Overview

Calvin's bachelor of science in biology combines foundational learning with a strong emphasis on biological research. If you're interested in pursuing an advanced degree in biology, medicine or research, this is the ideal program for you. Calvin's connections with the local, national and global scientific community open up tremendous experiential learning opportunities for you. Excellent research facilities and equipment, funded in part by numerous grants from the National Science Foundation, give you the tools you need to excel in this field.

At Calvin, you'll be invited to:

• explore what it means to be a Christian and a scientist
• work closely with experienced faculty members on real research projects
• study a wide array of topics, from immunology to anatomy and paleontology

Careers in Biology (B.S.)

As a graduate of this program, you might find work as a:

• Pharmaceutical representative
• genetic therapist
• molecular biologist
• agricultural researcher
• More

See job placement rates for Calvin grads.

Student involvement

Become a lab assistant; assist a professor with summer research; participate in the Environmental Stewardship Coalition; work at the Bunker Interpretive Center (Calvin's on-campus ecosystem preserve); lead a science camp during the summer

Course Requirements 2011-12

Biology major (BS)

Prerequisite to a program of concentration in biology or biotechnology is a minimum average of C (2.0) in Biology 123, 224, and 225 or approved equivalent courses.

(35-39 semester hours)

• BIOL-123 The Living World: Concepts & Connections
• BIOL-224 Cellular & Genetic Systems
• BIOL-225 Ecological & Evolutionary Systems
• BIOL-250 Research Design & Methodology
• BIOL-295 (taken twice, one concurrently with BIOL-250)
• Four from:
  • BIOL-311 Field Botany
  • BIOL-313 Paleontology
  • BIOL-321 Genetics and Development
  • BIOL-323 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
  • BIOL-325 Biotechnology
  • BIOL-331 Comparative Animal Physiology
  • BIOL-332 Plant Physiology
  • BIOL-333 Immunology and Hematology
  • BIOL-334 Cell and Tissue Culture
  • BIOL-335 Cell Physiology
  • BIOL-336 General Microbiology
  • BIOL-338 Animal Behavior
  • BIOL-341 Entomology
  • BIOL-344 Vertebrate Biology
  • BIOL-345 Ecosystem Ecology and Management
  • BIOL-346 Plant Taxonomy
  • BIOL-364 Global Health, Environment, & Sustainability
  • CHEM-324 Biochemistry II
  • An approved interim, three of which must have a laboratory component, (Chemistry 383 fulfills the laboratory component for Chemistry 324)
• One from:
  • BIOL-354 Investigations in a Specific Topic
  • BIOL-385 Internship in Biology
  • BIOL-399 Undergraduate Research
  • An advanced research contract in an advanced course (see department website for contract details)
• One from:
  • BIOL-394 Perspectives in Biotechnology
  • BIOL-395 Perspectives in Biology
  • BIOL-396 Perspectives in Medicine
• Completion of the biology major field test

Cognates (25-29 semester hours)

• CHEM-103 General Chemistry I
• CHEM-104 General Chemistry II
• One from:
  • CHEM-253 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM-261 Organic Chemistry I
• MATH-143 Probability and Statistics
• Two from:
  • MATH-132 Calculus for Management, Life, & Social Sciences
  • MATH-171 Calculus I
  • CS-106 Intro Scientific Computation & Modeling
  • PHYS-221 General Physics
  • PHYS-222 General Physics
• One from:
  • CS-106 Intro Scientific Computation & Modeling (if not taken as quantitative cognate above)
  • CHEM-262 Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM-271 Environmental Chemistry
  • CHEM-303 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
  • CHEM-304 Phys Chem for Biol Sciences
  • CHEM-323 Biochemistry I
  • CHEM-329 Instrumental Meth for Chem/Bio Sciences
  • GEOL-151 Introductory Geology
  • GEOL-311 Geomorphology
  • PHYS-223 Physics for Health Sciences
  • PSYC-333 Brain & Behavior
  • A biophysics interim
• IS-141 Information Systems is recommended for students intent on graduate study in biology or a professional school and who do not take CS-106 Intro Scientific Computation & Modeling.

Biology minor

Prerequisite to a program of concentration in biology or biotechnology is a minimum average of C (2.0) in Biology 123, 224, and 225 or approved equivalent courses.

