As a Biology major, you’ll examine the world around us and receive hands-on training in the lab and in the field.
What You’ll Study
The Biology program provides the foundation to pursue academic and career goals through a diverse curriculum including research experience; an excitement for biology will be cultivated, promoting continued exploration, hands-on training using sampling and identification techniques in the lab and in the field. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of living things with the examination of plants, animals and microbes on a microscopic and macroscopic level.
Faculty & Staff
Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing this program.
Dimitri Blondel, Ph.D.
Ph.D., University of Florida
What kind of questions do I study?
Animal behavior, behavioral ecology, behavioral endocrinology, conservation behavior, science education
What kind of organisms?
Mostly mammals, mostly small ones: prairie voles, singing mice, house mice, meerkats. But I have also worked with ostriches and blue crabs!
Where have I done my research?
Kalahari desert, Panamanian cloud forest mountains, American midwest prairies, North Carolina estuaries - and of course laboratories.
Selected publications:
Drea, C.M., C.S. Davies, L.K. Greene, J. Mitchell, D.V. Blondel, C.L. Shearer, J.T. Feldblum, K.A. Dimac-Stohl, K.N. Smyth-Kabay, and T.H. Clutton-Brock. 2021. A heritable androgenic mechanism of female breeding competition in meerkats. Nature Communications 12(1):1-11. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-27496-x
Blondel, D.V., J. Rosenberg, A. Sansone, E.A. Godin, B. W. Yang, L. T. Jaglom-Kurtz, L. Linnenbrook-Garcia, and R.M. Schwartz-Bloom. 2019. Development of an online experiment platform for high school biology. Journal of Formative Design in Learning. 3:62. doi: 10.1007/s41686-019-00030-5
Godwin, J., M. Serr, S.K. Barnhill-Dilling, D.V. Blondel, P.R. Brown, K. Campbell, J. Delborne, A.L. Lloyd, K. Oh, T. Prowse, R. Saah, and P. Thomas. 2019. Rodent gene drives for conservation: opportunities and data needs. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 286(1914):20191606. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1606
Sudweeks, J., B. Hollingsworth, D.V. Blondel, K.J. Campbell, S. Dhole, J.D. Eisemann, O. Edwards, J. Godwin, G.R. Howald, K. Oh, A.J. Piaggio, T.A.A. Prowse, J.V. Ross, J.R. Saah, A.B. Shiels, P. Thomas, D.W. Threadgill, M.R. Vella, F. Gould, and A. Lloyd. 2019. Locally fixed alleles: A method to localize gene drive to island populations. Scientific Reports. 9(1):1-10. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-51994-0
Blondel, D.V., G.N. Wallace, S. Calderone, M. Gorinshteyn*, C.M. St. Mary, and S.M. Phelps. 2016. Effects of population density on corticosterone levels of prairie voles in the field. General and Comparative Endocrinology 225:13-22. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.002
Blondel, D.V. and S.M. Phelps. 2016. Effects of acute corticosterone treatment on male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster): Territorial aggression does not accompany induced social preference. Journal of Comparative Psychology 130:400-406
Blondel, D.V., J. Pino, and S.M. Phelps. 2009. Space use and social structure of long-tailed singing mice (Scotinomys xerampelinus). Journal of Mammalogy 90:715-723. doi: 10.1644/08-MAMM-A-009R2.1
Forward, R.B., Jr., R. A. Tankersley, D. Blondel, and D. Rittschof. 1997. Metamorphosis of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus: effects of humic acids and ammonium. Marine Ecology Progress Series 157:277-286. doi: 10.3354/meps157277
Teaching Philosophy
I strive to make biology interesting and exciting and to help my students gain an appreciation of biology’s relevance to their lives. My methods are driven primarily by an active learning, evidence-based approach; I like to emphasize inquiry-based learning. I also bring into my teaching my own passion for biology and my own research experiences, to make the content more accessible and exciting. Finally, underlying all of my teachings is an attitude of respect and positive reinforcement for each of my students, and an appreciation and acknowledgment of the diverse backgrounds brought to my classroom.
More About Me:
How long have you been at NCWU?
Since 2021
What's your favorite class that you teach?
Animal Behavior
What are your research & teaching interests?
Behavioral Ecology
What is a fun fact or an interesting hobby of yours?
I collect science-themed board games.
Daniel Elias, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental Science/Program Coordinator, Environmental Science
Daniel Elias, Ph.D.
Heather Louch, Ph.D.
John Temple, Ph.D.
Ph.D., North Carolina State University
Research Interests
I study Vertebrate Zoology, Physiological Ecology, and Life/Science in general. In particular, I have an ongoing research project to study behavioral and thermoregulatory patterns of turtles on NCWU campus. I also spend a lot of time in natural settings learning more about the natural history of eastern NC.
