Department of BiologyAcademics
About the Department
Changing Lives through Life Sciences
Gustavus biology students are driven to contribute to their fields, whether they're future medical professionals, environmental scientists, or educators. The biology department offers you scientific training that includes hands-on experiences that build quantitative analyses, professional communication, and reasoning skills. At Gustavus, you can pursue your interests in the natural world with dedicated faculty in top-of-the-line facilities. You will gain experience doing research that prepares you to be a leader in your career - from genetics of stress or cancer to restoration ecology and animal behavior.
Gustavus's biology faculty offer students opportunities to see beyond the facts and to examine unanswered questions while also considering ethical and societal impacts. Upon graduation, students pursue graduate or professional schools at top universities or start careers in healthcare, education, natural resources, or in research labs, among many other options.
Dive into Research in Some of the Best Science Facilities in Minnesota
When you study biology at Gustavus Adolphus, you are learning in state-of-the-art facilities from award-winning faculty. The State of Minnesota is also a national leader in biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The beautiful Gustavus Adolphus campus, located in Saint Peter, Minnesota, is a fun and supportive place with proximity to big-city opportunities as well as diverse natural areas. You're minutes away from the medium-sized city of Mankato, an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul or to Rochester, home of the Mayo Clinic. You can do research on campus, nearby, or be connected to opportunities around the country.
Discover your path:
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs
Gustavus biology majors are motivated to address pressing questions by a faculty that nurtures scientific curiosity. You will acquire essential knowledge of biological processes, from molecules to ecosystems. You also will apply that knowledge in labs and class discussions. As you move through the major, you can specialize in your area of interest with electives spanning the cellular world to global ecosystems.
With small classes and labs connected to most courses, you will be empowered to work independently and learn to collaborate on a team. You will build these relevant career competencies under the mentorship of knowledgeable and supportive faculty. As a biology major, you will take the same core biology courses with a cohort of peers. This builds a strong community among the students that deepens the learning process.
Related Programs
Contributing Today While Growing Through Research
From your first year through senior year, the research opportunities in biology equip you with the essential skills to break new ground in the discipline, discover your areas of interest, and explore future career tracks. Science can be messy. You will explore the variations and exceptions, not just the rules. Gustavus is a place that nurtures your curiosity and has opportunities to build technical research skills on campus, both in labs and the Arboretum. In addition, the faculty and alumni are well-connected to top research institutions worldwide. Discover research opportunities at Gustavus.
Opportunities in Biology
Stand Out with Powerful Skill-Building Opportunities
Picture yourself conducting fieldwork in the Northwoods or the Great American Prairie, or investigating medical research at the Mayo Clinic, or designing a novel experiment alongside a Gustavus professor. Step into life-changing and career-advancing experiences with Biology at Gustavus.
Explore Opportunities in Biology
- Research — Develop your skills by contributing directly to research on campus, at other universities or institutions like Mayo Clinic, or with governmental organizations that manage parks or natural resources. Research grants to support independent work are available each semester as are opportunities to present research locally or nationally.
- Student Clubs and Awards — Build relationships and interpersonal skills while learning through national organizations like Beta Beta Beta (Biology Honors Society); the Botanical Society of America; or TriAlpha, for first generation college students. Each provides opportunities for leadership, service, and academic recognition. The Department also recognizes several top students for academic, service, or research accomplishments each year.
- Facilities, Instrumentation, and Collections for Learning — From instruments that analyze DNA and proteins, grow cell cultures, and image microscopic processes, to plant collections, and a campus greenhouse, you have access to facilities, instruments, and collections to study hands-on.
- Teaching Assistance and Tutoring — Participate as a biology educator to lock in your skill set. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in biology education or not, teaching is a great way to solidify your own mastery of the subject and build interpersonal skills that are attractive to employers.
- Study Away — From tropical locales to mountains or oceans, study abroad opportunities allow you to experience different cultures and ecosystems. Approved coursework can apply to your Gustavus degree.
- Careers — Career development starts with one-on-one advising with a Biology faculty member who can help you craft a four year plan that includes internships, research, and work experiences that build your resume. The Gustavus Career Development Center offers additional resources to help leverage all your scientific and liberal arts competencies for your career path.
- Graduate and Professional School — Many students choose to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, genetics, ecology, veterinary, plant biology, food systems, ecology, natural resources and more. We provide support and guidance as well as an Honors program option to help you take the next step in your education.
Gusties
will
Shine
Gustavus embraces Biology students as more than scientists - they are artists, musicians, athletes, environmentalists, policy makers, advocates, and leaders. Meet the faculty and students evolving their disciplines and improving their communities.
Professor Jeff Dahlseid ’90
Faculty member in the Departments of Biology,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Chemistry
“One of the things that attracted me as a professor was the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program.” I grew up in Fergus Falls. My parents met at Gustavus. They were both first- generation college students who became public educators and really strong proponents of the liberal arts. I was interested in the biomolecular fields and […]
Keep in Touch with Biology
The Biology Department at Gustavus Adolphus is committed to providing you with a comprehensive education and real experiences that prepare you for diverse careers in the life sciences. Students in the program enjoy being engaged in campus life from music and theatre to athletics, community service, cultural groups, and student leadership. Gustavus gives you the resources and opportunities you need to achieve your goals, whether you want to join other scientists in the workforce right away or attend graduate school.
Contact Biology
Email: biology-dept@gustavus.eduPhone: 507-933-7333
Nobel Hall of Science, 2145
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082