(19-20 semester hours)

• BIOL-123 The Living World: Concepts & Connections
• BIOL-224 Cellular & Genetic Systems
• BIOL-225 Ecological & Evolutionary Systems
• BIOL-250 Research Design & Methodology
• BIOL-295 (taken concurrently with Biology 250)
• Two from:
  • BIOL-311 Field Botany
  • BIOL-313 Paleontology
  • BIOL-321 Genetics and Development
  • BIOL-323 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
  • BIOL-325 Biotechnology
  • BIOL-331 Comparative Animal Physiology
  • BIOL-332 Plant Physiology
  • BIOL-333 Immunology and Hematology
  • BIOL-334 Cell and Tissue Culture
  • BIOL-335 Cell Physiology
  • BIOL-336 General Microbiology
  • BIOL-338 Animal Behavior
  • BIOL-341 Entomology
  • BIOL-344 Vertebrate Biology
  • BIOL-345 Ecosystem Ecology and Management
  • BIOL-346 Plant Taxonomy
  • BIOL-364 Global Health, Environment, & Sustainability
  • BIOL-385 Internship in Biology
  • BIOL-390 Independent Study
  • BIOL-399 Undergraduate Research
  • CHEM-324 Biochemistry II
  • An approved interim, one of which must have a laboratory component, (Chemistry 383 fulfills the laboratory component for Chemistry 324)

Scholarships

Dollar amounts reflect awards given for the 2010-11 academic year.

AJV Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required; strong Christian character, desire to model Christ in their work as a nurse and medical professional; interest in mentoring relationship with the donor
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Stephen P. Beals Family Scholarship

• amount of award: $1,500
• junior or senior pursuing a pre-medicine program
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Henry Bengelink Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $2,100
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need considered; intend to become a teacher at the high school or college level
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. and Mrs. Harvey J. Bratt Medical and Missions Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.00+
• financial need considered; interest in service to the poor and needy
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Thomas F. Caldon, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $2,050
• first-year
• HS GPA 3.3+
• financial need required
• automatic consideration

Bruce and Joanne Deckinga/Compassion International Scholarship

• award amount: $3,100
• sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing elementary education or a pre-med program
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required; preference to students who worked on a garbage truck or play the organ
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Debra Deur Scholarship

• award amount: $3,800
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Kathryn De Weerd Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $1,900
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need considered; planning to pursue a career in chiropractic or osteopathic medicine or physical therapy
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. Paul and Mrs. Doris Dirkse Health Care Scholarship

• award amount: $1,900
• junior or senior
• good academic record
• financial need considered; Christian character; motivation; potential for service
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Arnold and Mary Dood Medical Services Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• sophomore, junior, or senior
• GPA 3.30+
• financial need considered; serving spirit
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Alan and Genevieve Gebben Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,300
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; demonstrate interest/desire to preserve and protect Earth's creatures
• apply through the Calvin Portal

God Has No Border Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $1,500
• first-year
• HS GPA 3.0+
• financial need required; interest in service; preference to applicants from underserved area (national or missionary kid)
• prospective students submit a letter to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid describing your qualifications by February 1

Carl and Sandra Gronsman Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,100
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.75+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

William and Winifred Haeck Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,400
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.3+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

James and Beatrice Harkema Family Scholarship

• award amount: $1,750
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; pursuing biomedical science
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dewey and Marilyn Heetderks Family Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.3+
• financial need considered; consideration given to Christian commitment and interest in medical missions
• apply through the Calvin Portal

William John Heule Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $3,000
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.3+
• financial need not required; demonstrate a passion for fishing (preference for bass fishing)
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. Roger A. and Bradley J. Hoekstra Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $1,600
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need considered; Christian character; motivation; potential for service
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Hazel Holtrop Natural Resources Scholarship

• award amount: $1,500
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need required; have an interest in a natural resource career
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• first-year
• HS GPA of 3.5+; minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT of 1250
• financial need not required
• complete the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholarship application

Ann, Myrtle, Eunice, Faith and Marie Huizenga Scholarship for Women

• award amount: $1,900
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.2+
• financial need required; interested in missions
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. and Mrs. Lee S. Huizenga Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $1,800
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.2+
• financial need required; interest in missions or service work
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Martin and Frances Karsten Biology Scholarship

• award amount: $2,700
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need considered
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Keuning Scholarship

• amount of award: N/A
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need considered; receiving services from office of services to students with disabilities
• apply through the Calvin Portal

William J. and Glenda Masselink Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; pursuing pre-dentistry, pre-medicine or physics
• apply through the Calvin Portal

McNamara Scholarship

• award amount: $3,000
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.5+
• financial need required; preference may be given to a student in the honors program or who has been adopted
• apply through the Calvin Portal

