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Biology is the study of life, and biologists are interested in all aspects of life's structure and function. Through observation and experiment, the biologist seeks to understand the complexity of the living world. Whether preparing for a future in research, education, medicine, dentistry or ecology, a degree in biology can open up many possibilities for students.

The Department of Biology of Pacific Union College is located in Harold W. Clark Hall, named after a staunch defender of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs who was a prolific author on creationism while teaching biology and geology at PUC from 1922 to 1957.  The department concurs with Dr. Clark's fundamental philosophy of God as our Creator and the Bible, including the book of Genesis, as the inspired word of God.

We also value the guidance of Ellen White, who wrote "Since the book of nature and the book of revelation bear the impress of the same master mind, they cannot but speak in harmony. By different methods, and in different languages, they witness to the same great truths. Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation. The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the laws through which He works" (Education 128.1). 

As a scientific department our focus is on evaluating scientific data.  One of our student learning outcomes is that our biology majors "Recognize the historical and current issues relating to special creation and evolution models of origins" and "Understand the theological and scientific implications of each model." We present the strengths and weaknesses of various models, enabling students to interact comfortably with people having differing perspectives on origins. The PUC Biology Department faculty wishes to model Christ-like behavior to all, including those who disagree with us, desiring that "all be fully convinced in their own minds" (Romans 14:5 NRSV).

By offering course work and laboratory experience concerning microorganisms, plants, animals, humans, and the interrelationships among these living things, the Pacific Union College Department of Biology encourages students to consider the study of life an exciting and continuing challenge, whether at the level of molecules, cells, organisms, populations or ecosystems.

Mission Statement

• To provide an excellent education in the life sciences which is based upon the latest scientific discoveries and our belief in God as the Creator of life.
• To encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, integrity, responsibility, and altruism.
• To prepare graduates for employment, for professional education, for secondary science teaching, and for graduate work in the many specialized fields of biology.
• To offer foundational life sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology for allied health majors.
• To treat each student with respect and dignity that encourages lifelong friendships.
• To teach preservation and restoration of our natural environment.

Fast Facts

• The B.S. in biology exceeds all requirements for entry into medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
• PUC biology seniors usually score above the 80th percentile (with some well above the 90th percentile) on the Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT), which is nationally normed.