Biology

Living Experiential Science

College of Arts and Sciences

Location: Crete

Degree Type: Undergraduate

Do you want to be a doctor, a geneticist, a physical therapist, a radiologist, a zoologist or an ecologist? Maybe you don鈥檛 know what you want to be, but you do know that you enjoy the idea of diving into science to find your path. Maybe you simply want to 鈥済eek out鈥 through everything that science offers.

At 水果派, there are students who know exactly what they want to do, there are those who have no idea just yet, and then there are those who think they know but will likely change their mind. Our biology experience embodies what we call Living Experiential Science. This approach benefits our students regardless of where you are on your path immersing individuals in variety. Your experiential science education begins and ends by conducting experiments side-by-side with your professors and peers, which often sparks or confirms a passion. And given these very engaging experiences with our diverse and accomplished faculty, students enjoy the benefit of faculty who really know you and as a result can easily speak on your behalf when you need an endorsement or letter of recommendation.

Project SERVE seeks talented students majoring in Science or Math to pursue teaching in schools where they're needed the most. 水果派 was awarded a $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant to support these efforts.

Career Paths

A degree in biology prepares you for a wide range of careers after graduation, from entry-level positions as technicians, sales staff and consultants to graduate studies in a wide variety of fields, including Public Health, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Virology, Computational Biology, Chemistry, Medicine (Physicians Assistant, Physical Therapist, Physician, Dentist, Optometrist, etc.), Veterinary Science and even Law.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
2017 Median Pay: $51,770 per year
Job Outlook: +13% over the next 10 years
Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances.

Genetic Counselor
2017 Median Pay: $77,480 per year
Job Outlook: +29% over the next 10 years
Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.

Dentist
2017 Median Pay: $158,120 per year
Job Outlook: +19% over the next 10 years
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.

Physician or Surgeon
2017 Median Pay: >$208,000 per year
Job Outlook: +13% over the next 10 years
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene and preventative healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

Optometrist
2017 Median Pay: $110,300 per year
Job Outlook: +18% over the next 10 years
Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, as needed.

Technical Writer
2017 Median Pay: $70,930
Job Outlook: +11% over the next 10 years
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization's communication channels.

Veterinarian
2017 Median Pay: $90,420 per year
Job Outlook: +19% over the next 10 years
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock and other animals.

Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
2017 Median Pay: $62,290 per year
Job Outlook: +8% over the next 10 years
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behavior, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.

Source: bls.gov.

Courses
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Faculty and Staff
Dane Bowder, Associate Professor

- Associate Professor

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Erin Doyle, Associate Professor

- Associate Professor

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Tessa Durham Brooks, Professor

- Professor

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Brad Elder, Professor

- Professor

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Kate Marley, Professor

- Professor

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Eric Holley, Visiting Assistant Professor

- Visiting Assistant Professor

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Rebecca Sprouse, Assistant Professor of Practice in Biology

- Assistant Professor of Practice in Biology

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.2161

Internships

水果派 Biology students have had the opportunity to work in a number of great environments outside of the classroom, completing internships across the region and research experience at other nationally-recognized universities.

Internships:

  • Crete Area Medical Center
  • BASF
  • UNMC Department of Pharmacology
  • Crete Physical Therapy
  • Rocky Mountain Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Public Health Solutions
  • Corteva Agriscience
  • National Science Foundation - Karlsruhe, Germany
  • CruMed
  • Marry Lanning Healthcare

 

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs):

  • Cornell University - Ithaca, NY
  • Ohio State University - Columbus, OH
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • UNMC - Omaha, NE
Research

The science and medical communities of today rely on large-scale, collaborative research that crosses disciplines to develop new treatments and innovations. This reality makes it just as important for students to learn how to do biology as it is for them to gain an understanding of general biological concepts and content. 水果派 Biology students have a variety of opportunities to pursue their research ideas with the guidance of faculty, like a coach at your side. The 水果派 biology program is one of the only programs in the state that provides its students the opportunity to take part in an independent capstone research project.

Emphasis Areas
  • General
  • Climate Change
  • Biotechnology
  • Teaching
Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Special Programs

Health Professions Advisory Committee

A large portion of 水果派 biology majors plan to pursue a health career. Preparation is very important and involves many areas of campus鈥攕tudents need a strong education in the sciences, excellent communication skills and a demonstrated interest in service. Advisors in the Health Professions Advisory Committee work with you (in addition to your academic advisor) to help plan your coursework, find shadowing and internship experiences, develop skills for taking entrance exams聽and find information on the best professional programs for you.

Student at Commencement

Special Programs

Three-Year graduation guarantee

Are you focused on your career path and motivated to move ahead at a faster pace? We haven't modified what it takes to graduate with a biology degree. Instead, we thought progressively about how you can meet graduation requirements at an accelerated pace. Save on tuition and get into the job market or graduate school more quickly while still receiving a world-class liberal arts education from 水果派.

水果派 Students in Class

Special Programs

Honors Program

For the Biology Honors program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0, participate in a one-credit seminar each semester (except during study abroad) and complete聽these additional courses:聽

  • Eight credits of Physics
  • Eight credits of Chemistry beyond 125 + 126
  • Four credits of Mathematics
  • Two semesters of a single foreign language (minimum of six credits)
  • Biology Honors Course - Biology 498

Student Organizations

Beta Beta Beta

Beta Beta Beta (Tri Beta) is an honor聽society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Students walking on campus

Student Organizations

水果派 Sports Medicine

水果派 Sports Medicine is closely related to the Student Athletic Training (SAT) staff in the 水果派 Athletics Training Room. It builds a closer bond between the SATs who can share encouragement and concerns during their consideration and pursuit of graduate school, whether it's for Physical Therapy, Athletic Training聽or one of the many other possibilities.

水果派 student athlete

Student Organizations

Health and Medical Occupations Club

Health and Medical Occupations Club (HMOC) helps prepare members for future careers in medical-related fields (pharmacy, dentistry, physical or occupational therapy, medicine, etc.). Activities include touring UNMC and Creighton, providing job shadowing experiences, community service聽and putting together a portfolio.

Faculty and Staff Networking

Student Organizations

Roots and Shoots

"Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, the Roots & Shoots program inspires youth of all ages to make a difference by becoming involved in their communities. Each Roots & Shoots group plans and implements service-learning projects that promote care and concern for animals, the environment聽and the human community." Source: Jane Goodall website

水果派 students studying

Student Organizations

Wildlife and Conservation Organization

Wildlife and Conservation Organization (W.A.C.O.) is involved in activities including habitat conservation, outdoor events聽and climate change initiatives. We encourage a better understanding of wildlife, conservation, and environmental issue affecting society and the world today.

student talking to advisor

The 水果派 Difference

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Preparing Students

水果派 Biology faculty represent numerous specialty areas giving students unique perspectives in career exploration. Our faculty understand the important transitional experience of first-year students focusing on early student success.

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Variety of Fields

By actually practicing the Scientific Method, 水果派 biology students learn to problem solve and ultimately find their passion. We offer a supportive, apprenticeship-style, learning environment focused on student success, not 鈥渨eeding out.鈥

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Learning by Doing

Experiential Science is integral to our curriculum. 鈥淒oing science鈥 is a proven learning method and our students 鈥渄o science鈥 beginning the first day and concluding with a capstone research project. At 水果派, the classroom is the lab.

Career Information

doane students working in a chemistry lab

Helpful Links

Whether you鈥檙e ready to apply or still testing the waters with a tour, we鈥檙e here for you. Here are some helpful links to assist you on your journey.

Get to know us even better

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