Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty

Randal Johnson (1986)
Professor of Biology; Chair, Department of Biological Sciences

B.A., 1976, Trinity College

M.S., 1982, Idaho State University

D.A., 1983, Idaho State University

Dwight Ginn (1992)
Professor of Biology

B.A., 1978, Taylor University

M.S., 1983, Purdue University

Ph.D., 1989, The Ohio State University

Gregory Long (1995)
Professor of Biology

B.S., 1984, Olivet Nazarene University

Ph.D., 1989, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Aggie Posthumus (2005)
Assistant Professor of of Biology

B.S., 1982, University of Florida

M.Ed., 1988, University of Florida

Leo Finkenbinder (2007)
Visiting Professor of of Biology

B.S., 1963, Northwestern Oklahoma State University

M.S., 1968, Oklahoma State University

Ph.D., 1981, University of Oklahoma

Michael Pyle (2008)
Professor of Biology

B.A., 1974, Indiana University

M.D., 1978, Indiana University School of Medicine

Janna McLean (2009)
Dean of College of Arts and Sciences; Professor of Biology

B.A., 1983, Hope College

Ph.D., 1990, Carnegie Mellon University

The Department of Biological Sciences seeks to prepare students to teach biology in public schools, pursue graduate studies, enter medical school or related health sciences, secure research, industrial, or forensics lab positions, or enter biologically related industrial management and/or governmental positions. In addition, the Department of Biological Sciences curriculum provides training for students fulfilling the general education requirements of the University and for students who desire to expand their knowledge and understanding of biological principles.

Biological knowledge arranges itself naturally according to levels of organization. Each level (molecular, cellular, individual, and ecological) has its own principles, techniques, and language. It is desired that all biology students have experience with each level for the wealth of understanding that such training brings to the person's own academic specialty.

All majors in the Department of Biological Sciences at Olivet take a sequence of courses designed to convey the body of knowledge which is essential to the undergraduate training of biologists regardless of their ultimate specialization. Students may earn either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with majors offered in Biology, Zoology, and Environmental Science. Students interested in pre-professional programs such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinarian, pre-pharmacy, pre-optometry, pre-physician assistant, pre-physical therapy, etc., should consult with advisers in the Department of Biological Sciences. In addition, students may prepare to teach science in public schools by completing the Science Education major described in this section and in the School of Education section of this Catalog.

For more detailed information on faculty, facilities, programs and career opportunities, visit the ONU website, contact the Office of Admissions, or the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.