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching is to cultivate a classroom and laboratory environment that pushes students to enhance their understanding of science and biology through diverse learning experiences.
Courses Recently Taught
Life Science, Cell Biology, Vertebrate Zoology, Physiological Ecology, Senior Seminar.
More About Me:
How long have you been at NCWU?
Since 2005
What's your favorite class that you teach?
All of my courses are my favorites.
What are your research & teaching interests?
Vertebrate Zoology and all things biological.
What is a fun fact or an interesting hobby of yours?
Enjoying the outdoors.
Ami Thompson, Ph.D.
Emily Weber, Ph.D.
Biology Program Overview
The Biology Program will provide the foundation to pursue academic and career goals through a diverse curriculum including research experience; an excitement for biology will be cultivated, promoting continued exploration in the field.
Here are some highlighted courses included in the Biology Major:
BIO 101 – Life Science
An introductory course for a student with a minimal science background. This course introduces the student to some of the fundamental aspects of life and the major concepts of biology, including scientific method, ecology, cells and molecules, genetics, DNA, biotechnology and evolution.
BIO 200 – Cell Biology
This course will cover the basics of cell biology including enzymes, membranes, signal transduction organelles, metabolism, the cell cycle, the cytoskeleton, cellular movement, DNA and gene expression.
BIO 303 – Genetics
A course which covers the principles of inheritance. The topics will range from the origins of genetics as laid down by Mendel in the nineteenth century to the most recent discoveries in genetics dealing with genetic engineering and other current topics. Students will be exposed to common problem solving skills essential in this field of study.
BIO 402 – Ecological Methods
A lab and field experience in gathering and analyzing ecological data. Methods of sampling biotic and physical factors of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems will be emphasized. A group project will be conducted all semester.
What are the courses like in Biology at NCWU?
Check out our latest university catalog for learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plans of study for NC Wesleyan University’s Biology Program.
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Students of biology undertake a general program in which they study living organisms and the systems and processes that permit life. Courses include subjects like cell biology, evolutionary biology, marine biology, and plant biology.
Career Fields:
- Public Health
- Academic Research in University Settings
- Conservation Biologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Research and Product Development in Medical Supply and Pharmaceutical Industries
- Laboratory Technology
- Middle & High School Science Teacher
- Industry Scientist & Outreach Coordinator
Wondering what you can do with a degree from NCWU’s Biology major? Check out these resources from NCWU Career Development & Leadership and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Wesleyan is dedicated to assisting students in their professional development offering resources and guidance for hands-on learning experiences through internships, assignments within the courses and job search resources. Let us help you focus on your education and career at the same time!
The “B” Club
For all who love bees, honey, or being outside! The “B” Club’s purpose is to bring biodiversity to Wesleyan through the promotion of ideas that will bring new animals and plants to campus. NCWU students maintain a bee hive on campus along with maintaining future birdhouses, bird baths, and plants that will be brought to campus for the attraction of bats, birds, and butterflies. The “B” Club also acts as an advocate for sustainability and environmental protection and conservation. We also educate the campus and community on conservation, preservation, and biodiversity.
Advisor: Ayra Sundbom, asundbom@ncwu.edu
Future Farmers of America
Get involved with NCWU’s FFA Program and learn different farming and agricultural techniques. The FFA program educates its members on farm animals and how to properly care for them. We will also endeavor to foster a healthy learning environment where our members will develop their leadership skills, promote positive personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Contact: Daniel Elias, DElias@ncwu.edu
NCWU Office of Undergraduate Research
The NCWU Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is supports and promotes opportunities for students in all disciplines to engage in advanced inquiry through research, creative, and scholarly experiences. To promote collaboration between faculty members and students, and to enhance professional advancement and life-long learning through research, scholarly, and creative experiences.
Learn about the NCWU Office of Undergraduate Research at ncwcresearch.com.
NCWU Science Club
The Science Club encourages students to pursue careers in science-related fields and keeps the university and community informed on health-related issues, as well as participating in community service.
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Elias, delias@ncwu.edu
Get Connected!
Connect and follow the Biology department through social media and experience what life is like inside and outside of the classroom in the Biology, Biomedical, and Environmental Science programs at NCWU.
facebook.com/ncwuBiology
24/7 Tutoring Services. Free & Easy.
North Carolina Wesleyan University is partnered with Brainfuse, a complimentary online tutoring service, provided to all Wesleyan students. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features live tutoring in the subjects of writing, reading, math, computer and technology, science and business.
Student Organizations
Be engaged at NCWU!
Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
