Studying Biology at Kenyon
Biology students at Kenyon learn to make connections between life processes, with their work rooted in discoveries they make in the laboratory. Beginning in the first year of study, biology students are engaged in lab and research projects of consequence that are unparalleled in most undergraduate biology programs.
Led by, and collaborating with, faculty who are leaders in their field, biology students conduct research that leads to breakthroughs in fields ranging from health care to the environment to agriculture. The discovery occurs year-round, as the labs of Higley Hall are filled after the academic year ends with Summer Science Scholars conducting research projects.
Featured Courses
Conservation Biology
How do various factors impact the population of a species, and how can better management practices ameliorate impacts on biodiversity in order to preserve our planet? Through the lenses of evolution, ecology and population biology, this course explores conservation-related issues in our rapidly changing world.
Scaling in Biology: Why Size Matters
Compare bacteria and blue whales while exploring questions from the minuscule (how do bacteria swim?) to the gigantic (is Earth a superorganism?) to the fantastic (what would it cost to feed King Kong?). Surreal perspectives such as Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” further highlight the amazing nature of biological reality.
Health Service and Biomedical Analysis
In this community-engaged learning course, students volunteer at the local hospital, fire department and other healthcare providers, and read and critique articles on topics ranging from drug addiction to influenza transmission. Assignments include keeping a journal and class presentations related to community service.
Immunology
The world is teeming with microorganisms, many of which are capable of bringing us to our knees. Despite this looming devastation, most people manage to stay healthy. In this class, we embark on a journey through the immune system, studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms that protect against infection.
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Shaping Scientists
Kenyon ranks eighth in the country (and ahead of every Ivy) for the proportion of STEM grads to earn a doctorate in a STEM field.
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75students a year pursue College-funded research projects in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.
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Futures in Medicine
More than 90 percent of Kenyon applicants with solid grades and test scores are accepted to medical school. Learn more about premed advising.
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$1Mgrant from the the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The grant is one of several that Kenyon scientists have earned to foster a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
Life as a Biology Major
The biology department has its own distinct ethos. As a student, you'll be part of traditions and practices that shape our community:
- Discuss science, careers and research with scientists from other institutions through the Biology Seminar Series.
- Catch up with your favorite faculty at the fall biology picnic.
- Nosh on pizza at the Bio Journal Club while students and faculty delve into the latest research on topics ranging from plant physiology to the human genome.
- Honor the father of evolution with cake and song at the annual Darwin Day celebration.
- Put your artistic talents and best biology puns to work to create the annual department T-shirt.
- Dive deep into your Bio 110 independent research project, a spring rite of passage for all beginning biology students.
- Bring your creative energy to Lyceum, the student literary journal focused on science and the natural world, and Higley Headlines, the department blog.
Higley Hall
Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio 43022