For Current Students
The Department of Biology at Lewis & Clark is an innovative and comprehensive program that emphasizes original research and critical thinking.
Biology at Lewis & Clark is learning lots of names and memorizing metabolic pathways(though you will learn these things!). We believe that the best way to learn science is to do science, and our curriculum is designed to engage students in the process of science from their very first class. Our core curriculum reflects this mission by focusing on the concepts and connections that pervade all levels of biological inquiry. Information about our curriculum can be found here, or in the college catalog.
Because research is central to biological science, we make it a key part of the student experience, immersing students in the process of discovery. In biology courses, students develop the skills of logical problem-solving and rigorous methodology that characterize scientific investigation. Most courses involve students conducting original research. Outside of class, many biology students take on independent research projects; others collaborate with faculty, often co-authoring research publications and presentations for regional and national meetings.
With access to research internship opportunities, state-of-the-art equipment, and engaged and accessible faculty, Lewis & Clark student biologists formulate challenging new questions about the living world and design ways to answer them. They develop the skills to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their own work and the work of others, and understand the connections between different levels of biological organization. Perhaps most importantly, our students develop a lifelong enthusiasm for biology.
News
Spinning Spider Research Into a Notable Award
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has recognized Greta Binford, professor of biology, with the 2025 Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award. The honor celebrates her nationally recognized research on spider biodiversity and venom evolution—much of it conducted alongside undergraduate researchers.
Where the Wild Mice Are
This summer, several Rogers Science Program students immersed themselves in hands-on field work investigating the behavior of deer mice in Tryon Creek State Natural Area with Assistant Professor of Biology Tracy Burkhard―and found their career paths.
Biology Alum Awarded the ‘Oscar of Teaching’
Micah Depper BA ’10, a seventh-grade science teacher in Maine, is one of a handful of teachers nationwide selected for a $25,000 Milken Educator Award, part of the nation’s preeminent teacher-recognition program.