Biology at Ozarks

Do you hunger for knowledge of how the human body works and the answer to the question, "What is life?" Do you have ambitions of a career in medicine, research or academics? Do you find yourself looking at a flower or a tiny insect and asking "I wonder what this is?" Does reading about the search for the causes of cancer or Alzheimer's disease bring a hundred different questions into your mind?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then an Ozarks natural sciences program may well be exactly what you're looking for! With a number of pre-professional tracks to choose from, the Biology major provides you with multiple opportunities to satisfy your curiosity. Ozarks also offers a major in Environmental Studies, which combines courses from natural sciences with courses from the social sciences (sociology, geography, political science, ethics), to form a truly interdisciplinary program.

At Ozarks, you will study the fundamental processes of life, and learn about the natural cycles that keep these processes going. You will have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research projects funded by the National Science Foundation or or learn new laboratory techniques. Classes are held in the recently renovated Smith-Broyles Science Center, which provides students with access to a large greenhouse, animal rearing quarters, a computer lab and up-to-date lab equipment.

Student Projects and Activities:

If you think your studies in the natural sciences at Ozarks will be limited to the classroom, think again! Here are some things Ozarks students have worked on:

• Students in Dr. Knight's Zoology lab collected and identified as many reptiles, amphibians, or spiders as they could find in Johnson County and surrounding areas. The results of their collection efforts were compiled into a Zoology Class web site, complete with photographs and taxonomic keys.
• The Ozarks Biological Society (Omicron Beta Sigma), under the direction of Dr. Coleman, serves as a connection between University of the Ozarks biology students and biological communities worldwide. The society sponsors and supports a journal colloquium where students can discuss academic papers in a setting free from classroom pressures and without faculty expectations. They also promote research by society members by providing a source of support and open communication between fellow biology students.
• Dr. Jeffries sponsors the Planet Club, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of conservation, recycling, and protecting our planet. Among their annual projects are the Spadra Nature Trail cleanup near campus, tree-planting on campus, and recycling contests. The club is open to all Ozarks students.
• During the summer of 2003, Dr. Coleman worked with Dr. Helen Benes, Research Associate Professor at UAMS, on a research project aimed at developing a model to study the effects of oxidative stress on multicellular organisms. Students at Ozarks are continuing the research, which involves selectively crossing strains of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to produce organisms susceptible to oxidative stress.

To find out more: Whether your plans after college include attending graduate or professional school or joining the workforce, Ozarks' science instructors can help you get there! If you'd like more information about the opportunities available in the natural sciences at Ozarks, email our Admission team at admiss@ozarks.edu or call us at 1-800-264-8636. We'll send you an information packet that describes the opportunities Ozarks can offer you!