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Academics

Department of Natural and Physical Sciences

Study in an advanced facility with top-notch faculty.

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Active Learning

Whether experiencing a flipped classroom/workshop, journal club, chemical synthesis, spectroscopic investigation, identification of unknown species, or the virtual dissection of a cadaver, Graceland students receive direct instruction from faculty and student mentors in small groups. Graceland biology and chemistry students have experience with relevant laboratory techniques. Students also have hands-on operation of technical laboratory equipment.

“ Celebrating Women in Science
One of my favorite female scientists is Dr. Katalin Kariko, a researcher for messenger RNA used in vaccines. When I was an undergrad, there was a pipe dream that maybe messenger RNA could be used for vaccines. Now, within my lifetime it has come full circle - something that people thought should work is proof of concept and it will open up many new vaccination opportunities for diseases.
Mary Shawgo, PhD Professor of Biology
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“ Celebrating Women in Science
Some of my research interests include using bioinformatic tools to investigate how the body functions and understand how genes work. There are a few female scientists I'm interested in for their achievements - Marie Curie for discovering radioactivity; Alice Ball, a chemist who developed a groundbreaking treatment for leprosy; and Flossie Wong, the first scientist to clone HIV and create a map for the genes.
Ifelayo Adefuye, PhD Assistant Professor of Biology
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“ Celebrating Women in Science
I've always had a fascination with the oceans and as an ecologist, it's incredible that the oceans contain 97% of the world's water and yet we know less about the ocean floor than we do about the surface of the moon. One of my favorite scientists is Sylvia Earle - a marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer. She's spent her life exploring the deep sea, and continues her work trying to establish new marine protected areas. She's shown us women that we can be tough enough and strong enough to go out there and explore and do research in the field, and has really opened up the doors in terms of marine biology and getting involved with the future of the oceans.
Jennifer Poulton, PhD Professor of Biology
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Academic Majors

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Biology: Molecular and Biochemistry
Major, Minor
Biology: General
Major, Minor
Chemistry
Major, Minor

Minors

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Agricultural Plant and Animal Sciences
Minor

Pre-Professional Programs

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Pre-Dental
Pre-Professional
Pre-Forensic Science
Pre-Professional
Pre-Med
Pre-Professional
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Professional
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Professional
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Professional
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Pre-Professional

Chemistry and Biology students have the additional opportunity to present their research at regional scientific conferences.

students examine molecular model during science classHere are some examples of student presentations:
  • “Sulforaphane Induces Cell Death in Jurkat T Lymphocytes”  Karli Smith and Becca Hoerres – Presented at Iowa Academy of Science 131th Annual Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 27, 2019
  • “Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Chicken Microbiota” Savea Hull and Sydney Dorrance – Presented at Iowa Academy of Science 131thAnnual Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 27, 2019
  • “Analysis of Environmental Effects on Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers”  Anna Cleland-Leighton – Presented at Iowa Academy of Science 127th  Annual Conference, Iowa Academy of Science, Dodge City, Iowa, April 2014
  • “Genetic Regulation of Microbial Communities by a Biofilm Destroyer” Chris Chambers – Presented at University of Iowa, FUTURE in Biomedicine Research Symposium.  Iowa City, Iowa, August 2, 2013
“ Student Testimonials
The biology program at Graceland provided great academic rigor while simultaneously creating a supportive space for intellectual curiosity and discovery. I graduated from the program with an unshakable theoretical and practical foundation in the biological sciences, which made transitioning into my role as a technician in a high complexity laboratory seamless.
Marie Owino '21 Clinical Lab Technician Biology
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“ Student Testimonials
The habits, knowledge, and most of all, the GRIT that is learned through the biology and chemistry program at Graceland University is something that will help you go far.
Jeminae Solomua '21 Clinical Lab Certification Biology & Chemistry Double Major
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“ Student Testimonials
The Graceland biology department has helped to shape me into the person I am today. The faculty knew how to push me out of my comfort zone, which has allowed me to thrive - not just in the classroom, but also in the real world. I was able to develop great rapport with my professors due to the small classroom size, and felt valued as a student and also as an individual. With the support of the professors, I was able to develop my work ethic and create study habits that I still utilize throughout my studies today. I made the most of all my experiences, which have set me up for success and provided me with the resources I needed to flourish while completing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
Nicole Fry '21 DPT student, University of Wisconsin La Crosse Biology
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“ Student Testimonials
Being in the biology and chemistry program has been a big part in helping me be ready for graduate-level courses. The topics taught by the professors are foundational in helping me understand graduate level material more and with retention. I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to go into graduate or professional school.
Salume Osakue '22 Grad student, Biomedical Sciences at Roosevelt University Biology & Chemistry Double Major
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Exceptional Faculty
Mary Elizabeth Shawgo, PhD
Mary Elizabeth Shawgo, PhD Natural Sciences Department Chair, Professor of Biology View Bio
Daniel Pratt, PhD
Daniel Pratt, PhD Professor of Chemistry, Dan and Alice Waite Endowed Chair for the Sciences View Bio
Jennifer Poulton, PhD
Jennifer Poulton, PhD Professor of Biology View Bio
Jeffrey Draves, PhD
Jeffrey Draves, PhD Director of Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics, Professor of Chemistry View Bio