Biology

Our high-quality, well-equipped biology program prioritizes the integration of faith and scientific inquiry, empowering students to explore Christ’s preeminence in the wonder, beauty, and intricacies of biology. Our faculty guide students through an engaging and rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of biological disciplines, from genetics and physiology to ecology and immunology.

On this page Overview Graduate Outcomes Programs / Features Faculty Contact

Program Overview

Covenant’s biology program encourages students to explore how our faith provides a lens through which we can interpret the scientific world. We challenge students to develop a perspective that sees and understands humanity’s scientific pursuits in the context of a broader Christian theological framework.

As hands-on experience is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of biology, students participate in laboratory and field activities connected with classes and in research studies in collaboration with our faculty. Our facilities are equipped with a range of current lab bench equipment and field research equipment.

From conducting experiments to analyzing data, students actively participate in the scientific process, developing critical thinking skills and honing their problem-solving abilities. We also delve into the ethical implications of scientific advancements in biology, encouraging students to consider the moral and spiritual dimensions of technical and scientific advances.

Graduate Outcomes

Our graduates have embarked on a variety of career paths in research, healthcare, environmental conservation, and education, equipped with the foundational knowledge, skills, and faith-based values necessary to pursue and make a profound impact in their chosen fields.

Alumni have also pursued graduate studies at such institutions as:

Vanderbilt University College of Medicine
University of Alabama School of Dentistry
Notre Dame University
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
California College of Podiatric Medicine
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Georgetown University College of Medicine
Stanford University College of Medicine

Chris Sossou '11

Lilly Smith '19

Jake Groenendyk ’14

Jonathan Crossman '18

Programs & Features

Students studying Biology at Covenant learn to appreciate the beauty of God’s Creation while preparing for careers that specialize in studying and caring for His creatures. Because of the diversity of Creation, the discipline of Biology includes equally diverse areas of study. As such, students majoring in Biology will choose from one of the following concentrations in order to specialize in the content most aligned with their interests:

Cellular and Molecular Concentration
Study the molecular mechanisms that direct the cellular functions involved in all living things
Recommended for students pursuing careers as a medical doctor, veterinary doctor, dentist, optometrist, or biomedical researcher.
Organismal Concentration
Study the mechanisms by which cells work together within complex organisms
Recommended for students interested in pursuing careers in animal science, botany, or zoology.
Ecological Concentration
Study the complex relationships between organisms in an ecosystem
Recommended for students interested in pursuing careers in ecology, wildlife conservation, resource management, or environmental ethics.

Each of these concentrations includes a standard set of courses in general biology, and chemistry but also includes specialized content knowledge to prepare students for their intended vocational path.

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Students majoring in Health Science will develop the scientific foundations necessary to pursue a career in health care while practicing a Christ-centered approach to serving others. The Health Science major (include link) is ideal preparation for post graduate studies in:

Nursing*
Physician Assistant
Physical Therapy
Chiropractic
Occupational Therapy
Exercise Science
Registered Dietitian
Healthcare Administration
Public Health
Health Education

* While Covenant does not offer a 4-year BSN program, the Health Science major is excellent preparation for an accelerated BSN (12 to 18 mo.) or direct-entry MSN (typically 2 year) program at another institution.

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Requirements for a minor in Biology include 4 hours of BIO 111 General Biology I, 4 hours of BIO 112 General Biology II, and 12 hours of Biology electives.

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Covenant's neuroscience certificate provides an interdisciplinary curricular structure and intellectual grounding for students intending to pursue graduate study in neuroscience-related fields. Pursuing the neuroscience certificate will also provide students with unique opportunities to consider mind, brain, and body connections from a Christian perspective.

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The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability minor at Covenant cultivates student’s abilities to articulate a faithful perspective on the physical world, to pursue creation care personally as a commitment to reconciliation, and to become vocational leaders in the growing environmental workforce.

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Students interested in teaching biology for grades 6-12 can complete a BA degree with a major in biology (following the general biology concentration) and then enroll in the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Covenant College.

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BIO 113 The Language of Nature
BIO 263 Natural History of the Appalachian Highlands
BIO 313 Genetics
BIO 322 Physiology of Exercise
BIO 346 Cancer Biology
BIO 335 Field Botany
BIO 401 Conceptual Review of Neuroscience

"Ultraviolet Radiation Damage and Sunscreen Efficacy"
"Exercise Compared to the Treatment with SSRIs for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescence: A Review of the Data"
"A Web of Interactions: Factors Contributing to Spillover of Zoonotic Viruses to Humans"
"Implication of Origins for Design and Evolution Discourse: The Flagellum as an Example"
"The Importance of Big Cat Behavioral Research in Zoological Institutions"

Guided Capstone Requirements

Beyond the classroom, our program provides numerous extracurricular opportunities to enhance students' learning and professional development. Each year, we bring in seminar speakers who share their experiences, insights, and challenges relating to their professional work.

Additionally, students in the biology program are required to explore possible vocations through a practicum experience (shadowing, research internships, etc.) so that they can have clearer discernment as they discover their vocational callings.

Meet the Biology Faculty

Lynell Martinez Assistant Professor of Biology

Richard Nelson Professor of Biology

Tim Morris Professor of Biology

Joelle Fletcher Assistant Professor of Biology

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