL 307 Marine Biology
  • BIOL 309 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIOL 310 General and Chemical Oceanography
  • BIOL 321 Tropical Ecology and Field Biology
  • BIOL 340 Conservation Biology
  • BIOL 401 Microbiology
  • BIOL 402 Microbiological Ecology
  • BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 404 General Virology
  • BIOL 407 Marine Zoology
  • BIOL 408 Marine Botany
  • BIOL 438 Aquatic Ecology
  • EXER 270 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
  • EXER 300 Exercise Physiology

Required courses for the B.S. in Biology:

  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology
  • BIOL 220 Zoology
  • BIOL 230 Botany
  • BIOL 303 Genetics
  • BIOL 305 Molecular Biology or BIOL 410 Cell Biology
  • BIOL 401 Microbiology
  • BIOL 413 Critical Analysis II or BIOL 497 Directed Research
  • CHEM 125 General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 126 General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
  • PHYS 221 College Physics I or PHYS 212 College Physics II

12 elective credits from among the following courses:

  • BIOL 105 Environmental Science I
  • BIOL 106 Environmental Science II
  • BIOL 200 Nutrition
  • BIOL 240 General Ecology with laboratory
  • BIOL 241 General Ecology without laboratory
  • BIOL 250 Health and Wellness
  • BIOL 304 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL 305 Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 306 Basic and Clinical Pharmacology
  • BIOL 307 Marine Biology
  • BIOL 309 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIOL 310 General and Chemical Oceanography
  • BIOL 321 Tropical Ecology and Field Biology
  • BIOL 340 Conservation Biology
  • BIOL 402 Microbiological Ecology
  • BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 404 General Virology
  • BIOL 407 Marine Zoology
  • BIOL 408 Marine Botany
  • BIOL 410 Cell Biology
  • BIOL 438 Aquatic Ecology
  • EXER 270 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
  • EXER 300 Exercise Physiology

The pre-medicine program offers academic preparation for medical school. Recommended majors for students interested in pre-medicine include Biology (B.S. or B.A.), Health Science (B.A.), or Biochemistry (B.S.)†, although other academic majors are usually acceptable as long as the appropriate pre-requisites* for a given medical school are completed. Students are encouraged to explore the ethical, moral, and social implications of modern medicine and technology from a Catholic perspective and should consider taking THEO 390 Catholic Bioethics.

Multiple upper-level Biology classes coinciding with prerequisites from most U.S. medical schools are strongly recommended. Classes include Genetics, Molecular Biology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. In preparation for the MCAT examination, minimal requirements should be completed by the end of the junior year. A variety of other supplementary programs, seminars, and lectures are offered.

Minimum Pre-medicine Requirements

  • Biochemistry (1 Semester of Lecture)
  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology with laboratory
  • BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology with laboratory
  • BIOL 303 Genetics with laboratory
  • CHEM 125 General Chemistry I with laboratory
  • CHEM 126 General Chemistry II with laboratory
  • CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I with laboratory
  • CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II with laboratory
  • MATH 150 Functions; MATH 151 Calculus I is strongly recommended
  • PHYS 211 College Physics I with laboratory
  • PHYS 212 College Physics II with laboratory
  • PSYC 201 Principles and Methods of Psychology
  • STAT 230 Applied Statistics

Recommended Pre-medicine Courses

At least 8 upper-level credits (300 and above) of Biology courses are required for most medical school admissions. The following course are recommended to fulfill this requirement, and all are recommended to aid in taking the MCAT:

  • BICM 305 Biochemistry I: Structure, Mechanism and Metabolism
  • BICM 306 Biochemistry II: Biophysical Chemistry
  • BICM 415 (Varies by topic. Examples of relevant modules are Chemistry and Mechanism of Enzyme Action, Biochemistry of HIV, Biochemistry in drug discovery, and Biochemistry of Cancer)
  • BIOL 304 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL 305 Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 309 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIOL 401 Microbiology

†Students intending to major in Biochemistry should see the Biochemistry Degree section of the catalogue for a sample pre-med track.

*Admission requirements vary by institution. It is highly recommended that students check the requirements of the schools they are considering.

Click the button to view our typical 4-year plan.
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degrees are available.
  • AMU faculty members have expertise in a wide range of fields, including molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, marine biology, physiology, ecology, and anatomy.
  • AMU faculty members maintain active research laboratories and offer opportunities for undergraduate research. Undergraduate researchers  regularly present their work at academic meetings and some have published in academic journals.
  • AMU faculty members teach all lab sections, allowing students more personal attention and expert guidance. Most labs have fewer than 24 students.
  • AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter, which exceptional students have the opportunity to join.
  • Student-led organizations include the Biology club, Science Club, and pre-professional societies like the Ave Maria Pre-Dental Society.
  • The Department of Biology also offers degrees in Environmental Science (B.A.), Health Science (B.A.), Exercise Science (B.A.) and Health Science Administration (B.A.), with minors in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Health Science and Exercise Science.
  • Biology students at AMU have research opportunities with departmental faculty and have participated in national summer research programs. In addition, students have received internships at local companies, such as Arthrex.
  • A degree in Biology is ideal for students who wish to attend post-baccalaureate studies in fields of Research, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Marine Science, or other Biological related professions. In addition, Biology majors often pursue careers in health care, academia, museums and zoos, education, governmental agencies, environmental conservation, forensic science, industry, and public policy.

BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology (with laboratory)
BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology (with laboratory)
4 Additional Biology Electives of at least 3 credits each coded 200-level or higher

More to help you

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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