Truman Biology Program Overview

Program Description

The Biology Program at Truman provides students with exciting learning experiences both in the major and in Truman's liberal studies program.  The Biology Program offers a comprehensive approach to the laws, principles, and current theories of biology from the molecular to the ecosystem level.  Students engage in a broad-based curriculum, including courses in cell biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology.  Students also become familiar with the major ethical, environmental, and social issues related to biology.  Each student can tailor their own Elective Track (B.S.) or Learning Plan (B.A.) to facilitate his or her specific academic interests and career goals. 

Truman Biology majors enjoy small classes and close interaction with faculty members both in and out of the classroom.  Most Biology classes have only 20-50 students, and many elective classes are as small as 8-10 students.  Professors teach all of the lab sections, and Truman's new $26 million science building provides students with state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation.  

Students quickly become members of the Biology community by participating in weekly seminars, engaging in social activities with faculty such as picnics and student vs. faculty sporting events, and by joining one or more student organization(s).  Biology-oriented organizations include ßßß (national Biology Honor Society), AMSA (American Medical Student Organization), Pre-Vet Club, Herpetology Club, PLANTS (botany club), ECO (Ecological Campus Organization), and NSTA (National Science Teachers Association, student affiliate).

Many opportunities exist for students to conduct undergraduate research, either on- or off-campus, both during the academic year and the summer.  Students engage in their own projects on a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from molecular genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, neurophysiology, plant and animal biology, microbiology, and ecology of plants, mammals, insects and fungi.  Students present the results of their research investigations at scientific conferences at the local, state, national, and international levels.

A broad range of study abroad, field-based, and internship experiences are also available.  In particular, Truman faculty members have recently offered new field opportunities in South Africa, Belize, Mexico, Canada, southern Texas, western Colorado, and central New Mexico.

Career Opportunities

Truman's comprehensive biology curriculum provides a strong foundation for future employment and/or further education.  Truman graduates the second-largest number of undergraduate biological science majors among public institutions in Missouri.  Over the last eight years, approximately 35% of Biology graduates have entered health professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, physical therapy), 35% have entered graduate schools (Ph.D, M.S.), and 30% have entered the work force directly. 67% of those students who have applied to medical school over the past fourteen years have been accepted. Truman biology graduates have recently completed or are now attending medical school at such institutions as Baylor, Georgetown, Dartmouth, Tufts and Washington University.  Some M.S. and Ph.D. programs in which recent Truman biology graduates are enrolled include Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Case Western Reserve University.

Preparation/Qualifications

Students planning to enter Truman should follow a college preparatory curriculum, including at least 4 years of English, 3 years of math (4 recommended), 3 years of social science, 3 years of science, 2 years of the same foreign language, and 1 year of fine arts.