Roberts Wesleyan College Roberts Wesleyan College Roberts Wesleyan College
 
Biology Department - Study Biology from a Christian Perspective
Home | Explore Programs
Biology Department


Click Play to View Biology Video
The Biology Department at Roberts Wesleyan offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs. The Bachelor of Arts degree consists of 30 hours in biology courses with additional coursework in general chemistry and mathematics or computer science. The BA program is a broad-based curriculum of sufficient depth to prepare students pursuing science education or careers such as laboratory technicians.

The Bachelor of Science program represents a narrower focus in one area of biology and is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate education. The BS degree is also appropriate for students considering careers in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. A full complement of courses in the physical sciences is also required, including chemistry, physics and mathematics.

A Bachelor of Science with concentration in medical technology is also offered. This program includes a 12-month cooperative program during the senior year at an accredited school of medical technology.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE LISTING

 
Program Distinctives

Research Opportunities
Opportunity is provided to pursue independent research projects in relevant fields such as environmental studies, cell biology, animal physiology, and microbiology. Students are encouraged to present their research to professional societies including local symposiums.

Employment Opportunities
Laboratory assistants for all undergraduate biology lab sections are chosen primarily from top-ranking biology students. These students gain excellent firsthand experience working with faculty in preparing and administering student laboratories, assessing student work, thus encouraging leadership and competence in biological arenas.

Practical Experience
RWC faculty strongly encourage and promote practical experience through internship collaborations with local laboratories/companies. Rochester is recognized internationally as a center for scientific and technical industries. Students apply academic skills to “real world” situations. These internships have often led directly to employment after graduation.

Personal Attention
Our faculty/student ratio permits close interaction between teachers and class members.

 
Outcomes

Graduates of the biology program at RWC pursue successful careers in medicine, physical therapy, physician’s assistance, pharmaceutical sales, medical and laboratory technology, high school and college university teaching, research, environmental science, and veterinary science.

 
Faith and Learning
During required seminars, and first semester biology courses, issues of faith and science are discussed. Topics include the origin of human life, stewardship of the environment, micro and macro evolution, ethics of genetic technology and origins of the universe. Christian faith and scholarship go hand in hand. Scholarship and education are both avenues by which students and faculty can offer their gifts and talents to the glory of God. Students have the opportunity to worship together with faculty and staff in chapel and to interact together in the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics at progressive dinners, pizza parties, and dinners with a variety of seminar speakers from outside the college. Invited speakers have included Dr. Frank Young, former Dean of the University of Rochester Medical School and former Director of the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Russ White, former RWC graduate and surgeon at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

 
Faculty

Donna Alder, M.S., Associate Professor of Biology. B.S., Bethany Nazarene; M.S., University of Rochester. Specialties: general biology, human and animal anatomy, and physiology. At RWC since 1983.
E-mail: alderd@roberts.edu

Cynthia Davis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy Advisor. PhD., Dartmouth College. Specialty: molecular genetics. At Roberts since 2004.
Email: davis_cynthia@roberts.edu

Peter LaCelle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology
Division of Natural Science and Mathematics
E-mail:LaCelle_Peter@roberts.edu

David E. Roll, Ph.D., Professor of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Human Biology, Pre-Professional Health Advisor. Ph.D., University of Illinois. Specialties: Organic and biological chemistry. In 1996 Dr. Roll received a 2-year, $94,000 NIH AREA grant investigating new chemotherapeutic targets against Chlamydia bacteria. At Roberts since 1978.
E-mail: rolld@roberts.edu

Home