About the DepartmentDepartment of Biology

Welcome to the community of Gustavus life scientists. The Biology Department provides students with a rigorous education that includes hands-on training, quantitative analyses, professional writing and scientific reasoning in subjects from protein regulation or bioinformatics to mammal behavior, and from reproductive biology or physiological tolerance to ecological dynamics. Students develop breadth and depth from their coursework and have the opportunity to pursue high quality experiences (e.g., research opportunities and employment) that prepare them well for employment as well as graduate or professional studies.

Program Features

• Students conduct research in and outside of courses.
• Close collaboration among students and faculty using research-grade facilities.
• Students regularly present their research via poster presentations or publications.
• Faculty create and teach innovative classes that train students as scientists and citizens.
• Biology faculty and students participate in interdisciplinary programs such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Studies, Neuroscience and Life Science Teaching.
• Many students serve our Program actively by: tutoring, becoming a teaching assistant, working in the greenhouse or stockroom, managing our specimen collections, caring for animals, or becoming a member of Beta Beta Beta (Biology Honors Society).

Department Statement on Anti-Racism

The Biology Department at Gustavus Adolphus College acknowledges the depth and pervasiveness of systemic racism in the United States and in academia. Increasing awareness of history, experience, and conscience challenges us to increase our understanding of how we, our department, and Gustavus Adolphus College perpetuate the structures of racism. We must support each other in developing a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community of biologists.