Biology
At Hillsdale, we aren’t afraid to put “What is the meaning of life?” front and center in your education. This major is an opportunity to answer that question from a biological perspective. You’ll look at how humans relate to their environment and how the process of evolution affects biological organisms. You’ll explore scientific ethics and the rights and responsibilities of being a scientist. All labs are taught by professors, not teaching assistants, and you’ll have access to the kind of equipment that’s often available only in graduate programs elsewhere. You’ll also conduct a lot of hands-on research—in fact, all biology majors are required to undertake a research project starting in their junior year. Biology is offered as both a major and minor.
Featured Faculty
Biology
Francis Steiner
“In the field of observation.....chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur
Francis X. Steiner, Biology
Biology
Sang-Chul Nam
As a scientist, I have a natural curiosity about nature and try to pass this curiosity on to my students.Sang-Chul Nam, Biology
Biology
David C. Houghton
“In wilderness is the preservation of the world.” —Henry David Thoreau
David C. Houghton, Biology
Biology
Christopher D. Heckel
Featured Courses
The study of microorganisms, focusing on bacteria and viruses.
Read More about "Microbiology"Lectures and laboratories are complemented with boat and snorkeling trips to coral reefs and other marine habitats in the vicinity of Long Key, Florida.
Read More about "Marine Biology"Directed cadaveric dissections and advanced physiology lectures.
Read More about "Anatomy and Physiology II"Mission & Purpose
The mission of the Biology Department is to describe, in the context of a liberal arts background, how life relates, adapts and evolves in an ever-changing environment.
The purpose of the Hillsdale College Biology Department is to graduate students who know how to do science, understand man’s knowledge of the measurable living world, and are prepared for successful careers in biology.
A degree in biology gives one an understanding of what that means at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological levels. The biology curriculum at Hillsdale College is therefore not only aimed at providing a broad foundation in the biological sciences for subsequent specialized training in graduate or professional schools, for a career in teaching, or a career in industry, but also to prepare our graduates in terms of scientific literacy and make them aware of their responsibilities as biologists to their fellow citizens.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Research plays a major role in Biology Department’s curriculum. Both Biology Department faculty and students actively pursue research on a variety of topics.
Biology Laboratories & Instrumentation
The biology department has multiple state-of-the-art laboratories fully-equipped with advance biological instrumentation.
Beta Beta Beta
Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study.
Pre-Veterinary Club
The Hillsdale College Pre-Veterinary Club exists to provide pre-veterinary students insights into graduate-school options and the application process, and to offer real-life opportunities to work with animals and veterinarians in the Hillsdale area.
Summer Science Camps
Every summer, the departments in Hillsdale College’s Natural Sciences Division host summer science camps for high school students.