Biology Major

Helping Hands in Crisis

From the smallest organisms to entire ecosystems, you will learn the foundational biological principles that connect these to each other, but also gain a better understanding of your position in the universe. Modern biologists are challenged to find solutions for some of the biggest issues of our time. A Biology degree from Concordia University Irvine prepares you to take on these issues from both a scientific and a distinctly Lutheran Christian perspective. It can open doors to a multitude of careers in research, education, industry, forensics, and professional positions in various areas within the allied health profession.

Concordia University’s Biology Department has a very serious commitment to research and research design. Our students are trained in experimental design, proposal writing and submission, real world constraints on data collection, statistical data analysis, and a variety of other research protocols. Our goal is to provide an experience that gives you the flexibility to design a research project motivated by your own interests, carry out that experiment, and then write up the results of the research in a refereed journal format. As a Biology major at Concordia, you will complete a senior research thesis that will prepare you for advanced study or careers in the sciences in a way that many universities cannot.

What Students are Saying

Curriculum

In order to understand the natural world and how it operates, biology students at Concordia seek to understand the Creator’s role in the natural world. This begins in your Core Biology class as you explore “Great Questions” such as: What is Truth? What does it mean to be human? How do I know what I know? Can you know God like you know DNA? As a biology student at CUI you will understand the interaction of your faith and your chosen field of study.

Sample Courses

BIO 246: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4

First of a two-semester sequence in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the structure and function of cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Introduces common human disease processes. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection and the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111 or consent of instructor. Offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 308: Molecular Genetics
4

This course will introduce the basic principles of molecular genetics focused on prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, and an introduction to Mendelian genetics. The course emphasizes classical laboratory experimentation and molecular techniques. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 350, CHE 221, CHE 222 or consent of the instructor. Typically offered annually (spring semester).

BIO 345: Evolutionary Zoology
4

This course will study the diversity of the animal kingdom while focusing on natural history, anatomy, systematics, and evolutionary principles. Studied phyla include protozoans through mammals, or a subset therein. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 101 or CBIO 101 or BIO 111) and BIO 112 or consent of instructor. Typically offered alternate years (even years, fall semester).

CHE 321: Organic Chemistry I
4

This course will examine the fundamental concepts relating to organic compounds with an emphasis on structure, nomenclature, theory, bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and physical and chemical properties of the principle classes of compounds. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 222.

PHI 467: Bioethics and Healthcare Professions
3

This course will examine the ethical issues raised by modern advances in health care and biological research. Attention will be given to the language of bioethics, important philosophical and theological approaches, and socio-cultural implications. Special foci may include clinical nursing ethics, business ethics in a healthcare context, or other topics as appropriate. Prerequisite: CTHL 101 or CTHL 200 or THL 202 or NTHL 101 or NTHL 202.

What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in Biology?

B.S. in Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is a more specialized degree that prepares students for entry into graduate study or health professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary science, and other related fields.

See Curriculum

B.A. in Biology

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology provides a strong liberal arts core and a broad range of courses. Students commonly choose the B.A. to meet course requirements for careers in teaching or as part of our Pre-Nursing minor.

See Curriculum

Student & Alumni Success

Students and graduates from Concordia University Irvine are putting their degrees to work and excelling in various professional callings and postgraduate studies.

Helping Hands in Crisis

Hannah Hopkins ’20 & Anna Chao ’21

Two CUI Biology majors were recruited to travel to the University of Washington, where they have been working in the academic labs to help process COVID-19 tests.

Read Story

CUI Prepares Students for PhDs

Grace Chong '15

Grace Chong ’15 launched into a PhD research program from her undergrad training at Concordia and today is flourishing in her doctoral studies because of her preparation at CUI.

Read Story

Where Our Alumni Are Working

Truesdail Laboratories Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Medical Device Company
Science Teacher, Christ Lutheran, La Mesa
Care Ambulance Service EMT

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Science Teacher, South Pasadena Middle School, South Pasadena
Science Teacher, St Turibius Catholic School, Los Angeles

Graduate Schools Attended

Many of our alumni in the natural sciences continue their education in graduate school. Concordia has proudly placed graduates in first-class PhD programs ranging from material science and nuclear chemistry to food science and chemical engineering.

Drexel (Medical School)
Duke University
Loma Linda (Medical School, PA School)
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Washington Sate University (research appointment)
Oregon Health Sciences University (Dental School)
Rice (Biochem)
San Diego State University (Graduate School of Public Health)

Northeast Ohio Medical University
Southern California College of Optometry
UC Davis (Medical School)
UC Irvine (Medical School)
UC Los Angeles (Biochem)
UC San Diego (Medical School)
University of Des Moines (PA School)
University of Iowa (Medical School)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Biology/Microbiology)
University of Nevada, Reno (Ecology)
University of Southern California (Dental School, Molecular Biology)
University of Utah (Ecology, Biochem, Environmental Science)
University of Virginia (Medical School)
Washington State (Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry Ph.D.)
Western University of Health Sciences (Dental School, Veterinary Sciences, Optometry)

Opportunities for Biology Majors

All students are encouraged to get involved through volunteer and/or employment opportunities within the Biology Department by conducting independent research or assisting with faculty research, and by participating in educational outreach opportunities, professional fraternities, or honor societies.

