Biology
Major/Minor
As a biology major at Thomas More, students develop the analytical skills needed to succeed in diverse and rapidly changing fields of science.
A broad, scientific training based on a foundation of core courses, leads to options in selecting upper-level biology courses of one’s own specialization. Students learn to be strong critical thinkers, are involved in diverse, hands-on laboratory settings, and have opportunities to use their degree in vast ways. As one of the three largest undergraduate programs at Thomas More, students simultaneously experience the atmosphere and accessibility of a small campus, while benefiting from a vibrant peer and faculty community of biologists that provide unique opportunities to students.
Why study biology at Thomas More?
A diverse and specialized curriculum is taught by expert faculty. Core foundational courses are complemented by specialized upper-level offerings (e.g., animal behavior, aquatic biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics). Study abroad opportunities taught by professors exist in New Zealand and Scotland.
With a large population of students in the department, Thomas More’s biology majors are active in many campus organizations. Clubs include: Biological Honors Society, Biology Club, Blue & Green Club, Pre-Health Professionals Society, Marine Biology Club, and more.
Be part of the early assurance program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Students completing their sophomore year are eligible for early conditional acceptance into the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus, upon graduation from Thomas More.
Successful alumni make their mark throughout the industry, from health care (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists), to research (e.g., biomedical, microbiology) and education, to the environmental and public service fields (e.g., Peace Corps, aquatic biologists). Thomas More biology alumni make important contributions in diverse careers around the world.
Who will I be learning from?
Thomas More’s faculty are trained in diverse areas of expertise and this is shared with students through research and teaching excellence. Students gain their biological training – both in breadth and depth – from faculty who are experts in all areas of the curriculum. These areas of expertise include biochemistry, immunology, and molecular and population genetics (cellular and molecular biology). In addition, there are faculty who are highly trained in anatomy and physiology, botany, ichthyology, and microbiology (organismal biology). The University also has faculty experts in marine biology, terrestrial plant ecology, animal behavior, and freshwater biology (ecological biology).
Shannon Galbraith-Kent, Ph.D.
Professor & Chairperson
John R. Hageman. Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Dir. of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Christopher N. Lorentz, Ph.D.
Professor & Dir. of Biology Field Station
Stephanie Snyder Koch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Dir. of Marine Biology Program
Joseph E. Qualls, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Zachary Taylor, Ph.D.
Professor
Sabine Zacate, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Kelly Barbour, M.S.
Senior Laboratory Coordinator and Instructor
Where do alumni work or pursue advanced degrees?
Recent graduates have entered professional programs (e.g., medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy) at many institutions. These institutions include the University of Louisville, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University (St. Louis), Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, Emory University, and Auburn University.
Additionally, many alumni enter graduate programs and pursue a wide variety of research interests. Research institutions with Thomas More alumni include Miami University, University of Florida, Rutgers University, Johns Hopkins University, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of Cincinnati.
Graduates of Thomas More’s program have also found successful careers in very diverse organizations. These organizations include St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Proctor and Gamble, ORSANCO, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and others.
What careers are open to me?
With a biology degree, a multitude of careers are open to students. A small sampling includes: anesthesiologist, aquatic biologist, biochemist, biology professor, biomedical researcher, botanist, conservation director and educator, data scientist, dentist, ecologist, entomologist, environmental lawyer, environmental scientist, epidemiologist, food and drug scientist, forensic biologist, forester, genetic counselor, horticulturist, immunologist, marine biologist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, occupational therapist, optometrist, pharmacist, pharmaceutical sales, health specialist, physical therapist, physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, researcher (in many fields), science teacher, scientific writer, veterinarian, wildlife biologist, zoologist, and more.
Experiential learning opportunities
Biology Tracks
- Allopathic Medicine
- Dental School
- Marine Biology
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
Interested
in becoming a Thomas More student?