Biology
About the program
The Biology curriculum is designed to introduce students to the major areas of the biological sciences and to enable them to gain competence in using the concepts and investigate methods appropriate to each. Students may select a course of study suited to their particular interests with emphasis in botany, zoology, cellular biology, molecular biology, microbiology and physiology.
Coursework in Biology
The curriculum incorporates a variety of topics to prepare students for opportunities in the field of Biology, and includes courses such as:
- Genetics
- Animal Behavior
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Plant Science
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Physics
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
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Related Clubs
There are over 50 clubs and organizations available to students at Ferrum College. These are specifically related to Biology:
- Agriculture Club
- Environmental Action Coalition
- Wildlife Club
- Health Sciences Club
- Minds-N-Medicine
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Experiential & hands-on learning opportunities
Internships: Students are strongly urged to explore career opportunities and to establish mentors through an internship. Students also have various opportunities to travel in order to enhance their classroom studies. Some examples are:
- The Virginia Marine Sciences Institute
- Patuxant River Naval Air Station
- Biotechnology Research at Virginia Tech
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
- U.S. Forest Service
- National Zoological Park
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What can I be with a major in Biology?
A major in Biology leads to traditional career paths, as well as less expected fields. For example:
- You could be a(n) ...
- Biologist
- Geneticist
- Horticulturist
- Soil Conservationist
- Health Journalist
- Physical Therapist
- Medical Missionary
- Forensic Pathologist
Medical Doctor
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Recent Biology graduates and their careers
Ferrum graduates credit their program of study for landing jobs or other opportunities in their fields.
Nancy Wenning '97 of Oakland, CA is employed by Science Applications International Corporation as an environmental scientist.
Curtis Bumgardner '04 of Roanoke, VA is employed by Franklin County High School as a teacher
Ryan Cooper '07 of Blacksburg, VA is graduate student in Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Meaghan Hill '08 of Hardy, VA is employed by Novozymes, Inc as a microbiologist.
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Biology Faculty
Michaela Gazdik
Program Coordinator of Biology
Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology
Ph.D., The State University of New York at Albany
(540) 365-4369
mgazdik@ferrum.edu |
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Carolyn Thomas |
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Professor of Environmental Science and Biology
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University
(540) 365-4368
cthomas@ferrum.edu
Katie Goff |
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Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(540) 365-4468
kjordan@ferrum.edu
June Minter
Instructor of Biology
M.A.T. Cornell University
(540) 365-4552
jminter@ferrum.edu
Glen Stevens |
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Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(540) 365-4554
gstevens@ferrum.edu
Carl Niedziela
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D., North Carolina State University
(540) 365-6946
cniedziela@ferrum.edu
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Faculty & Staff: Click here to submit your profile.
Find out more
Information is only an email away! Contact Dr. Michaela Gazdik, Program Coordinator of Biology at mgazdik@ferrum.edu
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