About the Department

“There is grandeur in this view of life …. from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”

Charles Darwin, Origin of Species

At Berea College, we offer a rigorous foundation in Biology, coupled with a strong liberal arts curriculum.

As a Biology major, you can expect:

  • A commitment to academic excellence;
  • Small class sizes, individual attention, and the opportunity to work closely with your professors;
  • Specialty offerings in neurobiology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and more;
  • Strong partnerships between students and faculty advisors;
  • Opportunities for biological research both in class and on- and off-campus;
  • A solid background in a wide range of biological sub-disciplines that will prepare you for graduate school, professional school, or for employment in academics, research, industry, etc.;
  • The chance to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for life on Earth.

Resources in our Program include:

  • Fully-equipped teaching and research laboratories
    • Botany/Ecology
    • Zoology/Parasitology
    • Microbiology/Genetics
    • Cell & Molecular Biology
    • Histology & Histotechnique
    • Developmental Biology
    • Neurobiology
    • Mammalogy/Ornithology
    • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Greenhouse
  • Animal cell tissue culture facility
  • Research-grade microscopes
  • Human physiology PowerLab systems
  • Small animal facility
  • Herpetarium

“The Biology Program truly equipped me to think critically, ask insightful questions and solve problems creatively. I use these skills on a daily basis and feel that my Biology education will make me a more thoughtful scientist, physician, and citizen.”

Kaitlyn Reasoner, ‘16

Qualified students may serve as departmental laboratory and teaching assistants. Also, students may engage in faculty-directed research and independent study opportunities.

Meet our Berea Alumni

Lauren Ballou
Sonia Kamanda
Sunaina Sherchan