Biology

Tom Lee, Chair
ACU Box 27868
Abilene, Texas 79699-7868
Halbert-Walling Research Center, Room 202

Phone: 325-674-2188
Fax: 325-674-2009
Email: leet@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/biology

Faculty

Daniel K. Brannan, Professor
Joshua Brokaw, Associate Professor
Diana Flanagan, Assistant Professor
Patricia Hernandez, Professor
Jennifer Huddleston, AssociateProfessor
Rebecca Hunter, Associate Professor
Tom Lee, Professor
James R. Nichols, Professor
Qiang Xu, Professor

The Department of Biology offers the Bachelor of Science degree and the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biology or biology for teacher certification. The department works with the Department of Teacher Education to offer a Bachelor of Science: High School Certification Life Science (Grades 8-12) degree. A minor in biology may be added to other majors.

Introduction

The Department of Biology educates students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world by preparing them to become biological scientists, pre-college teachers and health-care professionals. The Bachelor of Science: High School Certification Life Science (Grades 8-12) is the avenue for preparation of pre-college teachers. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in biology are the avenues for:

Cellular/molecular biology emphasis. Much of modern biology exists at the interface of biology and chemistry. Through effective classes, laboratories and research opportunities the Department of Biology draws students to the molecular/biochemical level of life. Many students in health-care professions also choose this emphasis.
Organismal biology/field emphasis. An array of field biology oriented courses, research opportunities, and field trips to such sites as Honduras, Ecuador, Big Bend, Texas, and New Mexico offer study experiences in marine, fresh water, and terrestrial ecosystems. These opportunities are supplemented by ACU being a participating university with the Au Sable Institute. Au Sable offers field courses in the beautiful north woods country of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound between Vancouver and Seattle. Au Sable’s mission is “the integration of knowledge of the creation with biblical principles for the purpose of bringing the Christian community and the general public to a better understanding of the Creator and the stewardship of God’s creation.” This fits well with the goal of ACU’s Biology Department.
Health professions/human biology emphasis. Historically ACU Biology graduates have been accepted to medical and dental schools, as well as other health-care programs, at almost twice the national average. This is a result of high quality classes and laboratories emphasizing human biology and the leveling effect of learning to use human healing gifts in God’s service. Medical missions receives clear emphasis in the Department and many students participate during their career in one or more medical missions trips, many of them coordinated through our long-term relationship with Health Talents International (HTI). The majority of these efforts are in Guatemala. HTI’s mission is “to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching and healing ministries.” ACU’s relationship with HTI provides students an opportunity to blend faith and learning in an applied manner that serves the spiritual and physical health needs of others throughout the world.
General biology emphasis. Some students prefer to pursue a more general biology program that allows them to touch many different areas. Past students have used this emphasis to enter law school, gain employment in industry or government, or in science writing.
Biology/business emphasis. Students interested in mixing a strong biology education with some key courses from the world of business would find this track helpful. It includes a full set of biology courses and adds basic courses in such areas as accounting, management, and marketing. Students might use this emphasis to lead toward a career in health care administration, pharmaceutical sales, or law.
Pre-veterinary medicine emphasis. ACU graduates have achieved high acceptance rates to veterinary schools as a result of high quality classes and laboratories emphasizing animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition, and genetics. The pre-veterinary option satisfies requirements for admission to veterinary school and related medical technical fields or graduate school for study in animal genetics, nutrition, pathology, and physiology.
Wildlife biology emphasis. This option is designed for students interested in understanding, managing, and conserving wildlife species and the ecosystems that support them. Wildlife biology students will gain fieldwork experience throughout the American Southwest as well as at the Au Sable Institute in Michigan. Courses taken in this emphasis provide the opportunity to obtain professional certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society. This certification serves as a standardized mark of accomplishment and a measure of professional status and credibility in the field of wildlife biology. Professional certification also may set graduates apart from others in a competitive marketplace and allow a greater range of career opportunities.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is needed for most graduate schools with programs in the biological sciences. Most health professions schools require a bachelor’s degree in any field including all of the liberal arts, provided the prerequisite science and math courses are taken. Discuss the specific requirements with the pre-health professions advisor.

Admission Requirements

Before being admitted to the BS in biology, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

Cooperative Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS)

ACU awards the bachelor’s degree to certain qualified students who have satisfactorily completed three years of prescribed work at ACU (a minimum of 104 hours) plus one year at a recognized professional school. Students in the cooperative degree program are advised by the advisors for health professions (see the Academic Advising section of this catalog). See the Health Professions Cooperative Degree in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this catalog for complete course requirements.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Biology, BA (BIOL)

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Biology Minor (BIOL)

Courses

Biology at Au Sable

Biology