Biology
Chair: Associate Professor L. Niedziela
Associate Chair: Associate Professor Miyamoto
Biology is the study of life in all its diverse forms. As a species, we have always been deeply fascinated by other living creatures. Early humans’ dependence on other animals and plants for food, medicine, and shelter fostered an appreciation for life’s interconnectedness. Modern society has rediscovered these relationships in the face of such challenges as global warming, rainforest destruction, antibiotic resistance, emerging diseases, pollution and rising cancer rates.
Our approach to biology at Elon stresses hands-on experiences in the classroom, laboratory and field. The course of study includes off-campus experiential opportunities and research seminars that encourage creative approaches to biological problems. The focus is on science as a process, not merely a collection of established facts.
The faculty strives to provide students with a high-quality program that enables them to (1) develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to better understand and meet present and future biological challenges; (2) develop competency in information retrieval, use and analysis; (3) develop an understanding of the latest technologies utilized in biological investigation; (4) acquire broad-based knowledge of biological concepts from molecules to ecosystems and (5) acquire an experiential learning opportunity through either research or internship.
In all of Elon’s biology offerings, students receive a strong foundation in biology that prepares them for graduate studies, medical and other allied health-related professional schools, teaching and industry.
The Department of Biology offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and a minor concentration in Biology for students majoring in another discipline. The Bachelor of Arts is also offered with a teaching licensure.
The Department of Biology has divided its course offerings that serve as electives into four concentrations to assist students in the development of a broad-based major with the necessary fundamental biological concepts while at the same time providing the student with the flexibility to build a program that meets their individual interests and needs.