With IRIS, students are engaged in the scientific process throughout their time at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. Deep learning of the science of biology is fostered through intentional reflection and gaining fundamental skills related to independent learning, accessing information, and communication.
Years 1-4 are spent in core and upper-level classes in which students work with the scientific method. Students reflect more deeply about their growth as a person and future as a professional trained in the biological disciplines.
Year 4 is devoted to Senior Inquiry. Seniors work more rigorously than ever before with the scientific process that brings synthesis to their time as a biology student
Biology Literature (BIOL 464)
Students develop a research question and complete an extensive literature search on a topic related to a specific area of focus, culminating in a formal report.
Recent classes: Winter Biology, Conservation Biology, Epigenetics, Comparative Anatomy, and Bird Conservation.
Intensive Lab or Field Research (BIOL 465)
Students participate in a laboratory/field research project under the direction of an Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø faculty mentor that includes data collection, analysis, and summarizing results in a technical report.
Recent classes: Research in Field Biology, Molecular Genetics.
Off Campus Research (BIOL466)
Completed in summer immediately preceding the senior year. Students participate in a lab/field research project as part of an 8-10 week research program at another institution. As with BIOL465, students collect data and summarize results in consultation with the advising coordiantor and institution.
The July 10, 2025, issue of Science, one of the world¡¯s top academic journals, features Dr. Samantha Keil ¡¯12 as lead author on an article that summarizes what research has revealed about how the brain¡¯s glymphatic system may play a role in Alzheimer¡¯s disease.
Making connections is the beating heart of many careers: connecting one idea with another idea, a community with a service or solution, a vision with an audience. A liberal arts education builds this ability.
Data shows that Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø does an outstanding job of preparing students for successful health care careers of all kinds ¡ª not just medical school.