Academic Opportunities

As a biology major, you can combine your degree with a related minor, double major, or a pre-professional program.

Liberal Studies, General Science Concentration
Liberal Studies, Life-Science Concentration
Medical Science Professions Program

Extracurricular Activities

Concordia University offers many opportunities for you to become involved with on-campus events, clubs, and organizations. Our students also regularly participate in service opportunities to our local communities through education outreach and other service projects.

Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity
Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (TriBeta)

Internships

Students in the biology department have numerous opportunities to enrich their academic experience through internships at renowned local institutions such as the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Hoag's Health Scholar Program. Biology majors can also participate in research opportunities at CUI, including paid summer internship positions, or at other institutions through Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) fellowship programs.

On Campus Facilities

On-campus facilities dedicated to advanced instruction and undergraduate research.

Marine Lab

Heritage Garden

Meet Your Professors

Biology professors are active participants in helping you reach your educational goals. Class sizes rarely exceed 24 students, and our faculty take pride in personally mentoring and advising you in your academic pursuits.

Dr. Sean Bignami

Dr. Sean Bignami graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Aquatic Biology and the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries. His doctoral research investigated the effects of ocean acidification (ocean pH change) on larval marine fishes. Dr. Bignami is the founder and Director of the CUI Marine Lab, which supports CUI classes, student and faculty research, and a mobile touch-tank educational outreach program. His current research interests span a range of areas in the marine sciences, including experimental, ecological, and fisheries/conservation biology. Current projects include the study of ocean acidification, impact of sea star wasting disease on intertidal communities, and assessment of Pismo clam populations in southern California. Dr. Bignami also serves as the advisor of Concordia’s Epsilon Chi Delta Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society. He especially enjoys including and advising students in research and outreach programs, and providing an opportunity for them to explore their faith as it intersects with their passion for science.

Biology Department Chair, Professor of Biology

Dr. Sean Bignami graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Aquatic Biology and the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries. He is the founder and Director of the CUI Marine Lab, which supports CUI classes, student and faculty research, and a mobile touch-tank educational outreach program. Dr. Bignami's current research interests span a range of areas in the marine sciences, including experimental, ecological, and fisheries/conservation biology.
Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese

Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese graduated from Concordia University Irvine with B.A in Biology and a B.A. in Chemistry. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her doctoral work and current research interests involve a protein involved in some cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She teaches a variety of classes, ranging from introductory to advanced biology and chemistry courses. Dr. Kane-Barnese also advises students in research pertaining to ALS or other biochemistry or molecular biology related research. She enjoys working with students to learn complex biological and chemical topics in their classes and research and helping them explore the intersection of faith and science in their chosen field.

Chemistry Department Chair, Professor of Chemistry and Biology

Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her doctoral work and current research interests involve a protein involved in some cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She teaches a variety of classes, ranging from introductory to advanced biology and chemistry courses. She enjoys working with students to learn complex biological and chemical topics in their classes and research and helping them explore the intersection of faith and science in their chosen field.
Dr. Sarah Karam

Dr. Sarah Karam graduated from Concordia Irvine in 2004 with a B.A. in Biology. She then earned a M.S. in Natural Resources & Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Karam's graduate research focused on interactions between plants, fire, and the greater environment in two beautiful locations: Lake Tahoe and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in the Mojave Desert. Her current research focuses on how humans influence the distribution of native plants around Concordia Irvine. In addition to her teaching and research in the biology department, Dr. Karam also serves as faculty-in-residence for the Honors Living Learning Community. Living in this community provides the opportunity to extend conversations she has with students in the classroom.

Associate Professor of Biology

Dr. Sarah Karam, Ph.D., earned a M.S. in Natural Resources & Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her current research focuses on how humans influence the distribution of native plants around Concordia Irvine. In addition to her teaching and research in the biology department, she also serves as faculty-in-residence for the Honors Living Learning Community.

More Faculty

One of our greatest assets at Concordia University Irvine is our dedicated faculty. In a small learning environment, our professors care about you—not just your performance—and they cultivate lifelong mentoring relationships with the students they teach.

Biology Faculty

Get In Touch

For more information about the Biology major at Concordia University Irvine, we invite you to contact us directly.

Sean Bignami
Biology Department Chair, Professor of Biology
[email protected]
949-214-3300

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