The Biology area offers the Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as offering several teacher education endorsement areas. A common core of classes is required. Students, in consultation with their advisor, then choose electives in an area of interest to round out the curriculum.
The Biology Major (BS) teaches students about the functions of humans and other organisms at the organism, cellular, and molecular levels. It will prepare students for further education in ecology, medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary science, physical therapy, forensic science, and other life science professions. It is also appropriate preparation for a career in laboratory research or biotechnology, either in an academic or industrial setting.
3+1 Program with Palmer College of Chiropractic
The Biology program at William Penn University is offering an additional field of study in the form of a 3+1 program through a partnership with Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. As a student in the program, you will spend three years completing the biology program and earning at least 94 credit hours. Once you complete the first year’s coursework at Palmer in the Doctor of Chiropractic program, credits can then be transferred back to WPU to complete the undergraduate degree. This allows you to simultaneously complete your B.S. from WPU while working towards your Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College.
Careers
As a graduate of the Biology program, you will be qualified for positions in the following fields:
- Control Systems Engineer
- Bio Process Specialist
- Product Manager
- Bio Process Specialist
- Cell Culture Expert
- Process Support Coach
- Wildlife Ecologist
- Fisheries Ecologist
- Aquaculture Technician
- Hydrologist
- Geneticist
- Forester
- Lab Technician
- Paleontologist
- Natural Resource Technician
- Park Ranger
- Conservation Biologist
- Interpretive Naturalist
- Agricultural Scientist
Internships
Internships are designed to help students gain an understanding of professional experience. Professors encourage students to pursue internships so they can apply classroom and experimental knowledge to real world activity. Biology majors have interned with the following businesses:
- Ajinimoto
- Cargill
- Walmart Pharmacy
- Army Corps of Engineers (Lake Red Rock)
- Mahaska Health Partnership
- Lifetime Dental
- Animal Health Center of Oskaloosa
- Ottumwa Regional Health Center
- Mahaska County Conservation Board
Organizations
- Pre-Professional Majors Club:The Pre-Professional Majors club participates in a large field trip every year that is hosted at different academic locations and assists surrounding community schools with different projects.
- Wildlife Ecology Club: The Wildlife Ecology club organizes volunteer opportunities with local conservation agencies and private nonprofit groups, as well as activities such as fishing trips, canoe trips, and prairie restoration
Faculty
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Email hidden; Javascript is required.
Professor of Biochemistry
Email hidden; Javascript is required.
