To provide opportunities for concentrated study in areas of special interest. To develop student understanding of the processes by which scientists ask and pursue answers to scientific questions. To introduce students to ethical issues and problems as they relate to the study of biology. This prepares students for a wide range of career options. All laboratory classes are conducted by faculty.
Students work individually with professors for their senior research project.
This is a 3 semester program, in which students work individually with a professor to develop a proposal, perform lab or field work, and write a thesis. The rural location of the College permits environmental studies in nearby forests, streams and lakes. Within 20 minutes is Powdermill Nature Reserve, the biological field station of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. In addition, a series of experimental wetlands was recently built at Saint Vincent for on-going research by faculty, students, and visiting scientists and engineers. The Career Development Center has an active program to place students in internships in health care facilities, research labs, biological field stations, and local industries.