Biology

Dow Science Center  

Dow Science Center houses the Departments of Biology and Chemistry and incorporates state-of-the-art design in teaching and research laboratories. Classrooms are equipped with advanced multimedia technology and a computer facility is available for use by students and faculty. Common areas include two glass atria and a lounge where students can gather for study or relaxation. Major biological science equipment housed in the the Dow Science Center includes:

• automated molecular sequencing equipment
• digital microscopy imaging equipment
• phosphoimager for radioisotope detection and fluorescent imaging
• cell and tissue culture facility
• Micro-Oxymax respirometer
• GC-EAD electrophysiology apparatus
• GIS site license software for ArcView/GIS
• greenhouse

Four-year grant from HHMI
For a third consecutive grant period, Kalamazoo College has been awarded a four year major grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to support interdisciplinary math and science education and training. With the aid of this newest $1 million starting 2008, the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics and Computer Science will continue to build programs that strengthen the undergraduate curriculum and that fund student summer research opportunities. The grant will help support expansions of the college's summer research programs and faculty development opportunities, provide new instruments and computers for use in teaching and research, and continue to support outreach programs geared toward inspiring and preparing preparing K-12 students from underrepresented groups to study science in college.

W.M. Keck Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Analysis
In 2003 the Biology Department secured a $380,000 grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation for improvements in laboratory equipment for courses with a cellular and molecular focus. The creation of the W.M. Keck Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Analysis provides the means for faculty to share the enthusiasm and excitement of research with students at all levels in the biology program. With the new equipment, faculty are building upon an already strong and well structured biology program to create an accelerated but developmentally progressive cell and molecular laboratory curriculum. This new curriculum introduces students to sophisticated experimental techniques beginning in the first year, and continues to develop students' research and technical skills through core coursework and summer research experiences, such that students entering advanced biology courses have the necessary skills and familiarity with instrumentation to collaborate with faculty on original research in the context of course-based laboratories.

H. Lewis Batts Natural History Endowment
An endowment established in honor of former biology professor, the late H. Lewis Batts (K faculty 1950-1977), provides funds to ensure that the strong tradition of natural history studies continues at Kalamazoo College. Dr. Batts was a passionate naturalist and dedicated conservation biologist. In addition to his teaching and research at Kalamazoo College, Dr. Batts was instrumental in helping to establish the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Funding from the endowment provides support for equipment, coursework, field trips, guest speakers and summer internship stipends for students.

Lillian Anderson Arboretum 
The Lillian Anderson Arboretum (LAA) was established in 1998 and encompasses over 130 acres of marsh, meadow, and forest habitats. Located just 10 miles from the college campus, the arboretum is owned and maintained by Kalamazoo College and serves as a valuable resource for experiential learning, community building, conservation, recreation and contemplation. A number of biology classes use the arboretum for field-based projects. For more information, visit the arboretum website.

Biology and Chemistry Center for Academic Success
The BCC provides activities and resources to welcome first-year and continuing students into the challenging disciplines of biology and/or chemistry.  Faculty-approved upper-level students deliver BioWorkshops and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions for students in introductory biology courses beginning the second week of the term. BioWorkshops cover special topics, and Supplemental Instruction covers just about everything! These meetings generally take place in Dow Science Center during evening hours and are available to all students at no cost.

College Resources

Academic Resource Centers
The Academic Resource Centers (ARCs) are dedicated to the idea of students helping students to raise academic achievement. Students who study in pairs or small groups tend to learn more and perform better than students who study in isolation. The ARCs capitalize on the strength of peer collaboration by hiring students who have distinguished themselves in math, writing, science or library research to work with other students in these areas. Experienced students are an excellent resource. Because they remember what it was like to learn the material, they are adept at perceiving points of confusion and explaining difficult concepts. In addition, students who seek help from their peers tend to feel less intimidated about asking questions because of the inherent equality in the peer relationship.

The ARCs currently offer peer assistance in math, physics, writing, science and library research. Centers provide a quiet place to study as well as find help. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly These peer assistance services  are available to all students at no cost.

Center for Career and Professional Development
The college's long-standing tradition of experiential education is an integral part of the curriculum in biology. The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) serves as a campus resource center for students. The CCD maintains an extensive database of internships, externships, fellowships and full-time employment opportunities for students, and offers assistance with job applications, interview skills and career exploration.

Center for International Programs / Study Abroad
Kalamazoo College through the Center for International Programs (CIP)currently sends students to 59 programs in 25 countries on 6 continents.  We are ranked #1 in the country for study abroad.  85% of K-College graduates have participated in our study abroad program.  Science students participate at the same rate as students from other disciplines.