Get to Know:
Andy
Bohnsack '06 | Kallie
Fleharty '06 | Charis
Johnson '06 | John
Lichtsinn '06 | Jalayna
Rick '07
Dr. Ivan
Johnson, Professor | Dr.
Mark Johnson '76, Director of Obstetrical Services |
Heidi
Jordheim '05, Univ. of North Dakota School of Medicine
Biology students at Concordia know what research is all
about. In fact, they are encouraged to take part in challenging,
meaningful laboratory and field research projects alongside
their professors.
At the heart of the Biology Department are relationships
students develop with their faculty mentors. Virtually any
hour of the day finds students visiting with faculty about
a class research project, for advice on their major, or
for insights on applying to a graduate program or choosing
a career path. This highly involved degree of personal contact
is characteristic of the Concordia biology program.
Concordia Benefits
• Among first-year students at Concordia, one in four
plans to major in biology or health sciences.
• Concordia’s percentage placement of students
in medical school is twice the national average —
more than 200 in the past 10 years.
• The department maintains specialized areas equipped
with controlled light, temperature and humidity that support
research in entomology, microbiology, genetics, plant and
animal physiology, molecular/cellular biology, ecology,
parasitology, ornithology, plant sciences and biochemistry
Concordia Distinctions
• The signature of the biology program is the advisement
process. Faculty advisers work closely with students to
assess their dreams, goals and aspirations, and help design
a program of study that will match an appropriate career
path for each individual.
• Three research laboratories stocked with sophisticated
equipment specialize in physiology, molecular and cellular
biology, and environmental biology.
• Students routinely work with faculty on research
projects. For example, a grant created opportunities for
students to participate in molecular genetics research,
and studies in developmental biology, plant tissues and
animal metabolism.
• Concordia’s reputation for excellence in biology
education is well-known among foundations that provide grant
funding for equipment and programs. Recent grants have enabled
the department to acquire equipment and resources usually
found in medical and graduate schools.
Getting Involved
The Biology Department sponsors two active student organizations
that meet regularly and sponsor a variety of campus activities,
including speakers and blood pressure clinics. The groups
also plan visits to local laboratories, hospitals and area
professional schools.
• Health Professions Interest Club is for students
planning careers in the health professions.
• Beta Beta Beta national honor society is dedicated
to improving understanding and appreciation of biological
study through scientific research.
• Students who maintain a 3.5 GPA may participate
in the Biology Honors Program during their junior year.
Preparing for Graduate School
• About 40 percent of Concordia graduates choose to
pursue advanced degrees. The Biology Department has a long
tradition of success in placing graduates in professional
schools.
• Most students accepted into graduate programs are
awarded fellowships, assistantships or other grants to support
their educations.
• From the Class of 2000, a record number of graduates
— 23 — were accepted into medical schools. Ten
were accepted into graduate programs; five into schools
of physical therapy; three to schools of chiropractic and
several others into schools for veterinary medicine, physician
assistants and pharmacy.
• The acceptance rate into medical schools for Concordia
graduates is 85 percent — nearly twice the national
average.
