Biology

Why choose biology at North Central College?

You’ll delve into scientific research from day one as a biology major at North Central. Our research-rich curriculum and opportunities and collaboration with faculty on real-world research projects will help you develop the skills of a scientist. You may present your findings at North Central’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research or at a national conference, and you may even publish your work. You’ll gain broad experience from molecules and cells to organisms and ecological systems and prepare yourself for a career in research, medicine, education, environment or biotechnology.

You can also:

Apply for our funded summer research program.
Attend on-campus seminar presentations by students, alumni and professionals in your field.
Travel to Arizona to study desert ecology.
Work with a dedicated pre-health advisor and the Pre-Health Organization for students.
Join the Beta Beta Beta biological honor society.
Minor in environmental studies, neuroscience or bioinformatics.
Study at the Shedd Aquarium or Morton Arboretum.
Be a student lab assistant.

To learn more about experiences and opportunities here at North Central College as a biology major, click here.

Michael Chapman, Ph.D., professor in the school of physics, Georgia Institute of

North Central College’s science alumni, guest speaker share careers

Second annual Science Alumni Event hosts guest speaker Dr. Michael Chapman, Blake Young ’04 and Allison Beckham ’09 on their career experiences.

National Science Foundation honors North Central College President Troy D. Hammond

North Central College President Troy D. Hammond is being honored by the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Students learn how to advocate issues with legislators

North Central College students attend ecumenical advocacy conference, speak with congressional staff in nation’s capital about issues important to them.

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Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in biology have been accepted at:

Brandeis University
John Carroll University
Midwestern University
University of Illinois
University of Iowa
University of North Carolina
University of Texas
University of Wisconsin

Medical and Professional Schools

Schools attended by recent graduates in biology include:

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Loyola University School of Nursing
Kansas State Univ. College of Veterinary Medicine
Midwestern University physician assistant program
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
University of Illinois-Chicago Dental School
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

Employment

Recent graduates in biology include:

Dow AgroSciences
Edward Hospital
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Loyola University Medical Center
Oswego East High School
PharmaPro, Inc.
Romeoville High School
Shedd Aquarium

Kari Nelson

Biology major

As a freshman, Kari Nelson was already conducting research with a biology professor, using E. coli bacteria to study the aging process.

“I just wanted to get my feet wet in the field,” she says.

“Everyone helps each other out—including professors. They are very connected with their students.”

Also during her first year, she worked for a chiropractor and learned about the health field by assisting in blood draws, X-rays and various therapies.

“A lot of opportunities early on helped me realize what I do and don’t want to do,” she says. “I realized I love science, but I also love being with people and applying the science.”

Kari wants to become either a high school teacher...

Alex Knobloch

Biology major

After completing the College’s Summer Research Program, Alex presented his findings at the 2010 Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research. "The faculty hold students to a high level of academic achievement. That’s challenging, to say the least, but it’s also very rewarding," says Alex, who worked on a project that involved synthesizing a salamander's DNA. "My work gave me an appreciation for the research process that will last the rest of my life. I worked closely with faculty in their roles as research advisors and contributed to a science department culture that is really flourishing."

In 2010 Alex was named the College’s Outstanding Major in Biology as well as the College Conference of Illinois...

Madison Henry

Biology major

“I fell in love with the sciences here … the one-on-one research and all the opportunities. Other colleges just can’t compare.”

A future physician assistant, Madison studied abroad at the University of Glasgow, where she worked with a professor on his research and dissected human cadavers as part of an anatomy class. To fund her research, she secured a Richter grant from North Central and presented her findings at a national conference.

Madison regularly participates in a Saturday science program, sharing her love of science with grade-school girls at a nearby school. “It’s been very rewarding, and I could never have done it without direction and connections from my professors.”

Madison is...

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