Biological Sciences

As undergraduates, Olivet science majors get to explore mysteries of the human body that are typically reserved for study in graduate school and beyond. Students benefit from hands-on learning in excellent laboratories, mentored and supervised by faculty members. Modern scientific tools for use by undergraduates include spectrophotometers, centrifuges, video-microscopy, analytical balances, electrophoresis systems, CRISPR-cas9 and an inverted, fluorescent capable microscope.

Students who graduate from the program are exceedingly prepared for entrance into graduate school, medical school, dental school or whatever next steps they plan to take in order to reach their career goals.


About the Degree

Starting freshman year, students receive instruction directly from their professors, instead of just meeting a list of assignments and deadlines on their own. Olivet professors have a long track record of research, practical experience and mentoring students. Students may choose a concentration from various options.

Biology
Zoology
Environmental Science
Science Education

Outside the Classroom

Field experiences are a hallmark of the biological sciences programs. Recent student/faculty excursions include:

  • Arctic Circle, Alaska
  • Costa Rica
  • The Field Museum
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, Indiana
  • Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
  • Kankakee River State Park
  • Bahamas
  • Michigan and Washington State

 

Zoology

Environmental Science

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Learn why Olivet’s dedication to faith and integrity have earned its rank as Illinois's number one Christian university.

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Current Projects

Many Olivet students keep busy by pursuing faculty-mentored original research projects. Access ONU's science reporter Brandon Grossi has the story.

Our Facilities

The Department of Biological Sciences is housed in the state-of-the-art Reed Hall of Science, which underwent major renovations in 2014 and 2020. The modern, three-story facility provides laboratories, technology and curriculum of a world-class program. There are opportunities for students to to use the Greer Botanical Greenhouse for research and learn about anatomy by dissecting human cadavers under the supervision of surgeons — opportunities that are unique among undergraduate programs. A newly purchased, real-time PCR also allows biology majors to do campus wide COVID-19 screening for students and employees, and will be an invaluable research tool for years to come.

Our Faculty

Students are held to the highest standards by faculty and staff as they receive the education, training and mentoring they need. Small classes afford close interaction with faculty members, who are experienced professionals in their respective specialties.

Biological Sciences Faculty

Science Policy Statements

Rapid developments in science create theological questions, particularly as science relates to evolution. Read more about Olivet's Theistic Evolution Statement.

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Dissection and experimentation are essential tools for studying the anatomy and physiology of biological specimens. Read more about Olivet's dissection policy.

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Learning Through Research

Students find research opportunities through a variety of avenues including campus laboratories with professor-mentors who use cutting-edge equipment and techniques like inverted fluorescent microscopy and Crispr-cas 9; community biotech firms like CSL Behring and Futurceuticals; and national centers of excellence like Baylor and Northwestern Universities.

Special Programs

Research Awards

At Olivet Nazarene University, students conduct high-quality research to discover new and exciting findings! Zoology students Kim Zralka and McKenna Conforti presented their University Honors Program research at the 2018 Illinois State Academy of Sciences annual meeting and received high awards for their contributions to science. 

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