What is Biology?
Biology is a natural science that focuses on the study of life from many different perspectives including the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification, and naming of organisms. It is also used in the health and environmental sciences.
Integrative Biology at Augustana
Our Integrative Biology program is designed to help you understand the scientific process and learn transferable skills through the practice of scientific inquiry. The program focusses on:- Evolution
- Development
- Function
Careers
Find a career in biology as diverse as the nature of the study of life:
- Cancer Researcher
- Forensic Laboratory Analyst
- Healthcare Professions
- Zoologist
- and many more!
Integrative Biology AlumnA
Nicole MacDonald
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Nicole describes her four years of vet college as “very tough.” However, while many of her classmates struggled with their courses, Nicole was one of the top five students in her biochemistry class—thanks, she says, to the foundation she received at Augustana.
Course Highlights
260 - Genetics
Mendelian inheritance and its cytological features including the molecular and cellular basis for the transmission of hereditary characteristics. Topics that are emphasized include microbial genetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, linkage and genetic mapping, DNA as genetic material, gene action, and the genetic code.
335 - Wildlife Ecology
Theory and practices in the study and management of wildlife populations and communities. Population dynamics, habitat assessment and management, conservation challenges, and emerging trends. Computational models and assignments aid theoretical understanding of material.
394 - Invertebrates
Functional anatomy and life cycles of the major invertebrate taxa. Emphasis is on the comparative approach to understanding of phylogenetic relations between invertebrate taxa and their respective positions on the tree of life. Rich invertebrate biodiversity will be observed and placed into environmental context.
459 - Tropical Ecology (Field)
Field course that addresses problems of biodiversity and conservation in tropical environments. The student participates in field workshops, and designs and conducts their own field project to answer questions related to ecological and biological conservation. Prerequisite: AUBIO 350 or AUENV 350, and consent of the instructors based on successful completion of the selection process.
475 - Pathogens
Examination of the pathogenic mechanisms used by selected bacteria, and protists that cause human diseases. Pathogens will be compared with a focus on the method of entry, colonization and invasion of host tissue used by various microbes and the microbial factors required to cause infection and disease. Epidemiological approaches, antimicrobials and antibiotic resistance will also be presented.
Costa Rica Field Studies
Doris Audet, PhD
Dr. Audet teaches in the areas of vertebrate biology, animal behaviour, and interdisciplinary studies. Her research includes physiological ecology and the behaviour of bats.
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Sheryl Gares, PhD
Sheryl Gares teaches courses in the areas of microbiology, immunology and cell biology. Her research interests are in the area of pathogenesis.
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Neil Haave, PhD
Neil Haave teaches courses in the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, histology, and history and philosophy of biology.
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Anne McIntosh, PhD
Dr. McIntosh teaches in the areas of plant biology, biological diversity, and ecology. Her research focuses on the recovery of forested and grassland ecosystems after disturbance.
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Tomislav Terzin, PhD
Tomislav teaches in the areas of genetics, developmental biology, the evolution of development, and molecular and cell biology.
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