Department of Biology

The Department of Biology introduces students to the history, methodology, and discoveries of life sciences through classroom, laboratory, and field experience, so they can more fully explore and understand God's creation, serve others more effectively, and execute a more responsible dominion over creation.

"For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV)

Thanks for your interest in the Biology program at Bryan College. We offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology—Foundation Option for those wishing to enter the medical professions or graduate studies, and the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology—Secondary Licensure Option for those wishing to teach. We also offer, in conjunction with Vanderbilt University, the Bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts/Nursing as part of our “3 + 2-Bridge” program that leads to the Master of Science degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt. All our courses and laboratory sessions are taught by professors with doctoral degrees, and these professors are always available to advise and assist students.

Our major objective is to provide strong and rigorous academic courses that are integrated with Biblical truth without compromising the content of our courses. We provide courses exploring various theories of evolution and creation in the course Origins and History of Life. We firmly believe that the education we provide will serve our students well in a career or in further study.

We encourage our students to engage in summer research programs, to volunteer in hospitals, or to participate in internships to gain experience in preparation for further medical, nursing, or graduate studies. Many students work or volunteer at Erlanger Hospital or other medical facilities in Chattanooga or nearby towns during the school year, at hospitals in their own home towns or on the mission field during the summer, and many have worked at research facilities, such as the Army’s Medical Research Institute at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., during the summer or after graduation.

You may be interested to know what our majors do after leaving Bryan College. Here is a list of some of the professions that our graduates have entered: medicine (MD and DO), dentistry, optometry, nursing (both BSN and MSN), physician’s assistant, education (secondary public and private schools), molecular biology, botany, entomology, ecology, forestry, pharmaceutical sales, military medical research (developing counteragents for chemical and biological agents), cancer research, environmental studies, and missions.

Thanks again for your interest in our Biology Program. We hope to hear from you soon.
Yours in HIM,
Dr. Martin E Hartzell
Biology Department Head