Life and Earth Sciences

Hoggarth (chairperson), Bouchard, Gahbauer, Grove, Jessen-Marshall, Lawrance, Lehman, Lescinsky, Marr.

Mission and Programs

The mission of the Department of Life and Earth Sciences is the incremental development in all students of core scientific competencies and intellectual skills, the provision of breadth and depth of educational opportunity, and the enhancement of a community that values learning. As scientists we believe that science is best learned by active enquiry and strongly encourage this at every level, including original student and faculty research projects. As liberal arts scholars we encourage interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

The Department of Life and Earth Sciences offers majors in Life Science, Environmental Science and Molecular Biology. In addition, the department offers programs leading toward minors in Life Science and Earth Science. It is also the home department for the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies minor.

Majors in Life Science, Environmental Science, and Molecular Biology

Within the Life Science major five programs of study are offered: ecology, molecular biology, plant science, pre-professional health science, and general biology.

The Ecology program of study focuses on the recognition, examination, and understanding of environmental problems within an ecological context. Areas of study include: biodiversity, biological management, preservation of air, water and land quality, identification and inventory of endangered species and habitats, aquatic ecology, and preservation of wetlands and other natural habitats. The program prepares students for graduate research in ecology and environmental positions with government agencies or private firms.

The program emphasizes laboratory and field studies. Otterbein College students are encouraged to do a culminating research project or an internship in an appropriate laboratory or agency (e.g. the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Columbus Metropolitan Parks Systems). Students are encouraged to attend biological field programs such as those available at Stone Laboratories on Lake Erie, Highlands Biological Station in North Carolina, and Sea Semester at Woods Hole Biological Station on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The Molecular Biology program of study focuses on life at the molecular and cellular levels. Areas of study include the molecular structure of DNA and genomes; the cellular organization of life, cell specialization, and the manipulation of life through genetic engineering. This program is for students interested in combining the study of molecular biology with other programs and majors (e.g. secondary education, journalism, etc.) or a more broadly focused liberal arts education. Students interested in preparation for graduate and professional programs are encouraged to complete the molecular biology major (see below).

The Plant Science program of study prepares students for graduate programs, research and technical positions in the plant sciences. Areas of emphasis in Otterbein’s program include: 1) the fundamentals of plant morphology, anatomy, and physiology, 2) the interaction between plants and their pathogens, and 3) the impact of plant science on society from a traditional and molecular viewpoint. Lecture and laboratory experiences provide a solid foundation in botanical principles and provide a clear understanding of the importance of plant science to a range of topics including agriculture, biotechnology, and ecology. An independent research project in the plant sciences is strongly encouraged for each student.

The Pre-Professional Health Sciences program of study is appropriate for students wishing to apply to graduate programs in medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, physician’s assistant, or health-related science. In addition to coursework, experience with professional practitioners (such as through internships or independent research projects) is strongly recommended.

The General Biology program of study fulfills the college requirement of a Life Science major, and is appropriate for students who wish an individualized concentration of advanced Life Science courses. This program of study prepares students for biological careers that emphasize a breadth of knowledge in the field or for graduate programs in General Biology.

The Environmental Science major is designed to prepare students for work in environmental fields by providing a solid foundation in the natural sciences, expertise in physical environment, and the interdisciplinary scope needed by environmental professionals today. The major includes a core of courses in life and earth sciences and strongly suggests courses in other fields such as statistics and economics.

The department also offers a program of study leading to a major in Molecular Biology. Molecular biology integrates the principles and techniques of biology, chemistry and physics into the analysis of the macromolecules of living organisms with primary focus on nucleic acids and proteins. Students in the molecular biology major are strongly encouraged to complete an independent research project through either the honors, distinction, internship or independent study programs. The major is recommended for students interested in graduate studies in molecular and cellular biology, medical school, veterinary school and positions in the biotechnology industry.

Students majoring in Environmental Science, Molecular Biology, or Life Science must have a 2.0 average in L SC 101, 102 and 103 to progress to L SC 201, L SC 204 or E SC 205. Students must maintain a 2.0 average in L SC 201 and 202 (for Molecular Biology and Life Science majors) or L SC 204 and E SC 205 (for Environmental Science majors) to enroll in any 300 level courses in the department. L SC 101 has a MATH 115 or 120 co-requisite.

Life Sciences Teacher Licensure (grades 7 - 12)

Requirements for students seeking Life Science teacher licensure are listed in the Teacher Education Programs handbook available in the Education Department. Requirements for the Life Science major and teacher licensure may differ somewhat, but both must be met to become licensed and the major must be completed to receive a Bachelor’s degree. To be recommended for teacher licensure, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better, have a 2.5 grade point average in the teaching area, be in good standing with the Education Department, have positive recommendations from student teaching, and have successfully passed the appropriate Praxis II exams.

Program Outcomes

The Ecology program prepares students for graduate research in ecology and environmental positions with government agencies and private firms.

The General Biology program of study prepares students for biological careers that emphasize a breadth of knowledge (e.g. secondary education) and provides flexibility for students whose goals are best served by an individualized curriculum.

The Molecular Biology program of study prepares students for entry-level positions in biotechnology, biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Plant Science program prepares students for graduate studies, research and technical positions in the plant sciences.

The Pre-Professional Health Sciences program of study prepares students for programs in medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, medical technology, physicians’ assistants, and other health fields or graduate programs in the health sciences.

The Environmental Science Major prepares students for graduate studies and positions with government agencies and private environmental firms.

The Molecular Biology Major prepares students for graduate programs in molecular and cellular biology, professional programs (e.g. medical and veterinary schools) and positions in biotechnology.

The Earth Science minor helps prepare students for careers and graduate studies in environmental science and ecology.