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College of Arts and Sciences

Biology

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Dr. Erin Morris

Professor of Biology

Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry

Boyd Science Center 228

What does a biology major do?

About

Fascinated by the natural world? Then a biology degree is for you. Through a combination of science, math, and technology courses, a biology major explores the characteristics of living organisms; examines how they function, survive, and contribute to the world.

A biology major conducts research, engages in experiments, solves problems, and learns to organize and communicate their findings.

Why earn a biology degree from Baker University?

As a biology major at Baker University, you can expect a personalized learning experience led by a highly qualified faculty. You’ll work alongside professors to do original research on topics such as molecular biology, epidemiology, biomedical science, animal science, and antibiotic resistance. Some are seeking solutions to climate change.

Choose from four biology tracks:

  • General biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Ecology (also a minor)
  • Teaching biology at the secondary level
Student measuring butterfly

What can you do with a biology degree?

A major in biology positions you for a variety of jobs that require a strong science and math background. There are a lot more biology-related jobs that we can list here, but it’s a start:

  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Optometrist
  • Physician assistant
  • Microbiologist
  • Laboratory scientist
  • Science teacher
  • Food science technician
  • Veterinarian
  • Environmental scientist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Ecologist or wetland scientist
  • Genetic counselor

The Baker Wetlands: Paradise for a Biology Major

Talk about hands-on learning! Just 10 miles from Baker’s campus is 927 acres of rich, natural wildlife where a biology major can explore and conduct research in one of the most diverse habitats in Kansas.

Sunset image over baker wetlands

Interested in a human biology degree?

If you want to study both biology and the social sciences in preparation for a career in health care, you can choose to major in human biology, which allows you to take courses in multiple disciplines.

Learn More

What about dental school or medical school?

You’ll be happy to know that biology majors at Baker University are accepted into dental school at an 89 percent rate and accepted into medical school at a 70 percent rate.

Do you want to be a biology teacher?

Baker University’s undergraduate education programs license teachers in biology (6-12). Students pursuing a degree in education and teacher licensure work closely with faculty advisors from the School of Education to fulfill the requirements for a degree from Baker University and teacher licensure in Kansas. Candidates are required to complete education course work and the required course work in at least one content area.

Teacher Licensure

Noyce Scholarship & ASTRA Program

The Noyce Scholarship and ASTRA Program trains excellent STEM teachers. Through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant from the National Science Foundation, Noyce scholars will be awarded a scholarship of $11,000 during their junior and senior years as they tackle a demanding course load that culminates in a double major in education and either biology, chemistry, or mathematics.

Noyce & ASTRA

Scholarships for Biology Majors

The Department of Biology and Chemistry gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Biology
  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Chemistry
  • Howard T. Bonnett Scholarship and Mrs. Ivan L. Boyd Memorial Scholarship
  • Margaret E. Scanlon Endowed Memorial Scholarship
  • E.J. Cragoe Scholarship
  • Chemical Rubber Company Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award
  • Sonia Browning Endowed Scholarship
  • Doris Cink and Kathryn Zimney Endowed Scholarship
  • More scholarship options
Student holding a small snake
         

Joanne M. Howard, PhD, Endowed Scholarship

The Joanne M. Howard, PhD, Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a woman pursuing a career in medicine or medical research. The award may be renewed until graduation as long as the recipient continues to meet the criteria:

  • Meets FASFA financial-need requirements

  • Has a 3.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintains it until graduation
  • Is of good character
  • Is considering a career in medicine (MD, DO, PA), pharmacy, professor of sciences, medical research, or pharmaceutical research

This scholarship was established to honor Joanne Morrison Howard, PhD, by her husband, Cleve, and her son, Nathan. Dr. Howard graduated from Baker University in 1962. She earned a master’s degree in 1966 and a doctoral degree in 1970 from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She taught at the University of Louisville Hospital and from 1976 to 2006 at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where she was a member of the Department of Cell Biology.

 

“I am grateful to have received this endowed scholarship because it has shown me that I am capable of more than I ever thought I was. I am so thankful that I got to represent Joanne M. Howard and honor such an amazing woman. I am grateful to be able to represent women in science and humbled that I was chosen among a pool of my incredibly talented peers.”
—Skyler Bruck, 2021, human biology major

 

 

“Receiving the Joanne M. Howard Scholarship has created a positive impact on moving forward into the medical field. I feel very fortunate to have this solidify my passion for helping others as a physician assistant after completing my biochemistry degree here at Baker.”
—Abigail Richard, biochemistry major

Biology Course Descriptions

Meet the Faculty

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Dr. Erin Morris

Professor of Biology, Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry

B.A. Drury University, Ph.D. University of Missouri-Columbia

Expertise: molecular plant genetics

Office: Boyd Science Center 228

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Dr. Scott Kimball

Associate Professor of Biology, Dr. Roger Boyd Professor of Biology

B.A. Baker University, M.S. Boise State University, Ph.D. The Ohio State University

Expertise: Expertise: avian ecology and animal behavior

Office: Office: Boyd Science Center 229

Dr. William Randy Miller

Research Assistant Professor

B.S., M.A. University of Montana; Ph.D. University of New England

Office: Office: Boyd Science Center 225

Dr. Darcy Russell

Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Professor of Biology

B.S. Baker University, Ph.D. Kansas State University

Expertise: microbiology

Office: Constant Hall, Academic Affairs Suite

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Dr. Irene Unger

Professor of Biology, Director of the Baker Wetlands

B.S. Truman State University, M.S. St. Louis University, Ph.D. University of Missouri at Columbia

Expertise: plant-soil-microbe interactions, terrestrial plant ecology

Office: Wetlands Discovery Center

Dr. Kyle York

Assistant Professor of Biology

Ph.D. Cleveland University

Expertise: Human anatomy and physiology

Office: Boyd Science Center 227

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Dr. Charmaine Henry

Associate Professor of Biology

B.S. University of the Virgin Islands; Ph.D. University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey

Expertise: physiology, immunology, anatomy

Office: Boyd Science Center 225

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Dr. Calvin Cink

Emeritus Prof. of Biology

Office: Boyd Science Center 325

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Dr. Christian Gomez

Assistant Professor of Biology

B.S. Washburn University, Ph.D. University of Kansas

Expertise: cell biology, microbiology, cancer biology

Office: Boyd Science Center 230