Biology

Chair: Dr.Justin Merry

The study of the realm of living things is an essential part of any liberal arts education. The goal of this department is to present the life sciences in a manner that stresses the fundamentals of biology with particular emphasis on the important principles which unite the different divisions of biology with one another and with other disciplines such as the humanities, the social sciences and, in particular, with the physical sciences of physics and chemistry.

Moreover, courses are designed to cover all the important phases of modern biology in order to offer students a complete back ground in this science and to prepare them best for their future work, whether it be in graduate study and research, teaching, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, optometry, podiatry, medical technology, physical therapy, public health, forestry, agriculture, conservation, or other related occupations.

In addition to formal coursework, all majors are encouraged to become active members of the Biology Club, Environmental Awareness Society, Scuba Club and the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society, and to apply for summer internships, engage in a depart mentally-supervised research project, and participate as laboratory assistants.

See also Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Forestry and Environmental Management, Marine Biology, Medical Technology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Podiatric Science, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Professional.

Forestry and Environmental Management

Chair: Dr.Justin Merry
Program Coordinator: Dr. Lane Loya

The 3-2 cooperative program through the Nichols School of the Environment at Duke University is a highly-competitive alternative available to Saint Francis University students. The program is designed to save the qualified student time and money, and to enable the student to proceed to more specialized study following the junior year. Students in the program typically earn their bachelor’s degree after their first year at the Nicholas School and their master’s degree after their second year, thus earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a total of five years of study. The program provides a unique combination of liberal and professional education well suited for those desiring to enter a variety of fields relating to the protection of our natural resources.                                     

Students are eligible to be accepted into one of two Master’s degree programs: Master of Forestry (MF) or Master of Environmental Management (MEM). Students in the MEM program can choose a program of study in one of the following areas: (1)  Coastal Environmental Management, (2) Energy and Environment, (3) Ecotoxicology and Environment Health, (4) Environmental Economics and Policy, (5) Ecosystem Science and Conservation, (6) Global Environmental Change, and (7) Water Resources Management. Students may also pursue the Master of Environmental Management concurrently with the Master of Forestry degree.

While at Saint Francis, 3-2 students must typically complete the course requirements for their undergraduate major before moving to the MEM or MF program at Duke. While Saint Francis students are eligible to apply for admission to the program after three years of study, there is no guarantee of admission. To be eligible for the 3-2 program, students must complete one calculus course and one statistics course at Saint Francis with a B- or better, plus courses in natural or social sciences pertaining to the student’s area of interest. Applicants must also have experience in professional writing. There may also be prerequisites required for specific master’s degree concentrations. Students interested in admission to Duke should complete their applications by January 15 of their junior year. The application includes an application form, application fee, letters of recommendation, transcripts, a personal statement, completion of GRE or other appropriate standardized exam, and a statement from Saint Francis releasing the students from their senior year at Saint Francis. There are no specific GPA or GRE score requirements.

More information can be found at https://nicholas.duke.edu/programs/cooperative-college-3-2-program.

General Science

General Science Secondary Concentration is not a designated undergraduate major at Saint Francis University. Therefore, students who take advantage of the opportunity to gain this certification are normally enrolling or returning in order to secure a second teaching certificate which will complement their first specific science area certificate.

Students pursuing General Science certificates attain approval from the Education Department Chair who works in cooperation with the Biology Department Chair. Students receive content area advisement through the Biology Department and professional preparation advisement from advisors in the Education Department.

Since students seeking General Science certification already hold certificates, their program requirements are developed through advisement on a case-by-case basis.