This major prepares students for a variety of different careers, as well as graduate school in biology or professional school in health-related fields. Students are trained to work as biologists in laboratory or field settings. Programs of study can be customized to serve students' interests.
Majors > Biology
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Hear what makes the Biology program at JBU stand out.
Students explore the inner workings of the human body in the Human Anatomy Cadaver Lab. JBU is one of only two universities in the state of Arkansas that make cadaver dissection available to undergraduate students.
JBU Biology students in the Marine Biology course have the opportunity to spend their spring break in the Florida Keys as part of an intensive Marine Biology Lab. Snorkeling on coral reef systems, visiting the Sea Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and other destinations provides students with abundant opportunities to study and appreciate a variety of marine systems and organisms.
JBU's Biology program of study can be customized to serve students interested in health-related fields, biotechnology, science education, wildlife management, environmental education, government policy, park services, cam and recreation, missions, and a variety of other areas.
Approximately 75-80 percent of JBU students who apply to schools of health professions are accepted after their first attempt. The success rate approaches 100 percent upon reapplication.
JBU lab classes are capped to 20 students so that professors can give student-specific guidance and recommendation.
Students can work with faculty on their research initiatives or conduct their own undergraduate research projects to ultimately publish findings in national scientific journals.
JBU students have access to labs with the latest technology and equipment including an aquarium, a greenhouse, a tissue culture lab, a microscope lab, small and large equipment labs, several research labs, and multiple teaching labs.
Bell Science Hall, located on the west side of campus, is home to most Natural Science classes and labs.
The lobby in Bell Science Hall is a common area for students to gather to study and hang out.
Students regularly work in JBU's greenhouse for lab projects or individual research.
All lab equipment is made available to students in the classroom and for undergraduate research.
Biology majors participate in a variety of labs including the radioisotope lab, the tissue culture lab and the cadaver lab.
“Some of the greatest times I’ve had have been in lab. We apply what we learned during lectures, and each experience gives me a deeper appreciation of the complex world in which we live. It’s amazing to see how God has designed it all and how He has intricately put everything together.”
Cori Van Gorkum ’12
Dr. Tim Wakefield joined the faculty of John Brown University in 2000. Dr. Wakefield's courses include Biological Sciences, Honors Biology, Animal Biology, Marine Biology, Human Anatomy, Animal Physiology, Global Environmental Stewardship, and Faith and Science.
Dr. Wakefield's passion is marine biology. His marine biology class allows students to interact with marine life close-up during Spring Break lab trips to the Florida Keys. Dr. Wakefield also enjoys teaching classes focused on Marine Biology for the Au Sable Institute during the summer.
Before coming to JBU, while completing his Master's degree, Dr. Wakefield trained Atlantic Bottle Nosed Dolphins at World's of Fun in Kansas City Missouri. His experience in animal training also led to a job in professional dog training for four years.
Dr. Qian (Angie) Wang came to John Brown University in 2017 as Assistant Professor of Biology. She teaches courses in Cell Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Dr. Wang works with undergraduate students on her ongoing research in neural mechanisms underlying mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Working in her newly built and furnished lab, she currently uses rodent forced swimming test combining with fluorescent microscopy to measure the activities of interneurons during depression-like behavior and under the influence of antidepressants. The lab team is inspecting several brain regions involved in depression and anxiety.
The research students participate in presenting review mini-lectures, published papers and their own lab results. They are exposed to basic techniques in neuroscience such as animal behavior, brain slicing and fluorescent microscopy. Research students are also involved in experimental design and other brain-storming activities.
Dr. Wang uses her spare time to continue her studies in Theology and to play musical instruments. She also enjoys listening to classical music, reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Mrs. Jane Beers began as an Instructor of Biology at John Brown University in 1998. Her current courses are Cell Biology, Biological Science, Honors Biological Science, Gateway.
Mrs. Beers loves challenging students to integrate faith and science. Her desire is to help students analyze scientific findings from a Christian world view and to understand the strengths and limitations of science. Mrs. Beers has co-authored writings on faith-learning integration.
Nature would still have been Mrs. Beers' career focus had she not become a professor. She might have combined her creativity and love for the natural world as a landscape designer.
Chair, Division of Natural ScienceProfessor of Biology
In 1998, Dr. Brian Greuel joined the faculty of John Brown University as Professor of Biology. The courses taught by Dr. Greuel are Genetics, Molecular Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Bioethics, Field Experience, and Biological Research.
Undergraduate students have worked with Dr. Greuel on his current research around the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) gene and how its association with neurodegenerative disorders. This research has been funded by a 5 year grant and Dr. Greuel is now writing an article for publication describing his research findings.
Dr. Greuel's love for biology stems from its ability to open one's eyes to the complexity and beauty of God's creation. It has also allowed him to give back to the medical community through research that may eventually be able to help in the treatment of certain diseases. Dr. Greuel enjoys imparting his passion to students through "doing science" through frequent investigative laboratory exercises and original research.
Dr. Joel Funk came to John Brown University in 2009 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Funk teaches courses including Biological Science, Ecology, Plant Biology, and Microbiology.
Dr. Funk's research is on how lung cells respond to infection by a coronavirus. Most respiratory coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory system, but my research has shown that they can also infect white blood cells that reside in the lung, alveolar macrophages. When these macrophages become infected they produce biochemical signals (cytokines) that aid in the immune response to a viral infection.
Biology caught Dr. Funk's interest because Biology is an almost endless frontier where the ability to discover is only limited by one's creativity. New technological advances have enhanced the ability of scientists to make huge strides in our understanding of the natural world. For example, in the area of microbiology, new DNA sequencing techniques have accelerated our ability to sequence genomes faster than ever before. This information can then in turn be used to discover new approaches to combating medical pathogens.
Adam Betz graduated with a degree in Biology in 2010. He subsequently attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma, followed by a residency in anesthesiology and fellowship in critical care medicine at the University of Kentucky. He is now practicing as a cardiac intensivist, specializing in mechanical circulatory support with the Oklahoma Heart Institute in Tulsa, OK. "JBU was fantastic preparation for medical school and a career in medicine. I was taught to think critically and cultivate curiosity. Camaraderie with bright classmates and closeness with professors encouraged a level of thinking that has been an advantage throughout my career. I will always look back gratefully on my time at JBU as the most truly formative years of my education and training."
A degree in biology lays a solid foundation for any medical career: physician, dentist, optometry, therapist, nurse, physician's assistant, veterinary, etc. Students interested in clinical work should consider joining JBU's Pre-Health Professions Program.
There are many opportunities in government, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies and individual research for students with a bachelor's or master's degree in biological technology. A long-term career in the field of biomedical research, however, requires a Ph.D.
Students can easily use their knowledge in biology for non-profit organizations that deal with agricultural, ecological or environmental community development.
Students can pursue a career in forestry, environmental management, renewable energy or environmental research.
Many graduates of biology choose to continue their studies in a field of particular interest with graduate degrees.
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