Biology

Do you want to go to medical, dental, veterinary or pharmacy school? Maybe some other graduate school? The Bachelor of Science in Biology is the right major for you.

Courses offered through the biology program at Davis & Elkins College are designed to enable you to develop an understanding of the process of scientific inquiry as well as an appreciation of the unity and diversity of life. The program further aims to help you establish an understanding and appreciation of the relationships that operate within the biosphere, especially those involving humankind.

To serve the needs of students with differing career interests, two degree options are offered: (1) the Bachelor of Science in Biology major is intended for preparing for is intended for students whose career goals are more technical and may include post-baccalaureate study. Several specializations are offered to help students more closely meet the requirements of graduate or professional schools (2) the Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Science major is intended for the student whose career goals differ from those of the traditional Biology major yet who wants some expertise in the biological and environmental sciences.

Opportunities

You’ll be engaged in much more than lectures, learning in a lab setting from inspiring faculty members with expertise in the field. Throughout your studies at D&E, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct research, secure an internship and attend conferences, among many other engaging experiences, to help you build a strong resume and achieve your goals.

A wide range of possible internships exists for you as a D&E student. Offices for the following organizations are located in Elkins and the surrounding area: Davis Medical Center, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fernow Experimental Forest, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bowden Fish Hatchery and The Nature.

Leading the Way.

Program Requirements

Fact Sheet

Facilities

Students enrolled in the biology program attend classes in Eshleman Science Center and have access to abundant natural resource areas.

Eshleman Science Center houses five teaching laboratories, a computer laboratory equipped with GIS/remote sensing software and S. Benton Talbott Seminar Room, in addition to numerous classrooms and offices featuring:

scientific instrumentation includes microscopes, air pollution and water pollution monitoring equipment, laboratory instrumentation and field sampling equipment;
cell and molecular biology lab which includes a programmable thermocycler for PCR analysis, UV/Vis spectrophotometer, micro centrifuges and gel
electrophoresis equipment;
extensive collection of microscope slides;
special facilities including a weather station, a controlled environment chamber and Tolstead Greenhouse;
herbarium containing over 3,000 specimens of vascular plants and the repository of the West Virginia State Fungi collection; and
solar panels utilizing a data logger.

Field studies and student research projects are carried out at the nearby Pigeon Creek Watershed and within the Robert E. Urban Nature Area located on the campus, within a few minutes’ walk of Eshleman Science Center.

The nearby Monongahela National Forest and other natural areas constitute an immense and highly varied natural laboratory for biological and environmental investigations. The following areas are within an hour’s drive of the campus:

Spruce Knob – the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet
Seneca Rocks Blackwater Canyon
Bear Heaven Natural Area
Blister Swamp
Big Run Bog Natural Area
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Otter Creek Wilderness
Laurel Fork Wilderness
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Clubs

Interested in the sciences? The Zeta Chapter of Chi Beta Phi and GreenWorks! may be for you.

Chi Beta Phi
Established at Davis & Elkins College in 1925, Chi Beta Phi is an interdisciplinary scientific honorary for undergraduates. An affiliate society of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), this organization promotes interest in science and gives recognition to scholarly attainment in science.

At D&E, Chi Beta Phi is active in bringing guest speakers to campus, providing additional learning opportunities for students and participating in community service projects.

To become a member, students must show an interest in science and meet GPA requirements. Once students are granted membership, they are a member for life. Participation is recognized by potential employers and graduate schools as an indication of leadership in science. Grants are available to members on a competitive basis to support research, and membership provides students with an opportunity to present the results of their research at the National Convention and publish their findings in The Chi Beta Phi Record.

For more information about becoming a Chi Beta Phi Zeta Chapter member, contact the organization advisers, Dr. Shawn Stover and Dr. Michelle Mabry.

GreenWorks!
Put your beliefs about the importance of sustainability to work in the community.

GreenWorks! is the student sustainability organization of D&E’s Center for Sustainability Studies. From changing out light bulbs in Halliehurst to planting red spruce in Canaan Valley, student volunteers are making a difference campus-wide and in the surrounding community.

Among the many opportunities allowing students to become active in sustainability research and community projects, the group has completed three solar panel installations on campus. The most recent solar installation, the largest on a residential college/university in West Virginia, was initiated by students who were inspired to start the project after attending Mother Earth News conferences the past several years. Students installed the system under the guidance of Matt Sherald, owner of Power in My Backyard (PIMBY), located in Thomas, W.Va.

For more information about getting involved, contact Dr. Crytsal Krause.