Department of Biology

Mission

Harding Biology: valuing diversity, instilling wonder, preparing scholars

The Department of Biology provides Harding University students the opportunity to explore the diversity of life on earth from a variety of scientific perspectives, to develop a sense of God-given responsibility to be good stewards of that life, to prepare for careers that build on an appreciation of the biological sciences. In pursuit of this mission, the faculty will:

• Train students with diverse backgrounds, interests, and goals in the process by which biological data are gathered, analyzed, and interpreted
• Encourage critical evaluation of biological data and theories using multiple perspectives
• Humbly facilitate conversations among disparate viewpoints regarding the integration of science and scripture to recognize God as creator
• Develop an inclusive community of faculty, students, and alumni that submits to God as our creator and Lord
• Integrate interdisciplinary tools with biological concepts to build connections to the larger society
• Provide a foundation of knowledge for students to understand the current state of the biological sciences and its organizing principles and theories

Goals

Students who major in biology at Harding University are prepared to:

1. Be competitive in graduate school in the biological sciences, fisheries and wildlife programs;
2. Be competitive in professional schools such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine;
3. Teach in the biological sciences at the primary and secondary levels; and
4. Fill entry-level positions as research technicians in nonprofit organizations, industry and government.

In addition, students who take non-majors courses in biology are provided with a basic knowledge of biology as a necessary part of their general education.

Program Information

Biology majors may elect the Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology , biology , environmental science , human biology , medical laboratory science , molecular and cellular biology . Senior majors must take the Major Field Test in Biology, preferably during the last semester. Minors are also offered in biology  and environmental science .

The Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offer a research certificate  for undergraduate students.

Leveling work decreases electives or increases total hours in the degree.

Faculty

Chair: Rebekah Rampey, Ph.D.

Professors:

Nathan E. Mills, Ph.D.
Steven C. Moore, Ph.D.
Rebekah Rampey, Ph.D.

Associate Professors:

Steve Cooper, Ph.D.
Trixie Pittman, Ph.D.
Stacey Rodenbeck, Ph.D.
Ryan Stork, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors:

David Donley, Ph.D.
Patrick Ruhl, Ph.D.

Lecturers:

Becky Bennett, M.S.E.
Breanna Bishop, B.S.
Amber Hug, M.Ed.

Programs

• Biology Major (BIOS), BS
• Human Biology Major (HB), BS
• Medical Laboratory Science Major (MLSC), BS
• Molecular and Cellular Biology Major (MOLB), BS

• Biology Minor