The Study of Biology at Centre

The Biology Major

The discipline of biology encompasses many subject areas ranging from the study of molecular and cellular functions to the ecological interactions among organisms. As biology majors, students gain a solid background in the discipline while also gaining an appreciation for the application of biological principles to our world. Students planning on majoring in biology will prepare for the major with appropriate courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. As freshmen and sophomores, students will be introduced to the breadth of the discipline in the introductory biology course and will gain a foundation in the areas of cell biology and evolutionary genetics. Upon declaration of the major, students will complete a series of courses focusing on specific areas of study within the discipline. These courses will include required classes in microbiology, plant and animal biology, and ecology as well elective biology courses in the student's area of interest. At the senior level, our majors all enroll in the capstone senior seminar course. For those individuals who are especially interested in the interface between biology and chemistry, Centre offers a separate major in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students with particular interests in behavioral biology may find the major in psychobiology attractive.

The Facilities

Centre College has outstanding facilities that allow our students to gain an excellent introduction to basic laboratory techniques in all major areas of biological study. The biological sciences facilities are located in Young Hall, while the physical sciences are in Olin Hall. Laboratories are well equipped to serve the needs of the various biology courses that are offered. The laboratory equipment available for use by our students include the following: a scanning electron microscope, a research photomicroscope equipped for fluorescence and differential interference contrast, complete histological processing equipment, laminar flow hood, tissue culture incubator, computerized spectrophotometer, numerous electrophoresis apparatuses, ultrasonicator, a liquid scintillation counter, ultrafreezer, lyophilizer, cold room, a complete photography lab, superspeed and ultracentrifuges, plant growth chambers, as well as numerous balances, pH meters, and other routine equipment. All laboratories are designed to accommodate a maximum of 18 students; in addition, the faculty themselves teach the laboratory classes. This combination ensures that students receive much personal attention as they develop strong laboratory skills. Other facilities in Young Hall that enhance the learning environment for our students include the aquatic research facility for independent research projects, the greenhouse, and the newly established natural history museum. Within a short drive from campus, we also have access to the Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge and numerous aquatic and terrestrial natural areas which serve as ideal outdoor laboratories for biology field trips.

Special Features

Although biology is a discipline that can be pursued at just about any college or university, the biology experience at Centre is unique in many ways. First, there is the biology faculty itself—as enthusiastically committed to their respective disciplines as they are to the philosophy of a liberal arts education. The relatively small class sizes mean individual attention from the faculty themselves. Unlike students at larger institutions, the biology major at Centre really has an opportunity to get to know the faculty. The biology faculty is more than willing to work with each student individually to determine the types of courses that will best serve that student's post-graduation dreams and aspirations. For students with specific professional interests, such as medical, dental, or veterinary schools, the pre-health professions committee members will provide guidance to ensure that the proper courses are taken. Students interested in getting research experience are strongly encouraged to engage in a collaborative research project either during the academic year or in the summer. Students selected for these collaborative opportunities have often presented the results of their research at state and national meetings of professional scientific societies.

Off Campus Opportunities

For the past twenty years, the biology program has offered an off campus field experience in the Bahamas during the winter term. The six-week winter term at Centre makes these intensive field experiences possible with a minimum of interruption to the normal sequence of courses required of the biology major. The biology program also offers several internship opportunities during the six-week term. These involve intensive research participation at some of the outstanding university labs in the country, including the University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Louisville. With careful planning, it is also possible for the aspiring biology major to participate in the college's long-term off campus experiences in Europe and Central/South America.

What Can You Do With A Biology Degree?

The varied disciplines of biology require such intensive training that some post-graduate education is usually necessary for a career as a biologist. The undergraduate experience in biology at Centre is designed to provide the best possible introduction to the breadth and depth of contemporary biology. Graduate advisors in the biological sciences recognize the quality of the educational experience offered to our students and are eager to attract Centre graduates. Our biology graduates uniformly agree that the high academic expectations of their Centre professors lead to the development of exceptionally well qualified individuals capable of handling the rigors of their post-graduate courses.

Biologists may also find employment in academia as teachers and researchers. They may work for state or federal agencies that have need of their biological expertise. A number of private enterprises also employ biologists. The biology major is also excellent preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary school. The qualifications of our graduates are reflected in the high percentage who gain admission to these programs.