From the smallest molecule, to the largest biome, the study of biology crisscrosses the living world, charting its processes and problems. It’s about finding a new species of insect; it’s about biomedical breakthroughs; it’s about discovery.
Through both laboratory and field courses, Sewanee biology students explore the fundamental understanding of biological complexity. More importantly, our students are exposed to the pressing questions that remain in these dynamic disciplines. The Sewanee biology curriculum is based on a rigorous intellectual foundation that equips our majors for success in many different areas after graduation.
Molecular Biology: Understanding the fundamental building blocks of life through the exploration of genes and their impact on cell function.
Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.
Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and preprofessional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.
A Sewanee biology professor and her students look to shed new light on an age-old debate—by scaring some tiny fish.
Behind an unmarked door on the ground floor of Woods Labs, Katie McGhee is studying tiny fish from Lake Cheston as she seeks to tease out clues to one of the great puzzles of human life. It’s a question that has vexed everyone from philosophers and criminologists to biologists and theologians: What makes us the way we are? Nature or nurture?
"If you're a student who is interested in being outside and studying the natural world and being able to do that at any time, Sewanee is the place for you."
A study of ecology, evolution and biological diversity, with an emphasis on scientific investigations in the natural areas in and around the University.
This course focuses on basic anatomical structures of the human body and how distinct organ systems are organized at the tissue and cellular levels. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure-function relationships in the human body, how they interact in a network, and how those relationships are perturbed in the development of human disease. The laboratory component addresses practical considerations relating to anatomy and includes medical imaging technology emphasizing three-dimensional relationships.
A field immersion course that examines the ecology and natural history of coastal ecosystems through intensive field exploration and research. Course features a Spring Break program at the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island studying dunes, maritime forests and salt marshes and learning firsthand about state and federal coastal conservation programs. Course meetings before and after the Sapelo program will provide background preparation and allow students to complete their field research projects.
This course is an overview of cancer development at the cellular and molecular levels. It uses a survey of primary scientific literature to cover the basic cell biology of cancer. Topics include growth control, angiogenesis, invasion, metabolism and cell signaling as they relate to the progress of cancer.
Kristen Cecala studies the patterns and processes contributing to changing amphibian distributions in the face of landscape changes including land-use and climate change. She is specifically interested in linking observational and manipulative experiments to explore mechanisms of change. Her research also contributes towards development of comprehensive management strategies for freshwater ecosystems.
Kirk Zigler studies the evolution and development of invertebrate animals, and is particularly interested in cave biodiversity. Contact him for more information about research opportunities in these fields.
Nancy Berner studies acclimation — a process by which organisms modify their phenotype to match their environment. In particular, Dr. Berner studies mechanisms controlling seasonal acclimation — reversible phenotypic changes brought on by changes in season — in the Eastern red spotted newt.
Elise Kikis studies the aberrant proteins that underlie neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s Disease is one of several autosomal dominant disorders in which a polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion leads to “toxic gain of function” caused by the adoption of a misfolded or aggregated state associated with proteotoxicity. Contact her for more information about research opportunities in her laboratory.
Jon Evans studies the dynamics of plant populations and the processes that determine the composition and structure of plant communities over time and across landscapes. He is specifically interested in the role of clonal growth as a mechanism for population persistence in plant communities. As a conservation biologist, he studies the consequences of land-use history, global climate change, and exotic species introductions on long-term change in ecological communities.
Students select one of three major tracks in Biology:
Requirements for the Minor in Biology
Alyssa earned her B.A. at Lawrence University and her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University. Her interests and topics of study include molecular cell biology, molecular genetics, epigenetics, cancer cell biology, and medical humanities. Alyssa specializes in topics that explore the complexity of DNA and the implications of genetic differences in cellular development and disease. In addition to the sciences, she is interested in gaining insight in how we understand perceive our own humanity—in particular how this realization may allow us to become better healers and practitioners of medical care.
Kirk earned a B.A. from Kenyon College and a Ph.D. from Duke University. His specialities include invertebrate zoology, evolution, and biodiversity. Kirk studies the evolution and development of invertebrate animals, focusing on cave biodiversity in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. He has also worked with students on research projects studying animals as varied as spiders, snails, millipedes, ants, isopods, beetles, and clams. Kirk co-directs the Island Ecology Program which takes place every summer.
Deborah McGrath earned a B.A. at University of Wisconsin as well as a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Her specialities include ecosystem and plant physiological ecology, biogeochemistry of land use, and environmental health. Dr. McGrath studies pharmaceuticals in treated wastewater and watershed streams, the effects of exurban development on water quality, and the impact of land use change and plant invasion on ecosystem nutrient dynamics.
Spencer Hall 177, Ext. 1856
Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.
The Office of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability offers students a variety of opportunities to get involved with land management, sustainable practices, etc.
The University Farm seeks to give you a transformative experience through the immersive and intimate practice of restorative agriculture. The Farm offers opportunities to enhance your education and connect with the history of agriculture—especially how these ideas affect the plateau. And if you’re lucky, there will be some baby goats around during finals.
