Biology

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The Department of Biology offers a wide range of courses designed to provide the student community with a comprehensive exposure to the living world. The curriculum of the department introduces students to the varieties of organisms and phenomena found in the realm of biology.

The department seeks to educate its students beyond the simple acquisition of information by encouraging active student participation in the actual “doing” of biology. Hands-on lecture activities are incorporated into most courses, and laboratories allow students to carry out experiments and procedures performed by professionals in those fields of biology.

A freshly renovated (summer 2021) floor dedicated to the discipline ensures students have plenty of room to grow in their understanding of the field. You could also qualify for the 3+2 Environmental Management degree program, a partnership with Western Colorado University!

Meet the KWU Biology faculty here!

Biology Program FAQ

Why study Biology at KWU?

You’ll ‘do’ Biology!

Students can be right in thick of nature and learn by doing in the lab and in the field. If you love the outdoors and wildlife, if you enjoy studying living things, if you are deeply curious about the traits of various species and have the patience to engage in long studies in potentially messy settings, KWU can get you started on a rewarding journey of exploration and discovery about the fascinating natural world around us.

Mission

The department especially strives to encourage the development of the following qualities and abilities in its students:

An appreciation of, curiosity about, and respect for living things and biological processes
A basic understanding of the important concepts and generalizations in biology
The ability to critically analyze past, present, and future ideas in biology
The skills necessary to conduct meaningful biological research in the field, the laboratory, and the library
The motivation to apply their knowledge of biology to improving their own lives and the global environment
Ability to successfully pursue advanced degrees or hold jobs related to biology

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statements

The DEI vision for Kansas Wesleyan is to promote a diverse culture of equity, inclusion, integrity, and collaboration that deepens understanding and embraces intercultural and global experiences for students, faculty and staff.

Biology Department
The Biology Department is united in its belief that diversity, equity and inclusive practices make us significantly stronger. We recognize that diversity is the very underpinning of healthy and resilient ecosystems, and so espouse this same idea in our academic pursuits, our student, faculty, and staff experiences, perspectives, and interactions, and in our departmental work and actions. We are committed to recognizing, appreciating and celebrating all differences and approaches to existence on the planet, while learning about living organisms, their biology, and their intersection with humans. Diversity leads to great and intricate beauty of individual expression, coexistence with others, adaptation to the ever-changing landscape, and the evolution of important and complex characters, communities, and ecosystems. We want all individuals to thrive while interacting within the sphere of the Biology Department and are committed to creating an environment for this to be possible.

Updated September 2023

Clubs and Societies

While at Kansas Wesleyan, students can participate in Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honors Society and the KWU Biology Club. Through these clubs, KWU students gain valuable experience with established professionals, engage and increase community awareness about a variety of biological topics, and have the opportunity to participate in local, national and international field trips.

The KWU Iota Eta Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society is part of a national organization that promotes outstanding academic accomplishments in the field of biology. Student members can apply for grants, conduct research, and present their findings at regional and national conferences.

The KWU Biology Club is open to any student interested in biology. Each semester, the club sponsors guest speakers and members go on biology-related field trips. It also holds various fund raisers, including selling self-designed t-shirts. In addition, the club hosts biology-related movie nights and gets frightened at haunted corn mazes for stress relief!

Make Available Disclosures for Biology Education (6-12)

Make Available Disclosures for 6-12 Biology Education

Teacher Education Professional Licensure Disclosure & Student Location Process and Policy

Teacher Education Professional Licensure Disclosures, Process and Policy

Majors

Biology

Biomedical Chemistry

Minors

Biology

Environmental, Sustainability and Resilience Studies

Research Opportunities & Grants

There are many opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research through government-funded programs and various grants. Please contact Biology department faculty for more information.