McNamara Scholarship

• award amount: $3,000
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.5+
• financial need required; preference may be given to a student in the honors program or who has been adopted
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Meeuwsen Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $3,200
• sophomore, junior, or senior
• GPA 3.3+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

NSF Scientific Computing Scholarship

• award amount: $5,000 to $8,000
• any class level
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; US citizen; full-time student; demonstrate an interest in scientific computation and modeling
• apply through the Integrated Science Research Institute

Mike and Bette Oostendorp Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,600
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required; participation in volunteer activities
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Pool Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.5+
• financial need required; strong Christian character
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Paul and Thelma Schutt Family Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required; Christian character and caring personality
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Secondary Science Education Scholarship

• award amount: $2,400
• sophomore, junior or senior
• financial need required; major in secondary science education
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Drs. Richard James and Susan Beving Strikwerda Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.5+
• financial need not required; preference to graduates of Holland Christian HS, David Glasgow Farragut HS, or Montgomery County Public HS
• apply through the Calvin Portal

James and Dolly (Hofman) Strikwerda Family Scholarship

• award amount: $1,900
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• evidence that the scholarship is needed to help meet educational expenses
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. Bernard J. Ten Broek Biology Scholarship

• award amount: $2,350
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.3+
• financial need required; demonstrate interest in the area of animal biology
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Peter V. Tigchelaar Pre-Medical/Dental Scholarship

• award amount: $2,350
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.5+
• financial need required; involvement in community or extracurricular college activities
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Arnold and Janice VanderBok Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,700
• first-year
• financial need required; speak Spanish fluently; preference to Hispanic students
• prospective students submit a letter to the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calvin.edu) describing your qualifications by February 1; returning students apply through the Calvin Portal

Joseph and Ralph Gelmer Vander Laan Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $2,200
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• good academic record
• financial need required; interest in medical missions
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. Corwin G. and Ina June VanderVeer Family Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,300
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.3+
• financial need not required; christian character and caring personality
• apply through the Calvin Portal

VanDerWoude Science Scholarship

• award amount: $4,000
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.3+
• financial need not required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. Glenn VanDommelen Family Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

John and Lillian Van Oosten Scholarship

• award amount: $2,700
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Victor VerMeulen Medical Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• junior or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need considered
• apply through the Calvin Portal

West Michigan Optometric Scholarship

• award amount: $1,500
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; intending to pursue a career in optometry
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Dr. Morris Wilderom Scholarship

• award amount: $2,900
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required; motivation, Christian character, ability to contribute to the profession
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Steven M. Zifferblatt Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $4,700
• senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need not required; pursuing a career in a health care profession
• apply through the Calvin Portal

View all scholarship opportunities

Faculty

Eric Arnoys Associate Professor Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry earnoys@calvin.edu (616) 526-6051 Yaw Bediako Instructor Department of Biology Devries Hall 127 tbedia64@calvin.edu (616) 526-7619 Curtis Blankespoor Professor Department of Biology cblankes@calvin.edu (616) 526-6498 Hessel Bouma~III Professor Department of Biology boum@calvin.edu (616) 526-6401 Randall DeJong Assistant Professor Department of Biology rdejong@calvin.edu (616) 526-7625 David Dornbos Associate Professor Department of Biology dld9@calvin.edu (616) 526-8578 Keith Grasman Professor Department of Biology kag4@calvin.edu (616) 526-6024 Arlene Hoogewerf Professor, Department Chair Department of Biology ahoogewe@calvin.edu (616) 526-8668 David Koetje Professor Department of Biology dkoetje@calvin.edu (616) 526-7047 Darla McCarthy Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry mccarthy@calvin.edu (616) 526-8588

Rich Nyhof Professor Department of Biology nyhr@calvin.edu (616) 526-6347 Anding Shen Assistant Professor Department of Biology as28@calvin.edu (616) 526-6025 Ralph Stearley Professor Department of Geology Geography & Environmental Studies rstearle@calvin.edu (616) 526-6370 Peter Tigchelaar Professor Department of Biology ptigch@calvin.edu (616) 526-6346 John Ubels Professor Department of Biology jubels@calvin.edu (616) 526-6219 Randy Van Dragt Professor Department of Biology vdra@calvin.edu (616) 526-6497 Dave Warners Professor Department of Biology dwarners@calvin.edu (616) 526-6820 John Wertz Assistant Professor Department of Biology jwertz59@calvin.edu (616) 526-7621 Amy Wilstermann Associate Professor Department of Biology amw26@calvin.edu (616) 526-7620 Uko Zylstra Professor Department of Biology zylu@calvin.edu (616) 526-6499