Biology

Cottey offers a BS in biology.

College student hands-on biology work in the lab at Cottey

Program Description

As a biology major, you will investigate the structure, function, heredity, and evolution of microorganisms, fungi, plants, and animals. Your studies will take place in laboratories and in the field.

Our program also places emphasis on scientific communication and leadership. You may also have the opportunity to attend a scientific conference where you will learn from peers and experts in your field of interest. In addition, some students conduct scientific research under the mentorship of a professor.

Research Program

Undergraduate Research Opportunity

Dr. Manjira Kumar also has a research program that allows a few students each year to conduct high-level laboratory research.

The project is ongoing and focuses on over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen and their links to algal bloom, infertility in men, and other harmful effects from NSAIDs polluting waterways.

Research Program

Signature Courses

BIO 125 Botany

Botany introduces students to the structure and function of plant cells, tissues, and organs. Botany also covers the ecology and evolution of different plant phyla.

A notable aspect of Cottey’s botany course is that students also learn about botanical art and artists. Each student gets a chance to create their own botanical sketches. Having to create botanical sketches is a great way to improve one’s observational skills, which is the first step to the scientific method. Many botany students have commented that they did not realize how complex leaves were until they had to draw them in detail.
BIO 301 Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology is a critical course for students planning to pursue biomedical research in the future. The class is very interactive in nature. Participation in a class presentation and scientific writing is mandatory.

In the laboratory, students use recombinant DNA technology to conduct a research project. This course covers the structure, function, replication, mutation, transcription and translation, and repair of genes.
BIO 340 Cadaver Dissection and Prosection

For such a small school, Cottey is lucky to have a cadaver laboratory. In Cadaver Dissection and Prosection, Cottey students have the chance to develop individualized projects related to dissection.

Cadaver dissection is a great experience for those students interested in the health fields. A real human body does not necessarily look like the models studied in anatomy laboratory.

Career Outcomes

Career Outcomes
- Health Care
- Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Nursing
- Veterinarians
- Field Ecologists
Biology majors also continue their education in graduate school to earn advanced degrees in
- Biostatistics
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- And Many Other Subfields

Cottey College biology student conducting field research by a lake

Why Cottey’s biology program is unique.

The biology class sizes are small at Cottey College! Even your largest class will be smaller than biology classes at many other colleges. Students receive personalized education and career advising from passionate and experienced faculty members.

Field trips are encouraged, and many classes participate in off-campus trips. Attending scientific conferences is also encouraged, so you may attend a regional or national scientific conference with a faculty member. Lastly, the biology program requires three hours of experiential learning, giving students hands-on experience with undergraduate research or the chance to shadow professionals.