Why choose Biology?

The study of biology reveals the workings of our natural world. You will enjoy understanding how life is formed. How life is sustained. How different life forms function and adapt.

A career based on biology will reward you with experiences where your knowledge helps people and nature thrive.

What will you learn?

• The diversity of life: forms and functions of living things
• How plants and animals maintain homeostasis
• Marine life and ocean biology
• Environmental science
• How organisms interact in ecosystems
• How cells function.
• The genetic code and evolution, biotechnology
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology and medical microbes

Where will you learn?

Field Experiences

You can participate in field experiences to enhance learning and deepen your understanding of course topics. Many biology courses at Chemeketa include field trips:

• BI 101: Traverse the Cascade Mountains and study ecoregions of Oregon.
• BI 103: Examine tidepool life and sand dunes at the Oregon coast.
• BI 131: Study the effects of fragmentation and edges on forests at Bonesteele County Park.
• BI 132: Contribute to a long term study of forest regeneration in a local forest.
• BI 133: Examine water quality in a watershed from canoes in the Little Nestucca River.  Explore environmental concepts at H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest.
• BI 143: Explore tidepools, estuaries,  and animal behavior at Seal Rock & Hatfield Marine Science Center.  Explore sand dunes and examine impacts of plastics in the ocean at South Beach.
• BI 211: Examine plant and fungal diversity in its natural surrounding in old growth rain forests.
• BI 213: Study invertebrate diversity in tidepools in Boiler Bay.
• GS 151: Find invasive species, survey garbage on nearby jetties, and study collected microplastics along the Oregon Coast.  Learn about overfishing using Salmon at Oregon Hatchery Research Center.

Note:  Changes in field trips may occur due to changes in weather or destination access.

Study Experiences

You can study "beyond the lecture" with these hands-on opportunities to practice.

Cadaver Lab

Chemeketa’s cadaver lab contains up to four cadavers that have been dissected to show different structures and systems of the human body as an integral part of the human anatomy and physiology course sequence.   Cadaver availability varies by term and year.

Science Study Lab

You can take advantage of the Science Study Lab to study science models, view slides, or review lab materials as provided by your instructor. You can use the lab free, but you must register using the CRN each term. You can find the CRN and lab schedule by including non-credit classes in your class search.

Active Learning Center

You can use the Active Learning Center in Building 8 as a place to meet with a study group or study independently. Some resources are provided as well as close proximity to faculty offices.

What will you do?

Biologists use skills such as:

• Studying live organisms in the field
• Microbiological techniques
• Bio-chemical & bio-medical testing
• Microscopy
• Dissection
• Sample collection & preparation

Biology courses are a foundation for many possible careers, such as

• Agriculture
• Animal science & veterinary
• Ecology
• Environmental science
• Fish & wildlife
• Forestry
• Health
• Genetics & biotechnology
• Medicine & pharmacy
• Science journalism
• Teaching
• Research