Biology

The biology major is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in biology through five core classes covering molecular, cellular, organismal, microbiological, ecological, and evolutionary biology. The flexibility in the program allows students and academic advisers to work together to design a program of study that best suits students’ strengths and interests. Upper division electives include courses such as immunology, mammalogy, and animal behavior. Students can opt to participate in undergraduate research projects, serve as teaching assistants, or complete internships. Because of the breadth of course offerings, the Biology Program offers successful preparation for a wide-variety of career paths, including admission to graduate school and numerous health-related professional schools, such as medicine and dentistry. Some graduates are trained to enter the workforce as biologists with organizations such as Idaho Fish and Game, while other students complete courses required for secondary education teaching certification.

The goals of the biology program are to provide students with learning experiences in both the classroom and laboratory so that they can achieve the following:

• Understand cell structure, function, and reproduction;
• Understand the principles of natural selection and evolution;
• Understand organismal form and function;
• Think critically and apply knowledge in novel contexts;
• And, perform basic laboratory procedures in a safe manner.

General Education Core

• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Mathematical Ways of Knowing
• Humanistic & Artistic Ways of Knowing
• Scientific Ways of Knowing
• Social & Behavioral Ways of Knowing
• Diversity
• Integrative Seminar: Ethics & Values
• Foreign/Heritage Language

Program Requirements

• ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, DIVERSITY OF LIFE
• CONCEPTS IN CELLULAR MECHANISMS
• PLANT AND ANIMAL FORM AND FUNCTION
• GENETICS
• GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
• CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
• PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II
• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LAB
• BIOCHEMISTRY I
• GENERAL PHYSICS II
• ENGINEERING PHYSICS II
• STATISTICAL METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES
• BIOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR
• Electives

Program Requirements

1. Online application
2. Send official school transcripts/records: an official transcript is usually sent directly from the high school or university. If the transcript is hand carried to LCSC, make sure that it is still in a sealed envelope.
3. Students must show evidence of secondary (high school) school completion or the equivalent.
4. Students must show at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale from a secondary (high school) or post-secondary (college or university) institution.  Students with more than 14 transferable post-secondary credits do not need to show secondary transcripts.   
5. Some applicants will be required to submit their original transcripts to an outside evaluation agency such as World Education Services (WES). This determination will be made by the admissions team at their discretion. Students will be responsible to pay for the transcript evaluation.  
6. Send a bank statement showing funds available for study.Send Certificate of Financial Responsibility, (CFR) if applying online. CFR included in paper application.
7. Send a passport copy. 
8. Meet our English proficiency requirements by submitting an official test score. (Not required of IIE applicants). Note that it is an option to be tested upon arrival through conditional admission.No TOEFL or IELTS required. 
9. Obtain LCSC-approved health insurance.

The Biology program at Lewis-Clark State College offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Undergraduate students enrolled in the Biology program can access federal financial aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The college participates in federal Pell Grants, which are need-based and do not require repayment, helping students from lower-income families fund their education. Additionally, students may qualify for federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, enabling them to finance their tuition and living expenses over time with manageable repayment options.

Lewis-Clark State College also offers institutional scholarships that are available to Biology students based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria. These scholarships are often renewable annually and can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. The college encourages students to explore scholarship opportunities early and provides resources and guidance through its Financial Aid Office to assist in the application process.

In-state students benefit from reduced tuition rates, making the Biology program more affordable for residents of Idaho and surrounding states. Out-of-state students may explore private scholarships, external grants, or sponsorship programs offered by professional biological organizations or local community groups. The college also promotes work-study programs, allowing students to gain work experience while earning money to help cover educational expenses.

Moreover, students interested in graduate studies or research opportunities within the Biology department might find assistantships or fellowships, which provide stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for research and teaching responsibilities. These competitive funding sources can greatly offset the costs associated with advanced degrees in biological sciences.

Lewis-Clark State College periodically reviews and adjusts its financial aid packages to ensure they are competitive and meet the diverse needs of its student body. Financial planning is an integral part of enrollment, and prospective students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for detailed information on available grants, scholarships, loans, and work opportunities that can make their educational goals in Biology achievable and financially manageable.

The Biology program at Lewis-Clark State College offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of biological science. This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in science, healthcare, education, and research, providing both a strong theoretical foundation and practical laboratory experiences. The curriculum covers core areas such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and molecular biology, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of living organisms and their environments. To facilitate experiential learning, the program includes activities like laboratory work, field studies, and research projects, which help students develop essential skills in scientific observation, experimentation, and data analysis. The faculty members are experienced professionals committed to mentoring students and fostering critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and independent research. In addition to theoretical coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in internships and collaborative projects with local environmental organizations, healthcare providers, and research institutions. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in biological research and promotes awareness of current scientific issues such as biodiversity conservation, human health, and biotechnology. Graduates of the Biology program are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies or enter the workforce in fields such as healthcare, environmental management, biotechnology, education, or research. Facilities at Lewis-Clark State College support the program with well-equipped laboratories, research equipment, and outdoor learning environments relevant for ecological and environmental studies. The program is suitable for students interested in exploring the diversity of life, understanding biological processes, and applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges. Overall, the Biology program at Lewis-Clark State College offers an engaging and rigorous pathway for students passionate about understanding the living world and making meaningful contributions to science and society.