Biology and Natural Resources

Gregory L. Bruland, Professor

Scott A. Eckert, Professor

John T. Lovseth, Associate Professor

Christine A. McAllister, Professor

We offer a biology curriculum that emphasizes ecological and organismal science, that exposes students to concepts, methods and skills in field biology, environmental studies, and natural resource management or conservation. With more than 2500 acres of forests, grasslands, wetlands, streams, and rivers that constitute the Principia lands, you’ll not only learn fundamental concepts in biology and ecology but also conduct original research and conservation activities, including the ecology of prairies and prairie restoration, wetland and stream ecology and management, forest and forest resource management, as well as biological and ecological studies of local wildlife. We stress the preparation of our students for careers in the biological, ecological and environmental sciences, and particularly emphasize the skills that will enable them to become successful immediately upon graduation. Because the Biology and Natural Resources Department has a low faculty to student ratio combined with a highly accomplished faculty it is in a unique position to invest in each individual student and to develop within them professional level abilities that match their individual interests.  

B.S. in Biology

The B.S. in biology emphasizes ecology, ecological research and organismal biology. The biology degree has added coursework in math and science thus making the program especially appropriate for students interested in graduate study or work in biological and ecological research or management.

B.A. in Environmental Studies

The B.A. in environmental studies provides a high level of customization to support a student’s academic and professional interests. The academic structure of the Environmental Studies degree program allows students to customize their course of study to their own goals by enabling them to choose from a wide variety of courses and departments within four categories (Foundational Knowledge courses, Skills courses, Environmental and Economic Policy courses, Ecosystem Function courses). It is anticipated that environmental studies students will focus on a number of career areas including wildlife management, forest or forest resource management, environmental policy and law or environmental education. There is also a minor in environmental studies for those students seeking to enhance their major degree in another discipline. 

There is a growing recognition of the importance that marine environments play in global ecological processes. To provide Principia students with the opportunity to study at a world-class marine laboratory, Principia has joined the Marine Science Education Consortium (MSEC), based at Duke University’s Marine Laboratory (DUML). Over 34 schools (mostly four-year liberal arts colleges like Principia) in the consortium send students to DUML to take classes in a wide variety of marine science fields. Principia students wishing to attend a semester at DUML may apply through Principia's Biology and Natural Resources Department to take courses that will then be accepted for credit at Principia College through the normal processes in the Registrar’s Office.